University of Illinois System News

blog posts

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  U of I System sets innovation network priorities in Urbana

  Aug 29, 2018 5:00 pm

  Building a world-class center devoted to the fast-growing field of data science and expanding an award-winning Research Park are top priorities at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as the U of I System develops a new statewide innovation network to accelerate job creation and economic growth, officials announced today.

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  U of I System sets innovation network priorities at UIC

  Aug 30, 2018 4:15 pm

  New research facilities to build on breakthroughs in therapeutic drugs and computer technology at the University of Illinois at Chicago are among top priorities in start-up plans for a new statewide innovation network that the U of I System is developing to accelerate job creation and economic growth, officials announced today.

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  U of I System sets another record in fall semester student enrollment

  Sep 11, 2024 1:45 pm

  A record 97,772 students enrolled across the University of Illinois System for the fall semester, reflecting continued demand for the quality education offered at the three system universities. Total enrollment for the universities located in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield topped the previous record of 94,861 established in 2022 and increased last year’s enrollment by 3.2%.

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  U of I System seeks state funding increase

  Nov 15, 2018 12:00 pm

  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a request for increased state funding next year to continue building on educational and affordability initiatives that have helped push enrollment across the three-university system to all-time highs.

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  U of I System seeks increase in state funding

  Nov 14, 2019 12:15 pm

  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a request for increased state funding for the next fiscal year to continue building on educational and affordability initiatives that help drive the state’s economy and have pushed enrollment across the three-university system to an all-time high of over 89,000.

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  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.

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  U of I System releases second set of Guiding Principles

  Nov 8, 2019 10:15 am

  The University of Illinois System released a second set of Guiding Principles Friday, clearly spelling out its position on more of the core values that defined its past and will shape its future.

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  U of I System reflects on state budget’s support of higher education

  May 31, 2024 2:15 pm

  University of Illinois System leaders expressed their appreciation for Gov. JB Pritzker’s and the Illinois General Assembly’s continued support of higher education in the 2025 fiscal year budget approved early Wednesday. The General Assembly approved an operating budget of $ 710.6 million for the system in the fiscal year that begins July 1, a 1.8% increase from the current year.

• U of I System recommends extending in-state tuition freeze

  Jan 5, 2018 2:15 pm

  The University of Illinois System has proposed extending a tuition freeze for in-state freshmen to a fourth straight year next fall, matching its longest consecutive rate freeze in more than four decades, President Tim Killeen announced today.

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  U of I System recommends extending in-state tuition freeze

  Jan 30, 2019 10:00 am

  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.

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  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. 

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  U of I System President Tim Killeen tests positive for COVID-19

  Apr 26, 2022 10:15 am

  University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 on Saturday and, following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is isolating at home in the President’s House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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  U of I System President Tim Killeen’s contract to be extended

  Feb 16, 2024 10:00 am

  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has proposed an extension of the contract of University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen for three years, pending formal vote and approval during its March meeting. Killeen’s tenure has been marked by significant sustained progress in student enrollment, affordability, diversity, financial aid, research and statewide economic development. 

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  U of I System President Killeen begins statewide tour

  Sep 30, 2021 1:30 pm

  University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen on Monday will begin a multiday tour of Illinois to meet with lawmakers, business and higher education leaders, alumni and others to learn more about the ways the system can contribute to economic growth and societal wellbeing, discuss the system’s commitment to the public, and strengthen connections and foster collaboration across the state.

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  U of I System poised to address challenges of the future

  May 18, 2023 12:00 pm

  In addition to President Killeen's remarks on the system's future, trustees made key appointments, a new UIC department was approved, and a provisional FY2024 budget was authorized.

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  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.

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  U of I System, National Taiwan University launch joint R&D teams

  Dec 20, 2023 9:30 am

  The University of Illinois System and National Taiwan University awarded $200,000 to four new interdisciplinary research teams and eight travel grants to strengthen academic connections, drive innovation, and advance collaboration between the institutions. These are the first awards since the partnership launched in August.

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  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.

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  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.

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  U of I System leaders travel state to connect with communities on critical issues

  Sep 25, 2023 8:00 am

  For the third year in a row, a leadership contingent led by President Tim Killeen and the chancellors of the system universities in Chicago, Springfield, and Urbana-Champaign will crisscross the state exploring opportunities to work on behalf of residents through a variety of existing and developing partnerships.

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  U of I System leadership applauds state budget’s higher education support

  May 30, 2023 2:15 pm

  The system’s $697.8 million operating budget in the 2024 fiscal year that begins July 1 includes a 7.0% increase for general operations. “I would like to thank Gov. Pritzker and the General Assembly for their support of public higher education and for their vision for the future needs of Illinois residents,” system President Tim Killeen said.

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

  Aug 13, 2019 1:30 pm

  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.

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  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.

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  U of I System launches Diverse Supplier Development Program

  Sep 2, 2022 11:00 am

  The University of Illinois System on Friday launched its new Diverse Supplier Development Program, welcoming the inaugural cohort of 25 firms from across the state. The program was created to help business owners from diverse backgrounds grow their companies and increase options for serving as public-sector vendors.

• U of I System launches 'Altogether Extraordinary' marketing campaign

  Apr 6, 2018 1:00 pm

  The University of Illinois System is launching an unprecedented statewide marketing campaign to increase public awareness and support of the three-university system’s far-reaching impact and collective value.

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  U of I System joins initiative to address inequities in access and success

  Dec 14, 2021 2:00 pm

  The University of Illinois System is part of The Power of Systems initiative with other leading university systems across the U.S. to address inequities in higher education access and success. The initiative is being led by the National Association of System Heades (NASH).

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  U of I System joins bid to create regional hydrogen hub to combat climate change

  Nov 3, 2022 2:45 pm

  The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) announced today that it will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub to be funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

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

  Jan 24, 2019 3:45 pm

  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.

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  U of I System impact: $19 billion annually on Illinois economy

  May 19, 2022 12:15 pm

  The University of Illinois System generates $19 billion a year for the state’s economy and supports more than 164,000 jobs, one of every 46 jobs in the state, according to the preliminary findings of a new study revealed Thursday by U of I System President Tim Killeen.

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  U of I System impact: $17.5 billion annually on Illinois economy

  Sep 27, 2018 9:30 am

  The University of Illinois System pumps $17.5 billion into the Illinois economy annually and supports 171,000 jobs – one in every 46 jobs across the state, according to a new economic impact study released today.

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  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.

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  U of I System hosts Aug. 20-21 symposium on literacy, democracy

  Jul 18, 2024 10:45 am

  "Free People Read Freely" is a University of Illinois System-hosted symposium at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts in August that will feature speakers and panel discussions on topics including book banning, censorship, and the importance of reading to foster public dialogue, inclusion and engaged citizenship.

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  U of I System honors hundreds of top high school seniors

  Sep 28, 2018 2:00 pm

  The University of Illinois System honored hundreds of high-achieving high school seniors today during an annual event that promotes opportunities for Illinois students from traditionally underrepresented minority groups and geographic regions across the state.

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  U of I System, Hebrew University launch third round of joint R&D teams

  May 17, 2023 11:00 am

  The University of Illinois System and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) recently awarded funding to four new interdisciplinary research teams that will drive innovations and advance collaboration between the universities. This joint research and innovation seed grant program began in 2019.

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  U of I System, Hebrew University launch second round of joint R&D teams

  Dec 22, 2021 8:15 am

  The University of Illinois System and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem recently awarded funding to four new interdisciplinary research teams that will drive innovation and advance collaboration between the universities. The projects are the second round of a joint research and innovation seed grant program that began in 2019.

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  U of I System, Hebrew University launch fourth round of joint R&D teams

  Feb 17, 2025 10:15 am

  The University of Illinois System and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem recently awarded a total of $200,000 to four new interdisciplinary research teams that will drive innovations and advance collaboration between the universities. The projects are the fourth round of a joint research and innovation seed grant program that began in 2019.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

• U of I System freezes in-state tuition for fourth straight year

  Jan 18, 2018 2:00 pm

  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees voted Thursday to freeze tuition for in-state freshmen next fall for the fourth straight year, extending an affordability initiative that seeks to help keep more talented students in Illinois for college.The freeze for the U of I System’s universities in Chicago, Springfield and Urbana-Champaign matches the longest consecutive freeze in more than four decades, since a four-year run of flat rates from 1974-1977.

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  U of I System extends in-state tuition freeze

  Jan 31, 2019 2:00 pm

  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.

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

  May 16, 2019 12:00 pm

  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.

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  U of I System expands Diverse Supplier Development Program to serve 35 companies

  Aug 25, 2023 12:30 pm

  The program was created to help business owners from diverse backgrounds grow their companies and increase options for serving as public-sector vendors.

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  U of I System expands commitment to sustainable investments

  Oct 13, 2022 8:00 am

  The University of Illinois System has expanded its commitment to sustainability through its international equity allocation, investing $144 million in an environmentally and socially focused strategy launched by BlackRock Inc.

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  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.

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  U of I System Excels in Online Program Rankings

  Jan 27, 2020 12:00 pm

  Online programs at all three universities in the University of Illinois System have been recognized in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

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  U of I System enrollment tops 90,000 for first time

  Sep 9, 2020 10:00 am

  Enrollment grew across the University of Illinois System this fall, topping 90,000 students for the first time and setting a record for the eighth straight year despite the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn it has spawned, President Tim Killeen announced today.

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  U of I System enrollment grows to nearly 85,600

  Sep 12, 2018 9:00 am

  Total enrollment increased to nearly 85,600 students across the University of Illinois System this fall, up 2.7 percent and rising to a record high for the sixth straight year, President Tim Killeen announced today.

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  U of I System ends debt-related transcript holds

  Jul 7, 2022 11:45 am

  University of Illinois System universities have ended the practice of restricting access to transcripts for students with past-due balances.

  The old policy was a barrier for students as they sought transcripts to get jobs, transfer to other educational institutions or pursue advanced degrees. Withholding transcripts, he said, also disproportionately affected students from lower-income backgrounds.

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  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.