The University of Illinois at Chicago is the largest institution of higher learning in the Chicago area. UIC is located within walking distance of the Loop and is a vital part of the educational, technological and cultural fabric of the metropolitan area. The campus enrolls almost 25,000 students and employs more than 11,000 people. UIC has an annual budget of over $1 billion dollars with about one-third of that total from state appropriations.

The campus was formed in 1982 by the consolidation of two campuses: the Medical Center campus, which dates back to the 19th century, and the comprehensive Chicago Circle campus which opened in 1965. Prior to the opening of Chicago Circle campus, the University of Illinois had a two year undergraduate program at Navy Pier which first opened in 1946 to educate returning veterans. UIC shares the rich tradition of the diversity of the city and the spirit of community that is part of the heritage of Chicago's near west side. The campus now has more than 100 buildings that cover 300 acres just west of Chicago's Loop. UIC is committed to efforts to build and nurture important relationships with neighbors, alumni, friends, and business and community leaders.

In recent years, UIC has increased efforts through teaching, research and service to improve the quality of life in Chicago and other urban areas. The Great Cities program in partnership with schools, businesses, community organizations, and government agencies uses community-focused initiatives to address urban issues and concerns. The UIC Medical Center also plays an essential role in contributing to the health and well-being of Chicago and its citizens. The Medical Center provides quality health care to 400,000 patients a year and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the best in the country. One in every six Illinois physicians is a UIC graduate.

UIC continues to build upon the traditions of its past and towards its expectations for the future. The campus is progressing with several key building projects that are designed to position UIC for success in the future. The South Campus project provides an opportunity for the campus to create a more vital community with new housing for students and staff and several new academic facilities. There are also plans for a new College of Medicine building on the west side of campus to house laboratories that will provide state-of-the-art facilities for faculty and students. These capital projects along with the continued renovation of the campus core will help create and foster a vibrant intellectual and social environment for students and staff in the 21st century.