About the University of Illinois System

The University of Illinois System is made up of people who want more. Our innovative, diverse, globally engaged citizens and leaders enrich our culture and society, create prosperity, and serve the public good. New breakthroughs from our universities foster economic growth and solve society's biggest challenges. Combined, the three universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield bring resources, capabilities, and drive that are greater than the sum of their parts – it is altogether extraordinary.

We attract the nation's most talented students with hundreds of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, many of them ranked among the best in the United States. We are the state's largest system of higher education, with more than 94,800 students. In addition to our three main campuses, the U of I System has regional campuses, the UI Health hospital and clinics, research facilities, and Extension offices throughout the state. The U of I System also leads the development of the Discovery Partners Institute, an interdisciplinary private-public research institute and hub of the Illinois Innovation Network. 

We've carried on our land-grant mission for more than 150 years, making a lasting impact throughout Illinois and beyond the state borders.

Mission & Vision

The University of Illinois System is among the preeminent public university systems in the nation and strives constantly to sustain and enhance its quality in teaching, research, public service, healthcare, and economic development.

See also: Strategic Framework

Mission

The University of Illinois System will transform lives and serve society by educating, creating knowledge, and putting knowledge to work on a large scale and with excellence.

Vision

To create a future for the University of Illinois in which the students, faculty, and staff thrive and the citizens of Illinois, the nation, and the world benefit – a future in which the University of Illinois System is the recognized leader among public research university systems in:

• Teaching and scholarship
• Research and discovery
• Engagement and public service
• Economic vitality
• Healthcare
• Arts and culture
• Global reach
• Athletics

Guiding Values

In all that the University of Illinois System does, we will:

• Aim high
• Strive to control our destiny
• Be accountable for our actions and exercise responsible stewardship
• Be inclusive, treat each other with dignity and respect, and promote citizenship
• Value excellence, quality, and service
• Foster innovation and creativity

Committed to Diversity

Our world is at its best when it includes the experiences and voices of many, especially those often underserved. The U of I System strives daily to mirror the rich diversity of Illinois.

Doing so provides life-changing opportunities. That’s true for our students and communities, as well as the businesses we rely on for goods and services.

To live out our land-grant mission, we set high goals for diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging. Those goals permeate our universities and research, our healthcare facilities and the companies we help launch.

We will grow and evolve our commitment to diversity to ensure we do what's right for our people, our state and our world. ACCESS 2030 – which aims to increase the number of graduates from underrepresented groups by 50 percent by the end of the decade – focuses on closing equity gaps, a key tenet of the system’s commitment to the public good.

This and other essential work systemwide will guide the way and assure accountability. After all, each of us is at our best when a sense of belonging underpins all we do.

Real Impact

Real Impact stories spotlight the real difference that people, programs, and partnerships – across the system – make on the state’s economic, social and cultural well-being.

• Hope Chicago delivers wide welcome to students, families
• Robust collaborations activate diverse vendors' successes
• Research without borders delights Mexican exchange student
• Universities' Salute events strive to keep top students in Illinois   
• At DPI, once-reluctant Chicago area teen raises her hand for tech
• Giving back to community tops driven alum’s list of successes

Who We Are

• Accessibility: Opening our doors widely, we welcome and support learners from all walks of life.
• Affordability: Financial aid from the U of I System has nearly doubled over the last decade.
• Guiding Principles: Our stance on issues that affect students, faculty, and staff across the system.
• Human Resources: Our dynamic work environment fosters unique experiences, perspectives, and cultures.

Programs & Services

• Disability Resources and Educational Services
• Urbana |  Chicago |  Springfield
• Diverse Supplier Development Program
• Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI)
• Diversity Resources and Services
• Urbana |  Chicago |  Springfield
• I-MMÁS: University of Illinois System Mexican and Mexican-American Students initiative
• LGBTQ+
• Urbana |  Chicago |  Springfield
• President’s Research in Diversity Travel Assistance
• Salute to Academic Achievement and Salute to Illinois Scholars