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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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  • UI Ride shuttle bus

    UI Ride shuttle service resumes Aug. 17

    Aug 9, 2021 1:00 pm

    In a massmail to faculty and staff in Urbana-Champaign and Chicago, Interim Executive Vice President Avijit Ghosh shared an update on the return of the UI Ride shuttle service for the fall.

  • gloved hand and test tubes in lab

    Illinois K-12 public schools can access free SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 testing

    Aug 5, 2021 12:30 pm

    The llinois Department of Public Health announced that it has expanded access to free COVID-19 testing to al K-12 public schools across Illinois outside of Chicago, which received its own funding.

    Schools can choose to utilize the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based test developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  • silver seal of the university

    Trustees approve plan for liaison office in India

    Jul 22, 2021 11:45 am

    University of Illinois System trustees on Thursday voted to establish a system liaison office in New Delhi, India, and a branch office in Bengaluru (Bangalore) to engage in student recruitment and further develop relationships with academic and corporate partners and alumni in the country.

  • vaccines and labels spread out on table

    Vaccine requirements for faculty and staff

    Jul 21, 2021 11:30 am

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen sent a message to all faculty and staff today outlining vaccine guidelines for the coming fall semester.

  • men and women in suits and hardhats digging in ground with shovels

    UIC breaks ground on new Computer Design Research and Learning Center

    Jul 16, 2021 2:30 pm

    On July 15, UIC held a groundbreaking event to celebrate the commencement of construction activities for the new $117.8 million, 135,000-square-foot Computer Design Research and Learning Center, which will be located at 900 W. Taylor St., adjacent to UIC’s Memorial Grove.

  • report cover with blue/orange/pink image of nurse drawing vaccine from vial close up

    2021 annual report highlights initiatives from across the U of I System

    Jul 6, 2021 9:00 am

    The University of Illinois System 2021 Annual Report: Empowering Extraordinary highlights our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent initiatives, accomplishments, and innovations from across the system.

  • Masked Black male with orange SHIELD t-shirt h gloves handing test tube to man

    UIUC receives APLU award for COVID-19 testing program

    Jul 6, 2021 7:00 am

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has received the inaugural Research Response to Community Crisis Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities for its COVID-19 testing program.

  • three artistic sculptures, one from each campus

    Arts & humanities initiative offers new support for 10 projects

    Jun 22, 2021 2:30 pm

    The University of Illinois System continues to demonstrate its commitment to the arts and humanities, funding a second generation of vital projects through the Presidential Initiative: Expanding the Impact of the Arts and the Humanities, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • gloved hands sorting vaccine supplies on counter

    U of I System statement on student vaccination guidelines for fall

    Jun 21, 2021 11:30 am

    The University of Illinois System issued a statement today regarding vaccination guidelines for students for the fall semester.

  • Red, white and blue official Juneteenth flag

    Juneteenth Holiday

    Jun 18, 2021 8:00 am

    In a massmail to students, faculty and staff, President Tim Killeen announced that Juneteenth would be added to the University of Illinois System holiday schedule for June 2022.

  • diverse group of students smiling grouped around table looking at UIC laptop

    UIC receives $40M donation, the largest single gift in school history

    Jun 15, 2021 1:15 pm

    The University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago’s only public research university, is the recipient of a $40 million donation from philanthropist and novelist MacKenzie Scott. It is the largest gift from an individual in school history.

  • masked female researcher processing lab tests

    IDPH expands COVID-19 testing to elementary schools

    Jun 10, 2021 7:45 am

    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.

  • President Tim Killeen headshot

    U of I System message on Endless Frontier Act

    Jun 9, 2021 10:00 am

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen issued a statement today on final approval of the Endless Frontier Act by the U.S. Senate. Killeen previously served as the National Science Foundation’s assistant director for geosciences. The U of I System is a leading recipient of grant funding from the foundation.

  • woman carrying samples in lab

    Wall Street Journal: COVID-19 testing could be a viable long-term business bet

    Jun 7, 2021 8:15 am

    The University of Illinois System, SHIELD Illinois and Shield T3 are featured in a Wall Street Journal Story about how COVID-19 testing could remain a key component for resuming normal life in the U.S.

  • Illinois State Capitol building

    State of Illinois budget update

    Jun 1, 2021 4:30 pm

    In a massmail sent today, University of Illinois System leaders shared that state appropriations for the U of I System would remain at current levels for the coming year under a budget approved over the holiday weekend by the Illinois Legislature that will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is expected to sign it into law.

  • Close up of test tubes in lab

    CDPH to utilize innovative covidSHIELD test in select city schools

    Jun 1, 2021 10:00 am

    The University of Illinois System today announced that it will begin providing its innovative saliva-based covidSHIELD test to select K-12 Chicago schools through funding from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). The $20 million in funding will go to the system’s nonprofit SHIELD Illinois unit, which provides testing throughout the state. 

  • Engineering quad at UIUC

    IBM and UIUC to launch new Discovery Accelerator Institute

    May 26, 2021 9:15 am

    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.

  • female scientist processing tests in lab

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

    May 25, 2021 7:45 am

    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.

  • U.S. Capitol

    Public universities seek support for student, equity, research and capital initiatives

    May 21, 2021 9:30 am

    A letter was sent to Illinois’ federal legislators today by presidents of the state’s public universities, seeking support in federal legislation investing in infrastructure and families. Proposals endorsed by presidents would promote student affordability, research and innovation, diversity and social equity initiatives and bricks-and-mortar improvements.

  • Compilation of artist renderings of three construction projects

    Trustees approve budgets for Illinois Innovation Network-related projects

    May 20, 2021 10:15 am

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees today approved budgets for two construction projects that are connected to the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN).

  • Avijit Ghosh

    Avijit Ghosh named interim executive VP for U of I System

    May 19, 2021 9:30 am

    Avijit Ghosh, vice president/chief financial officer and comptroller for the University of Illinois System since 2018, has been named interim executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, effective July 15, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • Tim Killeen

    2021-22 Salary Program

    May 14, 2021 9:00 am

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

  • close up of covid test processing in lab

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

    May 12, 2021 1:15 pm

    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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.