The planning process for Illinois Leads is just as important as the document that will come out of it. The university will engage our university community, affirm our university missions, and set our course for the future. Learn more about the timeline and planning process below.
Timeline
Dec. 2025
- Charge steering committee, which includes leadership from across the university.
- Inform the university community about the project and steering committee via massmail.
Jan. – Feb. 2026
- Review priorities to inform the planning process.
- Steering committee meetings begin to initiate the planning process.
March – April 2026
- The Illinois Leads survey begins, asking the university community to share their perspectives about the future of the university. All faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to respond.
- University community conversations are planned to hear additional perspectives. Conversations consist of representation across the university nominated by the Chancellor’s Leadership Committee.
- Illinois Leads survey closes; results shared with the steering committee.
May 2026
- Survey data is collected and community conversations outcomes are analyzed to help inform the plan. Steering committee is briefed on the findings.
June – August 2026
- Write and finalize the Illinois Leads strategic plan based on findings from the university community and steering committee recommendations.
Fall 2026
- Review and request approval for the proposed strategic plan with the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
- Release plan to the university community.
- Begin converting plan into actionable tactics for our university.
