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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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  • students on quads on all three university campuses

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

    Sep 13, 2021 2:00 pm

    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 2022 Best Colleges rankings, with Top 10 ratings in a number of categories.

  • 94,700 students strong, books in background, U of I System logo

    U of I System's fall enrollment tops 94,700

    Sep 8, 2021 10:00 am

    Enrollment grew nearly 5 percent to more than 94,700 students across the University of Illinois System this fall, setting a record for the ninth straight year despite the pressures of a global pandemic, President Tim Killeen announced today.

  • Engineering Hall from the North, including Boneyard Creek

    UIUC to co-lead $15M Great Lakes Innovation Hub

    Aug 27, 2021 2:00 pm

    In an effort to nurture a regional innovation ecosystem and move more discoveries from the research lab to the marketplace, the National Science Foundation has established a Great Lakes Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Hub. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is co-leading the Hub, along with the University of Michigan, the University of Minnesota, and Purdue University.

  • Masked female and masked male show masked chancellor exterior of mobile lab trailer

    President honors leaders of COVID-19 lab development

    Aug 27, 2021 10:00 am

    University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen on Friday honored two people who are among the primary leadership behind the system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting them with the Presidential Medallion. 

  • COVID-19 update with colorized seal of the university

    Update on vaccination requirements

    Aug 26, 2021 4:00 pm

    President Tim Killeen sent a massmail to students, faculty and staff with updates on vaccination and mask requirements in keeping with Governor J.B. Pritzker's executive order.

  • Map of Illinois with plotpoints and 681,070 students; statistics of students, staff and schools served; Helping Illinois reopen safely

    More than 1,200 Illinois K-12 Schools have signed up for SHIELD testing

    Aug 24, 2021 3:00 pm

    More than 1,200 K-12 schools across the state have signed up to use the SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 saliva test for the start of the 2021-22 academic year. More than 650,000 students in Illinois will now have access to the test, pioneered by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  • compilation of students walking on three university campuses

    Fall 2021 welcome

    Aug 24, 2021 12:00 pm

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

  • gold medallions of U of I seal on blue ribbons

    28 receive U of I System honor for leading COVID-19 response

    Aug 23, 2021 12:00 pm

    University of Illinois President Tim Killeen on Monday honored 28 key leaders of the system’s COVID-19 response with the Presidential Medallion. The medallion is the highest honor that the system president can bestow.

  • group of masked people holding awards in front of banner

    Illinois Innovation Network honors innovators from across state

    Aug 19, 2021 7:45 am

    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.

  • architectural rendering

    University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford announces $100M expansion

    Aug 13, 2021 11:45 am

    The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford is getting a $100 million dollar expansion that would help the school focus on rural healthcare.

  • 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.