President shifts $8.2M in administrative funds to student support

“This is a first step to ensure that we manage our financial resources wisely and effectively to serve our students and the people of Illinois,” says President Timothy Killeen. Photo: Roberta Dupuis-Devlin/UIC Photo Services

University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen announced Wednesday that he is redirecting $8.2 million in recurring funds from centrally held university accounts to support financial aid and other student-centered programs at UIC, Urbana-Champaign and the Springfield campuses.

Killeen, who made the announcement during a speech to the City Club of Chicago, said the move reflects his commitment to putting students first as the university seeks to maintain its excellence amid uncertain state support.

“Leadership starts at the top, and this is a first step to ensure that we manage our financial resources wisely and effectively to serve our students and the people of Illinois,” said Killeen, who took office as the university’s 20th president May 18.

The $8.2 million to support student programs was identified during an ongoing review of spending and efficiency in central administration. The funds, held in discretionary accounts under the president’s direction for campus and university-wide initiatives, have been used for facility renovations, information technology upgrades and other targeted initiatives.

Killeen said campuses will be asked to submit proposals for a share of the funds. The money could be used for need- or merit-based financial aid, minority student recruitment, counseling and placement services, and other student-centered programs.

“The internal reallocation will support our highest priority — a world-class education with student access, affordability, completion and success as key components,” Killeen said.