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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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  • President Killeen on bench in garden

    Fall 2020 welcome

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen welcomes students, faculty and staff to a fall semester unlike any other.

  • compilation of students walking on three university campuses

    Fall 2021 welcome

    President Tim Killeen welcomes students, faculty and staff to the 2021 fall semester.

  • COVID-19 update and colorized seal of the university

    Fall 2022 COVID guidelines

    President Tim Killeen sent a massmail today to students, faculty and staff across the University of Illinois System about Fall 2022 COVID guidelines.

  • three campuses

    Fall 2022 welcome

    President Killeen welcomes students to campus for the Fall 2022 semester.

  • President Killeen at Assembly Hall with the Fighting Illini band

    Fall 2023 Welcome from President Killeen

    Welcome to a new academic year! Our three University of Illinois System universities are brimming with new and returning students, both on campus and online. 

  • University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen sitting on a bench

    Fall 2024 Welcome from President Killeen

    By now all of you are well into one of my favorite rituals of every academic year – beginning! And with that beginning, our campuses open and fill with bright minds, big ideas, and grand hopes and dreams.

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

    Fall semester plans announced

    A message was sent today to University of Illinois System students, faculty and staff regarding plans to resume on-campus activities next fall at its universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield.

  • Farewell to Chancellor Koch

    In a massmail today, President Tim Killeen and the University of Illinois at Springfield shared a farewell video for Chancellor Susan Koch, wishing her well and thanking her for her service.

  • Federal government rescinds new rule regarding international students

    In a massmail this evening, U of I System leadership shared the news that the federal government rescinded the recent directive from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enformcent (ICE) that placed new restrictions on visas for international students.

  • Financial update

    University of Illinois System leadership sent a massmail to faculty and staff today regarding the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided guidelines for mitigation.

  • Stars artwork

    First faculty hires from the President’s Distinguished Faculty Hiring Program announced

    The first seven professors have been hired under a new initiative launched by the University of Illinois System to add more world-class faculty and build on its global standing as a leader in education and innovation, President Tim Killeen announced Monday.

  • A variety of dried legumes in large cloth-lined cannisters

    First Shin Humanitarian Award recipient honored for work 'the world is proud of'

    Renowned crop breeder Bir Bahadur (B.B.) Singh received the inaugural Dr. Tai R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin Humanitarian Award in recognition of his exemplary impact on humanity by addressing global food security. 

  • Tim Killeen & the U of I System logo

    Four-year extension proposed for U of I president

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will consider a proposal Thursday that would extend President Tim Killeen’s contract by four years, through June 30, 2024.

  • Two images: Test driving an arm manipulator robot and officials; Yolanda Martínez López, Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, Jorge Cervantes and Jeannette Tamayo during a stop in the western Chicago suburb.

    From research to results: How the U of I System powers economic competitiveness

    ACE Illinois, the 20th Americas Competitiveness Exchange, set a record for generating the most letters of interest and memoranda of understanding for future international projects and partnerships — while the event was still underway.

  • Diana Barajas with family at community college graduation

    From transfers to degrees: Support helps students stay the course

    To attract and welcome transfer students so they can shine, the University of Illinois System offers programs such as its transfer guarantee for Illinois high school graduates attending any community college or university in the U.S. 

  • Avijit Ghosh

    Ghosh named vice president, CFO for U of I System

    Avijit Ghosh, a former business school dean who has served in senior leadership positions across the University of Illinois System for nearly two decades, has been named the system’s permanent vice president and chief financial officer, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • U of I seal

    Gift Days 2021

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

  • seal of the university system

    Gift Days 2023

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

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

    Gift Days program for employees extended to fifth year

    U of I System leadership have announced that a program providing additional paid days off for employees during the December/January holidays has been extended to a fifth straight year.

  • the SRI2025 logo overlaid on an aerial picture of downtown Chicago

    Global sustainability conference begins countdown to Chicago

    With the conclusion of the 2024 Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress in Helsinki, organizers and participants in the world’s largest annual gathering focused on sustainability turned their attention to 2025 and the first time the event will be held in the United States. 

  • Welcome Bryan Traubert / University of Illinois, Board of Trustees / University of Illinois System

    Governor appoints civic leader, retired physician to U of I Board of Trustees

    Gov. JB Pritzker has appointed longtime civic leader, philanthropist and retired physician Bryan S. Traubert to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Traubert practiced ophthalmology in Chicago for more than 30 years and is chairman of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation and chair of the Executive Committee of the Chicago Community Trust. He is also a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

  • Wilbur Milhouse III

    Governor appoints engineer, business leader to U of I Board of Trustees

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker has appointed prominent civil and structural engineer and business leader Wilbur Milhouse III to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

  • New U of I Trustee Joseph Gutman

    Governor appoints Gutman to U of I Board of Trustees

    Retired financial executive Joseph D. Gutman has been appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman will fill the seat being vacated by Ricardo Estrada and, pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate, serve a term that runs through 2025.

  • Sylvia Puente headshot

    Governor appoints Puente to U of I Board of Trustees

    Longtime public policy leader Sylvia Puente has been appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined the September 2023 U of I System Board of Trustees meeting.

    Governor Pritzker joins U of I System board in roundtable discussion

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker met with the University of Illinois System Board of Trustees on Thursday at its regular bimonthly meeting, taking part in a roundtable discussion on topics including enrollment trends, initiatives to address college affordability and the role of the system in contributing to economic development.

  • Students inspect tomatoes while collecting data in a greenhouse

    Governor releases $37M+ for food research, business growth at innovation hubs

    Pritzker administration releases $37.3 million to launch facilities for five hubs of the Illinois Innovation Network, created to accelerate job creation and economic growth through groundbreaking education, research and discovery.

  • the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield

    Governor's budget would increase U of I System operating funds

    General operating support for the University of Illinois System would increase by 1.8 percent under the budget proposed Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, which would increase the system’s total general funds appropriation to $710.41 million for the coming fiscal year and continue the trend of state reinvestment in public higher education.

  • Governor Pritzker at a lectern

    Gov. Pritzker announces 'Innovate Illinois' partnership to secure federal funding

    The diverse coalition of business leaders, higher education institutions, and elected officials will coordinate the state's efforts to secure funding through the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

  • Ramon Cepeda, Sarah Phalen and Tami Craig Shilling

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

    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.

  • DPI rendering

    Gov. Pritzker commits $500 million to IIN and DPI

    Highlighting his dynamic, long-term vision for economic development built on state-of-the-art technology, robust higher education and private partnerships, Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday announced that the State of Illinois is moving forward with $500 million in capital funding for the University of Illinois System’s Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) – a network of research and innovation hubs that will serve as a magnet for technology and talent.

  • future home of DPI

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

    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.

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

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

    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.

  • U of I System President Tim Killeen and First Lady Roberta Johnson Killeen at their home

    Happy holidays from the Killeens, students around the system

    U of I System President Tim Killeen said it best. “However you celebrate, we wish you the warmth of family and friends, and the joyful hope each new year brings.”

  • University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda and U of I System President Tim Killeen during a panel discussion

    Higher education partnerships help power Illinois economic growth

    A dynamic discussion, hosted by the University of Illinois System and Crain’s Chicago Business, showcased the many ways collaboration among private, public, and government sectors positions our state as a thriving hub of opportunity and prosperity for all.

  • Tim and Roberta Killeen, with dogs

    Holiday Greetings

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen and Dr. Roberta Johnson Killeen deliver best wishes for the holidays to faculty, students, staff, and friends.

  • Graphic with professional portrait of Suzanne Malec-McKenna

    Hoping for change isn’t enough. It’s time for action. Choose SRI2025.

    Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress organizer Suzanne Malec-McKenna says, “This convening focuses on sustainability solutions — what we have learned, what we are learning, and how we can collaborate for more discovery and leverage our discoveries for expanded outcomes.”

  • Graphic with professional portrait of Ashish Sharma

    How bold ideas at SRI2025 will inspire lifelong climate changemakers

    At SRI2025, participants will join sessions where bold ideas meet real-world action. They can learn about novel solutions-driven research, hear a variety of perspectives, engage with innovators and meet thought leaders and changemakers. Expect hands-on workshops, plus dynamic panels and talks. 

  • Engineering quad at UIUC

    IBM and UIUC to launch new Discovery Accelerator Institute

    IBM and The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign plan to launch a large-scale collaboration designed to increase access to technology education and skill development, and to combine the strengths of academia and the industrial sector to spur breakthroughs in emerging areas of technology.

  • close up of covid test processing in lab

    IDPH announces $225M investment to expand COVID-19 testing in middle and high schools

    In an effort to ensure in-person learning can fully resume as quickly and safely as possible, the Illinois Department of Public Health today announced a $225 million investment to expand access to covidSHIELD saliva-based testing, developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to middle and high schools across the state at low or no cost. 

  • female scientist processing tests in lab

    IDPH & DPI announce statewide system to monitor COVID-19 in wastewater

    The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) today announced a statewide system to monitor the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater, providing public health officials with early warnings of a potential outbreak on a county-by-county basis.

  • masked female researcher processing lab tests

    IDPH expands COVID-19 testing to elementary schools

    To help ensure schools can more safely resume in-person learning, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced it is expanding access to no-cost and low-cost COVID-19 testing to elementary schools across Illinois.  Schools can choose to utilize the saliva-based covidSHIELD test developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The covidSHIELD test can quickly detect the virus that causes COVID-19, and its variants, including among people who do not have symptoms.

  • child kneeling on gym floor spitting into tube

    IDPH to offer free covidSHIELD tests for public schools for 2022-23 school year

    The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced a renewed agreement with SHIELD Illinois that offers every public school outside of Chicago the opportunity to use the University of Illinois System’s innovative, saliva-based COVID-19 testing platform at no cost for the 2022-23 school year. 

  • laboratory equipment at the IBRL

    iFAB awarded $51 million Tech Hubs grant to boost central Illinois biomanufacturing

    The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded approximately $51 million from the Tech Hubs Program through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The iFAB consortium, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will receive a Phase 2 Implementation grant to position central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation, supporting national security, economic growth, and job generation.

  • family figurines facing covid figurine

    IGPA releases report on state economic impact of COVID-19

    The University of Illinois System's Institute of Government & Public Affairs Task Force on the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic released a report today looking at the potential effect on Illinois state finances. The hit to state revenues is expected to be worse than the Great Recession.

  • Mother and child reading

    IGPA releases report on strain pandemic is putting on families

    The University of Illinois System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) today released a report on the strain the COVID-19 Pandemic is putting on communities and families in Illinois, and how policymakers can help make them more resilient in the face of the crisis.

  • Main street in pandemic

    IGPA task force's roadmap for safely reopening state's economy

    The Institute of Government and Public Affairs assembled a task force of interdisciplinary faculty experts from all three universities in the University of Illinois System to assess COVID-19’s effects on the state. This essay represents the work of several task force members to create a roadmap for safely reopening the state’s economy.

  • Illinois Innovation Network logo

    IIN awards inaugural round of social innovation seed grants

    The funding for this Illinois Innovation Network progam is provided by the University of Illinois System, and designed to translate research into projects that directly affect lives, address critical social problems, and build trusted partnerships in communities across Illinois.

  • UIS Associate Professor Devin Hunter speaks at the opening of the Sangamon Experience in 2020.

    IIN awards new seed grant to social innovation project

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) awarded $30,000 to a new social innovation seed grant project this week. The funded project, “Journeys to Justice: Commemorating and Memorializing the History and Legacy of Anti-Black Terror in Illinois,” will launch a statewide coalition to promote and support the research and remembrance of anti-Black riots, massacres and lynchings in Illinois.

  • IIN logo

    IIN awards seed grants to 8 new projects

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) on Thursday awarded nearly $240,000 in seed grants to eight research teams focused on projects that include using renewable technologies to design equitable STEM education programs, making construction materials from wastes and industrial byproducts, developing a game-like energy career exploration platform, and creating high-performance computing simulation tools for additive manufacturing.

  • Illinois Innovation Network

    IIN’s Sustaining Illinois program awards seed grants to six new research projects

    The Illinois Innovation Network awarded nearly $240,000 in seed grants to six research teams this week in its ninth round of funding, with projects including AI-driven plastic recycling, studying mosquitos to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens, using algae to clean up microplastic pollution, detecting HIV RNA more efficiently, improving access to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic tools, and fostering emerging youth entrepreneurship through technology.