Message from the Dean “Community is the heart of UIC Business and, as a valued member of the college, please know that we are in this together— and we will get through this, together.” First and foremost, UIC Business extends our sincere thoughts and best wishes to all of you as we learn to cope with the devastation of COVID-19 and other troubling events throughout the nation and world. At UIC Business, our primary goal is to provide a transformative and accessible education to a diverse population of talented, resourceful and driven students. Since its inception in 1966, the college has prided itself on the ability to grow and change to meet the demands of an ever-changing business landscape and world. Despite the complications of the coronavirus, we continue to adapt to meet those demands. This summer the college created two new academic departments: a marketing department and the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate. We launched a new two-year freshmen cohort program that is expected to increase retention and graduation rates by enhancing student learning and engagement through smaller class sizes and building stronger relationships amongst students in the same cohorts. More information on these new and other initiatives can be found in this report. So many of our students come from low-income households and work part or full time while managing their studies. Without a doubt, COVID-19 has caused a great disruption in their lives—on and off campus—and has made it difficult for them to continue 3
at UIC. We are working diligently to ensure that we can lessen the academic and financial burdens they are facing. Last year, the Get to Graduation Fund was established to help students within a semester or two finish their degrees on time. Additionally, scholarship support is a key priority in our fundraising efforts. We are incredibly thankful to our compassionate and generous alumni and donors who are thinking of our students in these difficult times. UIC Business would not be the same without them and you. This academic year will undoubtedly present numerous challenges—and we are ready. Community is the heart of UIC Business and, as a valued member of the college, please know that we are in this together—and we will get through this, together. UIC Business is thinking of you and we look forward to seeing you back on campus soon. Sincerely,
Michael B. Mikhail, PhD Professor and Dean For more information on how UIC is responding to COVID-19 and protecting its community, please visit UIC Today to learn more. Dean’s Report
