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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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  • U of I and IIS officials

    U of I System adds new academic, research partners in India

    The University of Illinois System signed agreements for new academic and research partnerships with seven of India’s top universities and research agencies during a weeklong visit to India by President Tim Killeen and a delegation of system and university officials.

  • Peoria skyline

    Innovation hub to be developed in downtown Peoria

    OSF HealthCare, the University of Illinois System, Illinois Central College, and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council are joining forces to develop a Peoria Innovation Hub that will be dedicated to finding solutions to improve wellness of underserved populations, and advance systems related to food, farming, and autonomous mobility systems.

  • Cohen & Killeen hold agreement

    The Hebrew University of Jerusalem joins U of I-led research center

    The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a globally recognized leader in education and innovation, signed an agreement Wednesday to partner in a new research institute led by the University of Illinois System that will foster broad-based collaboration to solve the world’s greatest challenges.

  • Street Smarts artwork

    U of I System invests nearly $2 million in arts and humanities

    Pop-up galleries, an Illinois writer’s festival, theater renovations and using virtual reality to teach performance are among the projects funded in a new, nearly $2 million initiative by the University of Illinois System aimed at emphasizing the impact and influence of the arts and humanities across Illinois.

  • Killeen profile

    U of I System recommends extending in-state tuition freeze

    The University of Illinois System has proposed extending a tuition freeze for in-state freshmen to a fifth straight year next fall, its longest run of back-to-back freezes in more than a half-century, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • U of I silver seal

    Statement on Pritzker trustee appointments

    Earlier today, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced five appointments to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. U of I System President Tim Killeen issued a statement regarding these appointments. 

  • Don Edwards

    Edwards elected chairman of U of I Board of Trustees

    Donald Edwards, an alumnus who now heads a Chicago-based private equity investment firm that he founded, was elected chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees during its annual organizational meeting Thursday at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

  • U of I seal

    U of I System extends in-state tuition freeze

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a fifth-straight tuition freeze for in-state freshmen next fall, extending an affordability initiative that is now the longest run of back-to-back freezes in more than a half-century.

  • headshot montage

    More world-class faculty added under U of I System initiative

    Seven additional professors have expanded the inaugural class to 14 in the first year of a new initiative launched by the University of Illinois System to add more world-class faculty and build its global standing as a leader in education and innovation.

  • Bousfield Hall

    Investing in facilities across the U of I System

    Over the last five years, we invested $1.2 billion in construction and renovation across the Univesity of Illinois System, even as a budget impasse sharply reduced state funding. Now, we are ramping up our efforts, setting priorities to do even more. 

  • Illini graduates

    Illini Success report documents graduates' post-college experiences

    Graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s undergraduate programs continue to experience exceptional success in securing a “first destination” – defined as a job, enrollment in graduate school or a volunteer position – within six months of graduation, according to the newly released Illini Success report.

  • 64.8% raised

    Campaign fundraising for the U of I System crosses $2 billion mark

    In October 2017 the University of Illinois System officially launched a comprehensive fundraising initiative with an ambitious $3.1 billion goal. Now, less than a year and a half into the public campaigns, the U of I System has surpassed the $2 billion mark—or 64.8%—in funds raised toward this goal.

  • U of I seal

    U of I board approves new deans in Chicago and Springfield

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the appointment of new deans at its universities in Chicago and Springfield on Thursday, along with a series of master's degree programs for Chicago’s John Marshall Law School.

  • books

    U of I assessment calls for nearly 450 new tenure-system faculty

    Nearly 450 new tenure-system faculty are needed across the University of Illinois System over the next five years to ensure academic quality keeps pace with enrollment that has swelled to record highs for six straight years, a new assessment shows.

  • Chicago skyline

    DPI announces first round of seed funding recipients

    Helping communities utilize sustainable development strategies, creating a statewide pipeline to train computer science teachers, and integrating people with autism spectrum disorders into the technology and innovation workforce are among the projects funded in the Discovery Partners Institute’s (DPI) first round of seed grants.

  • In-state tuition freeze.

    Tuition rates frozen for new in-state undergraduates across the U of I System

    We know paying for college can be a challenge. That is why, for the fifth year in a row, we have frozen tuition rates for new in-state undergraduates across the University of Illinois System. These rates are guaranteed for four years at our universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield. 

  • Illinois Connections advocates outside the Capitol.

    University of Illinois Day at the Capitol

    Alumni, students, Illinois Connection advocates, and leaders from across the university system descended on Springfield on April 3, 2019 for University of Illinois Day at the Capitol. The annual event is a chance for legislators to hear from our advocates about the importance of supporting higher education and the University of Illinois System's three universities.

  • U of I seal

    Paid gift days announced for 2019

    University of Illinois System leaders have announced that a program providing additional paid days off during December/January holidays has been extended to a fourth straight year.

  • Grainger Engineering Library

    College of Engineering to be named in recognition of Grainger support

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Engineering will become The Grainger College of Engineering, recognizing a new $100 million gift from The Grainger Foundation and more than $300 million in total support, after consultation with the Chancellor’s Joint Advisory Committee on Investment, Licensing, and Naming Rights and pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

  • Impact Illinois 2019

    2019 report highlights initiatives from across the U of I System

    Impact Illinois 2019, the annual report from the University of Illinois System, highlights recent initiatives of the system, our three best-in-class universities, and our leading hospital and health sciences system.

  • West Loop logo & Chicago skyline

    UIC and Deerfield Management Launch West Loop Innovations, LLC

    The University of Illinois at Chicago and Deerfield Management announced today the establishment of West Loop Innovations, LLC. The company will help accelerate the commercialization of therapeutics developed at UIC. Deerfield will provide up to $65 million in translational research funding and commercialization expertise to advance promising UIC discoveries.

  • DPI names inaugural director of academic affairs

    Phyllis Baker, whose nearly 30-year career in higher education includes experience in classrooms, research and high-level administration, has been named to lead academic activities for the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), a pioneering new research institute led by the University of Illinois System.

  • Killeen

    President Tim Killeen calls on lawmakers to invest in higher education

    U of I System President Tim Killeen calls on lawmakers to provide capital funding for repairs, renovation and construction at all public universities throughout Illinois.

  • IIN logo and map

    Illinois Innovation Network adds 9 new hubs

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), a group of hubs across the state that aims to boost Illinois’ economy through entrepreneurship, research and workforce development, announced the addition of nine new members today. IIN now has 15 hubs, including all of Illinois’ public universities and spans the entire state.

  • Spring 2019 UIC graduates

    U of I System expects degrees will top 22,000 for second straight year

    The University of Illinois System expects to award more than 22,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees for the second straight year, and continued enrollment growth could push degrees over 25,000 by 2026, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • University Seal

    Illinois public universities unite to advocate for increased funding

    The University of Illinois System has joined with all of the state’s public universities in a united effort to advocate for robust funding to Illinois higher education. The universities launched a statewide advocacy campaign today that includes a call-to-action for alumni and appearances from university presidents around the state to build grassroots community and legislative support for higher education.

  • State Capitol building

    Legislature approves budget with nearly 5% increase for U of I System

    The following message was sent to University of Illinois System students, faculty and staff regarding the budget for fiscal year 2020 approved by the Illinois General Assembly.

  • Main Quad in Urbana-Champaign

    U of I at Urbana-Champaign honored for fundraising excellence

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been named a recipient of the 2019 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

  • Tim Killeen

    2019-20 Salary Program

    Today President Killeen announced a 2 percent, merit-based salary program for faculty, academic professional and civil service staff to take effect August 16.

  • UIC campus

    New budget? 'It's definitely good news for colleges and universities.'

    Tim Killeen, president of the U of I System, spoke with the Chicago Tribune about what the increase in state funding means for public higher education. 

  • IIT campus

    U of I System and Illinois Tech announce new research partnership

    Illinois Institute of Technology signed an agreement Wednesday to partner in a new research center led by the University of Illinois System that will spark breakthrough discoveries, fueling economic growth of the state of Illinois and city of Chicago while nurturing and retaining next-generation talent.

  • UIC new building exterior

    UIC opens new state-of-the-art living and learning community

    When students arrive on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus next month, nearly 550 will move into its newest building, the Academic and Residential Complex, where they will have the opportunity to take classes in new spaces that foster learning through technology and collaborative design.

  • UIC Engineering Innovation Building

    UIC opens new Engineering Innovation Building

    The University of Illinois at Chicago’s new 57,500-square-foot Engineering Innovation Building will add depth and breadth to the university’s expanding engineering footprint. The building will house engineers investigating phenomena on a scale from the very large — bridge and highway components — to the exceedingly small, such as nanoscale components that will drive the next generation of thermal batteries.

  • seal of the university

    Board backs Discovery Partners Institute

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees today gave its unanimous support to the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), the groundbreaking new research and education enterprise led by the University of Illinois System. DPI will boost the state’s economy by addressing real-world challenges, promoting entrepreneurship, growing next-generation businesses and delivering top talent to Chicago.

  • blue waters graphic

    NCSA helps NGA create the world's most powerful geospatial system

    The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has announced a new collaboration between the Blue Waters Project, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the University of Minnesota and The Ohio State University to produce digital elevation models (DEM) of the entire Earth, among other geospatial research projects.

  • iHotel entrance

    U of I System to host diverse business fair

    The University of Illinois System will host the second annual Diverse Business Opportunity Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the iHotel Conference Center in Champaign.

  • architecture

    U of I System launches staff 'Know Your U' program

    We are delighted to announce a unique new educational program that is being launched this fall for our nearly 20,000 academic professional and civil service employees.

  • Tim Killeen

    Welcoming students from around the globe

    The University of Illinois System’s three universities are proud to welcome our international students with open arms. We offer hearty greetings and a most sincere Welcome to One and All!

  • Killeen on bench

    President Killeen welcomes students to 2019-20 academic year

    The following massmail was delivered to students at our three universities.
    Dear students: It is a pleasure to welcome you to the start of the University of Illinois System's 2019-20 academic year!

  • Argonne Energy Sciences Building

    Argonne joins new research center led by U of I System

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, a global leader in scientific discovery and America’s first national laboratory, signed an agreement Wednesday to partner in a new research center led by the University of Illinois System to accelerate the groundbreaking innovation that drives progress and economic growth.

  • Urbana & Chicago campuses

    UI Ride: shuttle service launching soon

    We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of UI Ride, a new University of Illinois System shuttle service that will make its inaugural run on October 31.

  • 89,000 students strong

    Enrollment grows to nearly 89,000 students

    Enrollment this fall across the University of Illinois System grew to a record high for the seventh straight year, increasing 3.8 percent to nearly 89,000 students, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • U of I seal

    U of I board approves nearly $7 billion 2020 budget

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a nearly $7 billion budget for fiscal year 2020, drawing on a 5.2 percent increase in operating revenue to focus on key priorities such as financial support for students, strengthening the faculty and fostering economic development.

  • UI Ride bus

    UI Ride kickoff events

    Help us celebrate the upcoming launch of UI Ride, a new University of Illinois System shuttle service, on October 3 in Urbana and October 4 in Chicago. Beginning at 9 a.m. at each location, we will have the honor of unveiling one of the new 18-seat buses that offers features such as onboard Wi-Fi and workstations while providing a convenient option for those who travel between the universities.

  • Kerr & Seidel

    Natalie Kerr wins first Falling Walls Lab Illinois

    Natalie Kerr, a senior majoring in chemistry at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), won the first Falling Walls Lab Illinois competition to earn the title of Illinois Young Innovator of the Year. 

  • Sanders

    Sanders accepts deanship at Carnegie Mellon

    The interim director of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), Bill Sanders, announced today that he will leave the University of Illinois System to accept the appointment as dean of the college of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, effective Jan. 1, and U of I System President Tim Killeen said he expects a seamless transition to a new DPI leader over the next three months.

  • U of I and FIT Ltd officials

    $100 million center to drive smart, reconfigurable technologies

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering and Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) are partnering on a new $100 million Center for Networked Intelligent Components and Environments (C-NICE). 

  • IIN logo and map

    Illinois Innovation Network installs inaugural officers

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) installed its inaugural slate of officers, approved bylaws and created four working committees to address key statewide priorities during a Sept. 26 meeting of the IIN Council at Governors State University. 

  • 75% pie graph

    U of I System campaign progress soars to 75.7 percent toward goal

    The University of Illinois System and the University of Illinois Foundation announced today an impressive fundraising report for fiscal year 2019 with $462.9 million in new business, comprised of new gifts, grants, pledges, and deferred commitments.

  • Ed Seidel speaks to Peoria crowd

    Leaders celebrate Peoria Innovation Hub development

    Governor J.B. Pritzker today joined leaders from around Greater Peoria to celebrate the Peoria Innovation Hub, a world-class innovation facility coming to downtown Peoria. The Peoria Innovation Hub, funded through a $10 million grant that is part of the larger Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), will be located at the Thomas Building, a 50,000 square foot facility that was recently vacated by Illinois Central College.