The University of Illinois Springfield could return to a more normal atmosphere in the fall if the pandemic trends continue in the right direction.  The university system has announced it plans to offer more in-person classes starting in August, citing the rising number of people getting vaccinated as a main reason. 

Students applying to college in 2020-2021 will soon have access to over 30 additional colleges and universities across the United States through the Common App online application system. Used by more than three million applicants, teachers, and counselors around the world every year, the Common App platform streamlines the college application process, providing resources and guidance to make college more accessible for students around the country.

The University of Illinois System announced Thursday that three state universities will not require students to submit standardized test scores for admission applications. 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Springfield will allow high school students to apply for admission for the two upcoming academic years without taking the ACT or SAT.

The University of Illinois Springfield will offer 28 accelerated online and blended courses for prospective and current students. Most classes will begin Monday, March 15, and will conclude in early May.

“This is a great opportunity for new UIS students to start or finish their education,” said UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney. “It’s also a chance for current students to add to their course load and potentially earn their degree in a shorter period of time.”

Due to the accelerated nature of the classes, it is recommended that students only enroll in one course.

Registration is now underway for more than 200 summer courses at the University of Illinois Springfield. Current and prospective students are encouraged to apply now for classes starting on June 7.

“Whether students are wanting to get a jumpstart on classes, or are determined to graduate sooner, this is a great opportunity to continue their educational goals,” said Natalie Herring, UIS associate provost for enrollment management.

The University of Illinois Springfield will remain test-optional for undergraduate applicants through 2023-24, meaning SAT and ACT scores will not be required for admission. 

The University of Illinois Board of Trustee's Executive Committee approved the extension during a meeting on April 1, 2021. 

The decision was made in response to continued pandemic-driven restrictions on large gatherings in many places around the country that limit students’ ability to take the SAT and ACT tests. 

KickStart Orientation is a UIS staple in preparing new Prairie Stars for a transition from home to campus. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's orientation transitioned to an all-online format, and according Lisa McGuire, director of New Student Orientation and Parent Relations, it has been successful.