To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "President Michael J. Hogan" <presmike@uillinois.edu>

Reply-To: presmike@uillinois.edu
 Subject: University taking swift action 


September 12, 2011

Dear Members of the Urbana-Champaign Campus Community,

This past weekend, the University disclosed that it is conducting an 
inquiry into possible inaccuracies in student profile data concerning the 
incoming College of Law class of 2014 that had been publicly posted and 
distributed. 

Let me assure you that this matter is being taken very seriously by the 
highest levels of the University, the campus, and the College of Law.  
With the support of the Board of Trustees, I have asked the University 
Ethics Office and the Office of the University Counsel to lead the 
inquiry.  To guarantee that our review has complete integrity, they will 
be assisted by an independent data analysis firm and external legal 
counsel familiar with the University and its data-reporting requirements.

The data in question -- median law school entrance test scores and grade 
point averages for the class of 2014 -- have been removed from the 
College's website and the University will provide the accurate data as 
soon as it is verified.

Although many questions remain to be answered, the action by the 
University has been swift and thorough since Aug. 26 when the Ethics 
Office received credible information that prompted the review. 
Administrative staff at the College are cooperating fully with the 
inquiry. The College community and alumni, as well as the general public 
<http://www.uillinois.edu/our/news/2011/Sept11.Law.cfm>, were notified 
over the weekend. A report on the findings and outcome of the inquiry 
will be forthcoming at its conclusion.

This is unpleasant news and is apt to disappoint, even anger, anyone who 
hears it. At the same time, however, we can also say that a new culture 
has taken hold at our University. A tone of integrity and transparency is 
apparent across all of our campuses, and people are no longer reluctant 
to come forward.  We take questionable actions seriously and review them 
thoroughly and expeditiously. 

You have my assurance, and the assurance of Urbana campus leadership, 
that we will investigate any credible report of unethical behavior. We 
all are proud of our part in making -- and keeping -- the University of 
Illinois a strong and ethical institution.
 
Mike

 
Michael J. Hogan
President
University of Illinois


This mailing approved by:
The Office of the President

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