Merging two University of Illinois campuses in 1982 led to the formation of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), which now serves as an anchor in its community. With a total of 30,539 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students studying in 15 colleges, UIC makes up the largest university in the Chicago area.
Due not only to its size, but also dedication to innovation and partnership, UIC has played an integral part in the city and its community. UIC is focused on fostering lasting university-community partnerships and promoting civic engagement.
A key piece of UIC’s partnerships stems from the Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships (OCEAN – HP) focused on promoting health, education, and resources for the community. One of the Office’s initiatives established the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion in 2002 which provides free nutrition education services and invests in various nutrition interventions such as early childhood, emergency, and school based.
UIC is also dedicated to civic engagement, aimed at transforming democracy. The Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement has a variety of programs and resources that allow citizens and officials to come together, build community, and participate in social discourse.
Through the Great Cities Institute, UIC brings together scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders to participate in engaged research and work to improve the quality of life for Chicago neighborhoods.
Since its establishment, the University of Illinois at Chicago has remained committed to its community, collaborating and creating effective partnerships. The university serves as an anchor to Chicago, fostering innovation, health, civic engagement, and much more.
Here are a few examples of how the University of Illinois at Chicago is making a difference in the communities they serve:
- Great Cities Institute: UIC’s research hub for policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders to partner in engaged research aimed at positively impacting metropolitan regions and cities around the world.
- Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships: aimed at promoting health education and providing food services and interventions to the community.
- Office of Public and Government Affairs: focused on advocacy and public service to foster strong relationships with the community and government.
- Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement: aimed at promoting citizens’ involvement in public policy, creating important discussions, and participating in social discourse.