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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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  • graphic depicting linked hardware for storing and processing quantum information

    Midwest collaboration awarded $25M quantum information institute

    Jul 21, 2020 11:45 am

    The Grainger College of Engineering’s Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST) will launch a National Science Foundation Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Hybrid Quantum Architectures and Networks (HQAN). 

  • Illinois public universities seek additional federal support for COVID-19 costs

    Jul 20, 2020 10:00 am

    Presidents of Illinois’ public universities sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation Friday, seeking additional relief from increasing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Federal government rescinds new rule regarding international students

    Jul 14, 2020 5:45 pm

    In a massmail this evening, U of I System leadership shared the news that the federal government rescinded the recent directive from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enformcent (ICE) that placed new restrictions on visas for international students.

  • four campuses: UIUC, UIC, U of Chicago, and Northwestern

    UIUC, UIC part of new $15.5M mathematical institute

    Jul 14, 2020 10:00 am

    Mathematicians and statisticians from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago and will join researchers at two other leading universities in Illinois as part of the new Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation.

  • U of I seal

    U of I System supports Illinois Attorney General's challenge

    Jul 13, 2020 5:00 pm

    In a massmail sent today, the University of Illinois System announced its participation in a new legal effort by 18 attorneys general around the country to challenge the recent ICE restrictions on visas for international students.

  • System statement on legal opposition to new ICE rules

    Jul 10, 2020 5:15 pm

    The University of Illinois System announced its opposition to new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement visa restrictions for international students.

  • row of flags from variety of countries

    Importance of our international students

    Jul 8, 2020 1:00 pm

    President Tim Killeen issued a statement today regarding the importance of international students to the University of Illinois System.

  • University logos over Chicago skyline with student

    Turning 'Uncertain' Into 'Extraordinary'

    Jul 6, 2020 9:00 am

    Our latest video shines a light on the many efforts underway across the University of Illinois System to lead the way through the challenges of a global pandemic.

  • Universities adopt test-optional policy for fall 2021 freshman applications

    Jun 26, 2020 10:45 am

    All three universities in the University of Illinois System have made ACT/SAT exams optional for high school students applying for undergraduate admission for the 2021-22 school year, due to disruption to testing timelines caused by COVID-19.

  • Extension announces inaugural class of Illini Science Policy Fellowship

    Jun 25, 2020 11:30 am

    The University of Illinois Extension on Monday announced that five University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduates will make up the inaugural class of the Illini Science Policy Fellowship (ISPF) program, which matches advanced-degree graduates with mentors in Illinois government and Extension to gain hands-on experience addressing issues critical to Illinois.

  • Farewell to Chancellor Koch

    Jun 24, 2020 10:15 am

    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.

  • pride flags

    Supreme Court LGBTQ decision

    Jun 23, 2020 10:15 am

    In a massmail today, U of I System President Tim Killeen and Executive VP/VP of Academic Affairs Barb Wilson commented on last week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling on LGBTQ worker rights.

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

    Fall semester plans announced

    Jun 18, 2020 3:00 pm

    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.

  • DACA ruling

    Jun 18, 2020 2:30 pm

    University of Illinois leadership sent a massmail today to students, faculty and staff regarding the the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

  • Karen M. Whitney

    Executive Committee approves Karen Whitney as interim chancellor at UIS

    Jun 10, 2020 1:45 pm

    The Executive Committee of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved the appointment of Karen M. Whitney as interim chancellor of the University of Illinois at Springfield.

  • portrait of Karen Whitney, interim chancellor, UIS

    Veteran university leader Karen Whitney named interim chancellor at UIS

    Jun 3, 2020 10:00 am

    Karen M. Whitney, a nationally recognized higher education leader, has been selected to serve as interim chancellor of the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen announced today. 

  • Financial update

    Jun 2, 2020 12:00 pm

    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.

  • U of I seal

    Reflections on George Floyd tragedy

    May 31, 2020 2:00 pm

    President Tim Killeen and Executive Vice President Barb Wilson sent a massmail today to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends reflecting on the George Floyd tragedy.

  • Main street in pandemic

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

    May 29, 2020 8:00 am

    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 State Capitol building

    State budget update

    May 26, 2020 3:00 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.

  • UIUC campus and UIC campus

    U of I System has two universities in QS rankings of nation's best

    May 26, 2020 1:00 pm

    The University of Illinois System has two universities that are among the top 15 public institutions in the nation, according to a newly designed set of rankings highlighting institutions that best serve the needs of students and are effecting positive social and economic change, such as equitability and sustainability.

  • university seal/annual report cover

    2020 annual report highlights initiatives from across the U of I System

    May 22, 2020 9:00 am

    Empowering Extraordinary, the 2020 annual report from the University of Illinois System, highlights recent initiatives, accomplishments, and innovations from across the system, including our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Tim Killeen headshot, Virtual Town Hall

    U of I System hosts Virtual Town Hall

    May 21, 2020 12:00 pm

    On May 13, 2020 the University of Illinois System hosted a tele-town hall for advocates and legislative staff. President Tim Killeen discussed the system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and took live questions from callers.

  • Susan Koch in front of UIS colonnade

    Susan J. Koch named chancellor emerita at UIS

    May 21, 2020 11:00 am

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday appointed outgoing University of Illinois at Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch as chancellor and vice president emerita. The appointment, effective July 1, confers upon her these honorary titles, which reflect her longstanding service to the university and University of Illinois System.

  • U of I seal

    Policies restrict intimate relationships, require job-candidate disclosure

    May 21, 2020 10:30 am

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved two new policies, one that prohibits certain workplace-related intimate relationships among faculty, staff and students, and one requiring that job-candidate finalists disclose past findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.

  • Don and Anne Edwards

    Board of Trustees Chair commits $100K for UIC's frontline healthcare workers

    May 20, 2020 10:15 am

    University of Illinois Board of Trustees Chairman Don Edwards and his wife, Anne Edwards, both alumni of the University of Illinois, have pledged $100,000 to establish the UI Health Employee Relief Fund, which will support health care workers at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, or UI Health.

  • Trees at Allerton Park

    U of I System makes lead investment in new BlackRock strategy

    May 14, 2020 8:00 am

    The University of Illinois System has invested nearly $160 million of the system endowment into its commitment to sustainability, becoming the first investor in a new environmentally and socially focused strategy launched by BlackRock Inc., a global asset manager and leader in sustainable investing.

  • future home of DPI

    DPI launches new education and workforce research center

    May 12, 2020 9:45 am

    The Discovery Partners Institute has launched a new education and workforce research center, IWERC, with $3.9 million from some of the city’s most influential philanthropists and foundations.

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

    Gift Days program for employees extended to fifth year

    May 8, 2020 11:00 am

    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.

  • University of Illinois seal

    Title IX updates

    May 6, 2020 1:15 pm

    In a massmail to students, faculty, and staff, today University of Illinois System leadership shared updates to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

  • Jay Walsh headshot

    Jay Walsh named interim VP for economic development and innovation

    Apr 30, 2020 10:30 am

    Joseph “Jay” Walsh, a biomedical engineering scholar with a lengthy track record of turning transformative research into economic opportunity, has been named interim vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois System, President Tim Killeen announced Thursday.

  • COVID-19 update with university seal

    Fall 2020 planning

    Apr 28, 2020 10:00 am

    President Tim Killeen has created a system-wide coordinating committee to support the system's three universities as they begin planning for the reopening of campuses in the fall and examining the changes that will be required to ensure both safety and excellence.

  • The 21st logo, Interview with Killeen, headshot of Tim Killeen

    Listen to President Tim Killeen on WILL Radio's The 21st

    Apr 23, 2020 8:45 am

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen sat down with WILL Radio's The 21st show for a wide-ranging conversation on the timeline of the university system's COVID-19 response, finances, and what’s next for higher ed. 

  • Mother and child reading

    IGPA releases report on strain pandemic is putting on families

    Apr 16, 2020 12:45 pm

    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.

  • students in library

    U of I System creates new, $36 million financial aid fund

    Apr 16, 2020 9:00 am

    The University of Illinois System has created a fund that will provide at least $36 million in new, targeted financial aid to help students who are facing increased need now and for the coming academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Tim Killeen announced today. 

  • U of I president Killeen

    COVID-19: Rising to the Challenge

    Apr 10, 2020 10:00 am

    The University of Illinois System is demonstrating its land-grant mission in real time, marshalling its world-class resources and ramping up its knowledge-generating power to foster solutions that will help steer our state through the COVID-19 crisis. Visit this page for updates, communications, and other resources.

  • family figurines facing covid figurine

    IGPA releases report on state economic impact of COVID-19

    Apr 9, 2020 12:45 pm

    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.

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

    Illinois public universities seek additional federal support for COVID-19 costs

    Apr 8, 2020 9:00 am

    Presidents of Illinois public universities sent the following letter to the state’s congressional delegation Tuesday, seeking additional relief from increasing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • U of I president Killeen

    U of I System: Rising to the Challenge

    Apr 3, 2020 10:00 am

    Tim Killeen, president of the University of Illinois System, extends appreciation to students, faculty, staff and friends, and expresses pride and awe in how the entire system is rising to the challenge during this pandemic.

  • U of I seal

    Trustees approve procurement flexibility for COVID-19 spending

    Apr 2, 2020 3:30 pm

    The Executive Committee of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a measure that would temporarily provide the system and its universities with greater flexibility on certain purchases related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  • COVID-19 update with university seal

    COVID-19 reminder: keep your guard up

    Mar 31, 2020 3:30 pm

    University of Illinois System leadership sent a COVID-19 update message today to students, faculty, and staff.

  • Dylan Lunch, assistant director for the UIC Engineering MakerSpace, produces face shields to supply to the University of Illinois Hospital.

    UIC engineers creating face shields to ease PPE shortage

    Mar 27, 2020 4:00 pm

    UIC Engineers designed a face shield made from thin plastic that could be manufactured at UIC’s Engineering Makerspace in 20 seconds to help ease a shortage of protective gear at UI Health.

  • graphic image of ventilator over lung image

    Emergency ventilator prototype developed

    Mar 27, 2020 4:00 pm

    A team led by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering and Carle Health has produced a prototype emergency ventilator to help address the expected surge in the need for respiratory care associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • A worker assists with hand sanitizer production at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    U of I System assisting state in COVID-19 response

    Mar 26, 2020 3:00 pm

    The University of Illinois System is sharing expertise and resources from across its three universities and healthcare enterprise to support the state’s efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • COVID-19 update with university seal

    Statewide stay-at-home order

    Mar 20, 2020 3:30 pm

    Today University of Illinois System leadership sent a massmail to faculty, staff and students regarding new orders from the governor to curb the spread of COVID-19, and how experts from our universities are assisting the efforts.

  • COVID-19 update with university seal

    Commencement ceremonies update

    Mar 17, 2020 3:00 pm

    Today University of Illinois System leadership sent a massmail regarding commencement ceremonies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • COVID-19 UPDATE from U of I System, with virus image

    COVID-19 update

    Mar 13, 2020 6:45 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen sent a COVID-19 update massmail this evening to faculty, staff, and students.

  • CDC image of virus up close

    COVID-19 news and research

    Mar 13, 2020 1:45 pm

    (Originally posted March 5). The University of Illinois System has established a COVID-19 Planning and Response Team to help coordinate the system’s response to and communication about the virus, and our three universities are monitoring their campuses and working with their local community agencies. COVID-19 related websites, communications, policies, and other resources can be found on this page.

  • Artist's rendering of the new Computer Design Research and Learning Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

    Trustees approve measures to advance capital projects

    Mar 12, 2020 12:00 pm

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday took steps to advance important capital projects at two U of I System universities.

  • COVID-19 UPDATE from U of I System, with virus image

    U of I System guidelines outlined in response to COVID-19 pandemic

    Mar 11, 2020 6:30 pm

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen and the chancellors from the system's three universities issued new guidelines today for students, faculty, and staff amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.