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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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  • Provost Javier Reyes poses on campus

    UIC Provost Javier Reyes will serve as interim chancellor

    University of Illinois Chicago Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Javier Reyes will serve as interim chancellor of the university upon the departure of Chancellor Michael Amiridis, University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said today.

  • proposed design for new DPI building in Chicago

    Trustees give green light to design of Discovery Partners Institute’s headquarters

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved the design of the new Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) headquarters, planned as an anchor for a new innovation district in Chicago’s newest neighborhood.

  • Man at work on a laptop with headphones on

    U of I System ends debt-related transcript holds

    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.

  • System statement on legal opposition to new ICE rules

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

  • researcher processing test in lab

    Community colleges in Illinois now have option to provide free covidSHIELD tests to state residents

    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. 

  • UIC campus and Michael Amiridis

    UIC Chancellor Amiridis named president of the University of South Carolina

    University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Michael Amiridis has been named the next president of the University of South Carolina, effective July 1.

  • The seal of the University of Illinois System

    Statement on U.S. Supreme Court decision in admissions cases

    A statement from President Killeen, Chancellor-elect Miranda, Chancellor Gooch, and Chancellor Jones on the United States Supreme Court's recent decision in admissions cases.

  • 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. 

  • Teacher Nikki Patterson at her wedding posing for a portrait with her new husband

    Real Impact: Southern Illinois educators unite for more milestones

    The U of I System is partnering with community colleges statewide to connect educators and administrators with public university transfer pathways for their students, especially to system universities in Springfield, Chicago and Urbana. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Graduates from all three University of Illinois System campuses in their caps and gowns

    System’s trio of universities celebrates U.S. News & World Report rankings

    The University of Illinois System’s Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield universities again ranked high among public institutions and universities nationwide in a U.S. News & World Report analysis.

  • 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

    Trustees introduced to Access 2030 initiative

    Plans for the University of Illinois System’s new Access 2030 initiative to increase the number of graduates from ethnic and racial minorities were introduced to the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting on Thursday.

  • Gregory Knott

    Two-degree alumnus Gregory Knott appointed as U of I secretary

    Gregory Knott, an administrator for nearly two decades at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a graduate of two U of I System universities, has been appointed secretary of the Board of Trustees and the University, President Tim Killeen announced Friday.

  • U of I System & NIU logos

    NIU joins U of I System-led Illinois Innovation Network

    A world-class research center targeting food systems, water resources and environmental change is planned at Northern Illinois University as part of a new statewide innovation network led by the University of Illinois System.

  • 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.

  • colorized University of Illinois seal

    Spring 2023 COVID-19 update

    President Tim Killeen issued a massmail today detailing updated COVID-19 guidance for students, faculty and staff as the spring semester commences.

  • 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.

  • Adrienne Nazon headshot and title

    Marketing executive Adrienne Nazon named to U of I System vice presidency

    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.

  • Barb Wilson with UIUC quad backdrop

    Barbara J. Wilson named president of the University of Iowa

    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.

  • Former high school principal Jason Leahy in outdoor portrait with daughter Emma, tree leaves as background

    Real Impact: AP training equips high school teachers for stronger programs

    During summer 2023, the University of Illinois System will launch Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) to help increase the number of AP teachers across Illinois.

  • Jeffrey A. Stein headshot

    Three-degree alumnus Jeffrey A. Stein appointed secretary, Board of Trustees

    Jeffrey A. Stein, an administrator for nearly two decades at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and an alumnus with three degrees from UIUC, has been appointed secretary of the Board of Trustees and the University, President Tim Killeen announced Thursday.

  • 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.

  • portrait of Karen Whitney, interim chancellor, UIS

    Veteran university leader Karen Whitney named interim chancellor at UIS

    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. 

  • U of I seal

    U of I approves tuition, fee and housing rates

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved modest, inflation-based tuition increases for in-state freshmen next fall, the first increases for Illinois students in six years. 

  • Pipettes placing liquid into a rack of vials

    U of I System’s Shield T3 unit winds down operations

    Shield T3 is a for-profit entity founded in 2020 by the University of Illinois System and its Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), initially to provide the SHIELD saliva-based testing for COVID-19 detection outside of the state of Illinois. At its peak, Shield T3 employed 172 full-time staff members and contractors. It has processed more than 5 million tests.

  • Greenville's Dr. Kelsey Hopkins talks about healthcare with Girl Scouts

    Real Impact: Rural doctor and his region thrive because of unique training

    The Rural Medical Education Program, part of University of Illinois Chicago's College of Medicine Rockford, is just one of the initiatives across the University of Illinois System that helps close healthcare gaps in the state. 

  • Scott Rice, General Counsel | University of Illinois System

    Rice named University of Illinois System’s general counsel

    Scott Rice has been named the University of Illinois System’s general counsel, pending completion of the background check process and approval of the board of trustees at its Jan. 18 meeting. Rice will serve in an interim role, effective Jan. 1. Rice, a member of the university counsel’s staff since 2005, succeeds Tom Bearrows, the longest-serving university counsel in the system’s history who is retiring at the end of this month after more than two decades of service. 

  • Impact on Illinois: $17B

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

    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.

  • Maddie Saenz at her high school graduation with her dad, mom and sister

    Real Impact: Experiences take focus off community college transfer myths

    Since 2022, students transferring from community colleges in Illinois have had guaranteed admission to University of Illinois System universities in Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield if they meet requirements. 

  • COVID-19 update with colorized seal of the university

    COVID-19 booster shot now required

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen sent a massmail to students, faculty and staff today requiring COVID-19 booster shots for all when eligible.

  • U of I seal

    U of I trustees appoint new leaders in key positions

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved new high-level campus leadership and passed two measures related to important capital projects.

  • gloved hands sorting vaccine supplies on counter

    U of I System statement on student vaccination guidelines for fall

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

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

    COVID-19 update

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

  • artists rendering of the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub building

    U of I Board of Trustees approves Mile Square lease

    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.

     

  • 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.

  • 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. 

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

    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.

  • building in downtown Springfield

    Trustees approve purchase of new UIS Innovation Center home

    The University of Illinois Board of Trustees on Thursday approved the purchase of a property in downtown Springfield that will become the new University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center.

  • Andrea Aguirre Camorlinga in the lab

    Real Impact: Research without borders delights Mexican exchange student

    Students from Mexico studying here, as well as Mexican-American students doing research internships in Mexico, receive educational support and mentoring as part of the new Mexican & Mexican-American Students initiative (I-MMÁS).

  • COVID-19 update with university seal

    Statewide stay-at-home order

    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.

  • five men pose with awards in front of IIN banner

    Illinois Innovation Network honors innovators from across state

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) announced recipients of its second-annual innovation awards Wednesday at the Illinois State Fair’s Tech Prairie STEAM Expo, recognizing individuals from the IIN’s 15 hubs who have made key advances in research, technology commercialization and education.

  • posed executives

    National Taiwan University joins Discovery Partners Institute

    National Taiwan University, the country’s most comprehensive and prestigious university, has signed an agreement to partner in the growing Discovery Partners Institute, a world-class education and research center led by the University of Illinois System.

  • two masked students studying on the quad

    Executive Committee approves test-optional admissions for two more years

    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

    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.

  • Photo illustration with a Narcan device and an Apple Vision Pro

    Real Impact: Grants fund life-saving training with an innovative tech twist

    Stopping an overdose using naloxone requires quick action in tough situations. “With VENT, we’re creating training that mimics hectic moments so people can feel prepared,” said Scott Barrows, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria clinical assistant professor. 

  • Two Synchrony interns and two employees pose in front of an inspirational sign that says driven

    Real Impact: Synchrony culture empowers next-gen innovators

    Synchrony is a University of Illinois System partner in fueling innovation. Leaders discussed growing that partnership at Synchrony Chicago during the U of I System’s 2022 state tour.

  • group of masked people holding awards in front of banner

    Illinois Innovation Network honors innovators from across state

    The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) announced its first group of innovation awards Wednesday at the Illinois State Fair’s Tech Prairie STEAM Expo, recognizing individuals from the IIN’s 15 hubs who have made key advances in research, technology commercialization and education.

  • campuses of UIUC, UIC, and UIS

    U of I System universities rank high in U.S. News & World Report

    All three universities in the U of I System were ranked highly among public institutions again this year in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, with Top 10 ratings in a number of categories.