Chapter 2: University Organization & Governance

Introduction to Illinois State University

Illinois State University was established in 1857 and enjoys the distinction of being the first public institution of higher learning in Illinois.

Over 19,000 students are enrolled at Illinois State University, making it one of the largest universities in the Midwest.  The University offers 157 fields of study in 33 academic departments at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.  The faculty, staff, and student employees make Illinois State University one of the largest employers in the community.  In addition to its academic and economic impacts on central Illinois, Illinois State University is also the area’s leading cultural center.  The University sponsors hundreds of cultural events, including world-renowned symphonies, operatic productions, art exhibits, and theatre presentations.  Permanent cultural attractions include four art galleries, a planetarium, and special book collections at the University library.  

I. Illinois System of Higher Education

The system of higher education in Illinois was developed as a result of recommendations made by the Illinois Board of Higher Education through its master plans.  The system consists of the Board of Higher Education, which is the overall coordinating board for the State; the Illinois Community College Board, which is the coordinating board for the State’s fifty public community college campuses; and the nine governing boards, which coordinate the twelve public universities and colleges and their extension campuses.  The board which governs Illinois State University is called the Board of Trustees.

A. The Illinois Board of Higher Education – www.ibhe.state.il.us/

The Illinois Board of Higher Education consists of 15 members and is the coordinating and planning agency for Illinois postsecondary education. 

B. The Board of Trustees – www.bot.ilstu.edu/

Like the Board of Higher Education, the Board of Trustees is granted its power to govern by the Illinois General Assembly.  The Board consists of eight members, seven who are appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, and one Illinois State University student.

II. Internal Administration

There are three levels of administration within the academic areas of the University:  (1) central administration; (2) colleges; and (3) departments/units or programs.  The basic University administrative organization is described in the organization chart found at the President's WebSite.

A. Central Administration

The officers in the Central Administration are the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice President for Finance and Planning, and the Vice President for University Advancement.  The President is the chief executive officer of the University.  The Provost is the chief academic officer and is the principal administrative officer responsible for the operations of the University in the absence of the President.  Both the President and the Provost draw on the talents of the other officers and administrators to achieve the goals of the University, as specified in policies of the Board of Trustees and the Academic Plan.

The President – www.president.ilstu.edu/
The duties and responsibilities of the President are specified in the Governing Policy of the Board of Trustees.  The President is directly responsible to the Board of Trustees through the Chairperson.  The President presents the needs and defends the interests of the University to the Board of Trustees, state officials, and concerned community audiences.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost – www.provost.ilstu.edu
The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost is the chief academic officer of the University and is responsible for the planning, development, and operation of the academic programs of the University.

The Vice President for Finance and Planning – www.vpbf.ilstu.edu/
The Vice President for Finance and Planning is responsible for the finances and business operations of the University.  This office (1) advises the President in matters related to the financial and business affairs of the University; (2) develops, reviews, and regulates the University’s central financial databases; (3) oversees the development of institutional-information systems that provide data needed for developing and implementing plans; (4) directs the operating budget; (5) directs the development and improvement of facilities and grounds; (6) oversees campus parking and circulation; (7) administers mail services programs; (8) directs environmental health, safety, and security issues; (9) oversees the University’s human resources office; (10) prepares periodic financial reports; and (11) coordinates long-range, non-academic planning.

The Vice President for Student Affairs – www.ilstu.edu/depts/stuaffairs
The Vice President for Student Affairs is the principal advisor to the President on student matters.  This office maintains a formal relationship with University-approved student organizations and works to resolve student problems.  The following units make up the Division of Student Affairs: Bone Student Center, Counseling and Career Services, Intercultural Programs and Services, Residential Life, Student Life, Recreational Services, Student Health Services, Student Judicial Office, Disability Concerns, Parent Services, and Students' Legal Services.

Vice president for University Advancement – www.institutionadv.ilstu.edu
The following University communication units make up the Division of University Advancement: Alumni Services, Media Relations/News Service, University Communications, Foundation, and Development.  

B. Deans of Colleges

Faculty and academic programs at Illinois State University are organized into six Colleges, each with a College Dean as the responsible administrator: the College of Applied Science and Technology, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts, and the Mennonite College of Nursing.  In addition, the University supports the College of Continuing Education and Public Service and the Graduate School, both of which draw on faculty and programs in the other six Colleges, and Milner Library, administered by the University Librarian.  

C. The Laboratory Schools – www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/labschool/

The Laboratory Schools consist of Thomas Metcalf Elementary School and University High School.  The Superintendent of the Laboratory Schools reports directly to the Dean of the College of Education.  The principals at Metcalf and University High Schools report to the Superintendent of the Laboratory Schools and the Dean of the College of Education.

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