Governor Quinn Names U of I Admissions Commission

CHICAGO - June 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn signed an Executive Order forming the Admissions Review Commission, an independent fact-finding group that will investigate claims the University of Illinois granted admittance to some college applicants because they were politically-connected.

 

"This is a troubling situation. Admission to this great university should be based on merit, never on clout," said Governor Quinn. "This Commission is charged with investigating claims of such special treatment and making sure any and all problems are rooted out and corrected."

 

The Admissions Review Commission consists of seven public-minded Illinois citizens with stellar professional reputations and diverse experiences in education, law, business, non-profit administration and government.

 

In addition to investigating claims of favorable treatment for some applicants, the Commission will review the university's admissions procedures and make recommendations for necessary improvements. The Commission will complete its investigation in 60 days.

 

Commission members will be assisted by Theodore Chung (PDF), general counsel for the Quinn Administration and a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

 

The University of Illinois is expected to fully cooperate with the Admissions Review Commission, said Governor Quinn.

 

"We all have a stake in the University of Illinois and this independent review will erase any questions and guarantee its reputation as a center of higher learning and achievement," said Governor Quinn.

 

For more information, please visit admissionsreview.illinois.gov