COVID-19: Rising to the Challenge

The University of Illinois System is demonstrating its land-grant mission in real time, marshalling its world-class resources and utilizing its knowledge-generating power to foster solutions that will help steer our state through this pandemic. Our researchers are studying changes in society during this historic period, thus positioning us to face future challenges, stronger together. Here is a look at some of the many contributions by the talented faculty, staff and students at our universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield, and the system offices.

Recent headlines

See the story archives

Learn more

Learn more about all the efforts throughout the system in the early months of the pandemic on our COVID-19 response narrative page.

podcast art with U of I System logo and images of Alma Mater, Chicago skyline, and Abe Lincoln

Listen to the Rising to the Challenge podcast

COVID-19 websites

Websites across the U of I System keep our communities apprised of the latest communications and developments, along with answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information for additional concerns:

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Springfield
UI Health
System HR Services
SHIELD Illinois
Shield T3

Play the COVID-19 Vaccination Q&A video below, or watch on Youtube

Communications

Spring 2023 COVID-19 update
Fall 2022 COVID-19 guidelines
COVID-19 booster shot now required
Booster shot recommendations
Faculty/Staff: New video answers student vaccine questions
Students: New video answers student vaccine questions

For older communications visit:

Messages to the U of I System community
Newsroom

In the News

2022

Chicago Tribune, June 14
WTTW, Feb. 24

2021

PBS, Aug. 16
Sun-Times, Aug. 24
WLS Radio, July 23
WGN TV, July 22
WTTW, July 22
Chicago Tribune, July 21
Chicago Tribune, June 11
Wall Street Journal, June 7
Sun-Times, Jan. 18

2020

Yahoo Finance, Nov. 24
WGN TV, Nov. 20
WGN Radio, Nov. 20
The 21st, Sep. 16
CBS Evening News, Sep. 10
CNN, Sep. 8
CNN, Sep. 1
CNBC, Aug. 28

Signage

Urbana-Champaign
Chicago
Springfield

U of I System Offices should utilize their home campus signage. If you are in a leased space and need assistance with alternative signage, email External Relations and Communications.

Resources

System HR COVID-19 resources
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Travel.state.gov
Coronavirus.illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Health
1.800.889.3931 or dph.sick@illinois.gov
Chicago Department of Public Health
Champaign-Urbana Health District
Sangamon County Dept. of Public Health
Hotline: 217.321.2606

small coronavirus image

A UIC alumnus helped create this CDC image.
Read the story in the Chicago Tribune.