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University of Illinois System News
Read the latest University of Illinois System news from the Office of External Relations and Communications.
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  • Illinois State Capitol building

    Become an Illinois Connection advocate

    Oct 14, 2020 1:00 pm

    VIDEO: Illinois Connection is the legislative advocacy network for the University of Illinois System. By increasing awareness and understanding of the U of I System's positive impact on the state, nation and world, Illinois Connection advocates help to ensure the system’s legacy and longevity.

  • Harker Hall, Urbana, home office of the U of I Foundation

    U of I Foundation releases financial report for FY20

    Oct 22, 2020 1:45 pm

    The University of Illinois System and the University of Illinois Foundation announced today an impressive fundraising report for Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) that includes both cash and new business figures surpassing $400 million.

  • Rendering of future DPI home at the 78 in Chicago

    Walder Foundation awards DPI $1.25M

    Oct 27, 2020 10:30 am

    The Walder Foundation has awarded a Discovery Partners Institute science team led by the University of Illinois at Chicago $1.25 million to develop a prototype capability for detecting COVID-19 outbreaks and trends in Chicago’s wastewater.

  • Lake Michigan Chicago shoreline

    Binational Great Lakes Higher Ed. Consortium Launched

    Oct 29, 2020 12:45 pm

    The Council of the Great Lakes Region, the University of Toronto, and the University of Illinois System have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to officially create and launch the binational Great Lakes Higher Education Consortium.

  • RIsing to the Challenge, a podcast, with university iconic images

    Podcast Episode #4: Tech It or Leave It

    Nov 2, 2020 3:15 pm

    The fourth episode of the "Rising to the Challenge" podcast series discusses the technology behind COVID-19 mitigation, featuring the UIUC Vet Med lab, modeler Nigel Goldenfeld, Grainger College of Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir, and UIS's Brian Rives who has been transporting samples to and from Springfield.

  • close-up of testing saliva samples in lab

    UW—Madison partners with U of I System's Shield T3 to expand testing

    Nov 5, 2020 12:45 pm

    To accomodate more regular and frequent COVID-19 testing on its campus in the spring, the University of Wisconsin—Madison announced it will partner with the University of Illinois System subsidiary Shield T3.

  • Associate Dean Harley Johnson, Professor Abigail Wooldridge and Chancellor Jones outside the mobileSHIELD unit

    New mobile COVID-19 lab prototype completed

    Nov 6, 2020 12:15 pm

    The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has completed the prototype for a mobile laboratory, called mobileSHIELD, designed to demonstrate a way to rapidly deploy I-COVID, the saliva-based test for COVID-19 developed at Illinois. The U of I System's Shield T3 is currently identifying practical applications for the project.

  • U of I seal

    Trustees approve $6.74 billion budget for fiscal year 2021

    Nov 12, 2020 12:15 pm

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a $6.74 billion budget for fiscal year 2021, continuing to focus on key priorities such as academic excellence, financial aid for students and economic development while addressing new challenges brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Headshot compilation of 10 new faculty

    U of I System Adds 10 New World-Class Faculty

    Nov 12, 2020 2:15 pm

    The University of Illinois System is adding 10 world-class faculty to its universities, President Tim Killeen announced Thursday, the latest hires made through an initiative launched in 2018 to aggressively recruit more distinguished scholars and further enhance the system’s global standing as a leader in education and innovation.

  • future home of DPI

    Gov. Pritzker releases $142M in capital funding for DPI, IIN

    Nov 19, 2020 7:45 am

    Governor JB Pritzker announced today the release of more than $142 million to launch new facilities for the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), created to accelerate job creation and economic growth through groundbreaking education, research and discovery. The funding is made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital program, with state DPI investments matched dollar for dollar through university, private and philanthropic funding sources.

  • RIsing to the Challenge, a podcast, with university iconic images

    Podcast Episode #5: COVID trickle-down effects

    Nov 20, 2020 8:15 am

    Host Gwen Macsai explores some of the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Episode 5 of Rising to The Challenge. She visits with UIC family doctor Evelyn Figueroa who started a food pantry in her clinic and has seen a 50% rise in need since the coronavirus hit. UIUC Engineering Professor Bill King talks about the lightning-fast development of the Rapid Vent and potential new courses that may result like "engineering in an emergency," UIS Prof Anne-Marie Hanson explains the impact of COVID waste on the environment, and Macsai takes a trip to the UIUC horse farm to find out what they did when 24 horses were about to give birth and the pandemic left them severely short-handed.

  • U of I System and Hebrew University logos

    U of I System, Hebrew University launch collaborative R&D teams

    Dec 3, 2020 2:30 pm

    The University of Illinois System and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem are launching four interdisciplinary research teams that will drive innovations and advance collaboration between the universities. The joint research and innovation seed grants program seeks to accelerate economic development through research and development of innovative technologies, and is among the first collaborations between the two universities since a 2019 partnership agreement.

  • Male student submitting saliva sample; 1 million COVID-19 tests

    University of Illinois System completes 1 million COVID-19 tests

    Dec 4, 2020 10:15 am

    The University of Illinois System surpassed a COVID-19 testing milestone Wednesday, performing 1 million rapid, saliva-based tests across its three university campuses since August.

  • Karen Whitney at UIS

    Karen Whitney’s term as interim chancellor to be extended at UIS

    Dec 7, 2020 3:30 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen announced today that he is recommending that University of Illinois Springfield Interim Chancellor Karen M. Whitney’s appointment be extended by one year.

  • President Tim Killeen headshot

    Watch President Killeen's presentation to the City Club of Chicago

    Dec 9, 2020 3:15 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen was the guest speaker at the December 9 virtual meeting of the City Club of Chicago, where he delivered a presentation about the latest achievements and initiatives across the U of I System.

  • RIsing to the Challenge, a podcast, with university iconic images

    Podcast Episode #6: Goodbye 2020!

    Dec 11, 2020 10:15 am

    Host Gwen Macsai visits with a computer science professor who impersonated Yoda, Elton John and Princess Leia (among others) when she spiced up her Zoom classes by dressing in costume. This last episode of the Rising to the Challenge series also features the story of two University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students who 3D printed over 750 masks to distribute to people with disabilities. We’ll check in to see how the pandemic has affected the finances of the state of Illinois and last but hardly least, we have a rousing visit with the director of the UIUC marching band that can neither march nor band. So what do the Marching Illini do? Stay tuned to find out.

  • Roberta & Tim Killeen on a bench in garden

    The Joy of Hope

    Dec 14, 2020 9:30 am

    In this 2020 holiday message, University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen and Dr. Roberta Johnson Killeen reflect on the challenging year and celebrate the joy of hope for better times ahead.

  • Kara Waldrop, GLIDE art, NASA mission

    Waldrop selected for mission to investigate earth's atmosphere

    Dec 14, 2020 6:00 pm

    Lara Waldrop, Illinois ECE Assistant Professor and Y. T. Lo Fellow in Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been selected by NASA to develop a Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) Science Mission of Opportunity, budgeted for $75 million.  Her mission, titled “Global Lyman-alpha Imager of the Dynamic Exosphere,”or “GLIDE” for short, was chosen for implementation after a competitive selection process and is expected to be launched in 2025. 

  • Rendering of future DPI

    Pritzker Foundation donates $10 million to DPI

    Dec 15, 2020 8:15 am

    The Pritzker Foundation announced today it is giving $10 million over the next five years to The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) to support and develop promising and more diverse tech talent in Illinois. 

  • U of I seal bronze

    Statement on riot at U.S. Capitol

    Jan 7, 2021 11:15 am

    University of Illinois System leaders issued a statement following Wednesday's riot at the U.S. Capitol.

  • Trustees to consider freezing undergraduate tuition rates for 2021

    Jan 20, 2021 3:30 pm

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Wednesday received a recommendation from U of I System leadership that would freeze tuition for incoming in-state freshmen and non-resident undergraduates for the 2021-22 academic year.

  • Alma Mater, Chicago Skyline, Lincoln bust - university logos

    U of I trustees freeze undergraduate tuition rates for 2021

    Jan 21, 2021 11:45 am

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday voted to freeze tuition for incoming in-state freshmen and non-resident undergraduates for the 2021-22 academic year.

  • Don Edwards at board meeting

    Edwards-re-elected chairman of U of I Board of Trustees

    Jan 21, 2021 12:00 pm

    Donald J. Edwards was unanimously re-elected Thursday to a third one-year term as chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees during its annual organizational meeting.

  • artists rendering of the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub building

    U of I Board of Trustees approves Mile Square lease

    Jan 22, 2021 9:15 am

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved a lease for a new Mile Square health clinic in Auburn Gresham that will bring vital healthcare access to the underserved community on Chicago’s far south side.

     

  • Illinois Innovation Network announces seed funding recipients

    Jan 22, 2021 10:00 am

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) on Friday awarded $229,000 in seed grants to eight research teams in its second round of funding, selecting projects that include ag tech, vaccine distribution, strengthening the state’s teacher pipeline and protecting Illinois’ biodiversity. 

  • campuses of UIUC, UIC, and UIS

    U of I System excels in online program rankings

    Jan 26, 2021 2:00 pm

    Online programs at all three universities in the University of Illinois System have been recognized in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

  • President Tim Killeen headshot

    President Killeen welcomes all to spring semester

    Jan 29, 2021 10:00 am

    In a massmail to students, faculty, and staff, University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen welcomed everyone back for the spring 2021 semester.

  • U.S. Capitol

    Illinois public universities seek additional COVID-19 relief

    Jan 29, 2021 3:30 pm

    Presidents of the state's public universities sent a letter to Illinois federal legislators today seeking additional relief from increasing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • U of I worker collecting COVID-19 saliva sample

    "This is the safest place in Illinois" - Crain's Chicago Business Op-Ed

    Feb 4, 2021 8:15 am

    In this Crain's Chicago Business Op-Ed, Don Edwards, Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees explains how the U of I developed its own COVID-19 test and deployed it more than a million times (and counting).

  • Ramon Cepeda, Sarah Phalen and Tami Craig Shilling

    Gov. Pritzker appoints 3 trustees to U of I System board

    Feb 9, 2021 9:30 am

    The governor on Friday named finance executive Ramon Cepeda, banking executive Sarah Phalen and agricultural communicator Tami Craig Schilling to six-year terms on the board, pending approval of the Illinois Senate. This will be Cepeda’s second term as a trustee.

  • UIUC and UIC campuses in snow

    UIUC & UIC named No. 2 & No. 6 public schools in Midwest

    Feb 15, 2021 1:00 pm

    Both University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (#2) and University of Illinois Chicago (#6) are among the top public colleges in the Midwest according to the latest Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

  • Mexican flag & I-MMAS logo

    U of I System launches initiative to increase Mexican enrollment, partnerships

    Feb 17, 2021 12:00 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen launched an initiative Wednesday to expand connections with Mexico, seeking to increase enrollment of Mexican students as well as academic and research partnerships with universities, government agencies and private industry in Mexico.

  • woman giving COVID-vaccination to resident

    UIC vaccinating thousands at mass site, students pitch in

    Feb 19, 2021 8:45 am

    University of Illinois’ Chicago campus is serving a new purpose during the pandemic: the Credit Union 1 Arena now operates as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site, offering about 1,000 coveted doses to eligible residents every day. (Chicago Tribune)

  • SHIELD covid testing in the lab

    U of I System receives FDA authorization for covidSHIELD test process

    Mar 1, 2021 12:00 pm

    The University of Illinois System received emergency use authorization (EUA) today from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for covidSHIELD, its innovative saliva-based COVID-19 test that was used on the U of I campuses to hold the virus in check by utilizing widespread testing with rapid results. 

  • 6 ft apart sign in dining hall with worker in background

    Killeen recognizes innovation and work that have kept campuses open

    Mar 11, 2021 12:00 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen on Thursday recognized the thousands of staff, faculty and students whose efforts made the challenging 2020-21 academic year not only possible at the three system universities but a model of success.

  • Urbana quad, UIC quad, Springfield Lincoln statue

    U of I System plans broader in-person instruction next fall

    Mar 16, 2021 10:00 am

    The University of Illinois System is planning to expand in-person instruction next fall across universities that are already a model for both safety and hybrid learning through a homegrown COVID-19 testing protocol that held campus positivity rates in check this year.

  • Alma Mater, Chicago Skyline, Lincoln bust - university logos

    Welcoming campuses

    Mar 23, 2021 12:00 pm

    University of Illinois System leadership issued a massmail today to students, faculty and staff reaffirming a commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all.

  • female researcher walking through lab with test samples

    Rivian donates $500,000 to support SHIELD Illinois testing

    Mar 25, 2021 10:15 am

    The University of Illinois System received a $500,000 donation from Rivian to support the recently opened SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 testing lab at Illinois State University (ISU), which is located within five miles of the electric automaker’s factory in Normal.

  • U of I seal

    Gift Days 2021

    Mar 30, 2021 9:00 am

    University of Illinois System leaders announced additional paid days off for staff during the winter holidays for the sixth straight year.

  • two masked students studying on the quad

    Executive Committee approves test-optional admissions for two more years

    Apr 1, 2021 9:30 am

    The Executive Committee of the University of Illinois System Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a request by the three universities to allow high school students to apply for admission in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years without taking standardized tests.

  • DPI aerial rendering

    DPI and UIC CHANCE announce expansion of Digital Scholars Program

    Apr 2, 2021 9:30 am

    The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and University of Illinois Chicago (UIC’s) CHANCE program have announced the expansion of its Digital Scholars Program to support and develop promising and diverse tech talent in Illinois.

  • composite of Illini Union, UIC med building and UIS student union

    Grad programs earn high marks in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings

    Apr 6, 2021 8:00 am

    In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, the three universities within the University of Illinois System have more than 140 total ranked programs, 50 of which are top-25 programs.

  • artist rendering of proposed DPI

    UIUC & DPI launch program to prepare more computer science teachers

    Apr 13, 2021 9:00 am

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) are launching a Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science (CSTed) that will prepare more teachers to instruct on the subject.

  • female student wearing Illini mask at desk in classroom

    K-12 Shield Playbook offers guidance for reopening schools

    Apr 15, 2021 12:00 pm

    A new resource is available to help guide teachers and school administrators as they reopen schools amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, assembled by researchers and experts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

  • researcher processing test in lab

    Community colleges in Illinois now have option to provide free covidSHIELD tests to state residents

    Apr 19, 2021 1:45 pm

    Community colleges across the state now have the ability to provide the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s innovative, saliva-based COVID-19 test at no cost to any state resident who wants one. 

  • Adrienne Nazon headshot and title

    Marketing executive Adrienne Nazon named to U of I System vice presidency

    Apr 19, 2021 3:30 pm

    Adrienne Nazon, a marketing and communications executive with more than three decades of experience in higher education and private industry, has been named the inaugural vice president of external relations and communications for the University of Illinois System, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • trees

    U of I System supports President Biden's climate plan

    Apr 23, 2021 3:15 pm

    The University of Illinois System welcomes President Biden’s publicly announced commitment to action on climate change, a serious and essential statement of the country’s resolve to lead in building a better, more sustainable future.

  • Barb Wilson with UIUC quad backdrop

    Barbara J. Wilson named president of the University of Iowa

    Apr 30, 2021 6:15 pm

    Barbara J. Wilson, a longtime University of Illinois faculty member and administrator who has served as second-in-command of the U of I System since 2016, was unanimously approved as president of the University of Iowa today by the Board of Regents.

  • Chicago skyline with UIC campus in foreground

    UIC named top school in Midwest for diversity, No. 13 in U.S.

    May 6, 2021 9:15 am

    The University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked highest in the Midwest and No. 13 nationwide for diversity according to the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

  • UIUC & UIC buildings

    Two U of I System universities move up in rankings of the country’s best

    May 11, 2021 11:00 am

    The University of Illinois System now has two universities among the top 11 public institutions in the country, according to the newly released QS World University Rankings: USA.