UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONALS OF ILLINOIS

UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONALS OF ILLINOIS Unions are happening!Lobby Day February 17, 2026January 27, 2026IFT Lobby day is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. TIME: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm CST Where: Capitol Complex Visitors Center 425 S College St Springfield, IL 62704 Sign up here Keep Up the good work There has been a lot going on and it seems overwhelming. Take time for selfcare too. It's important to peacefully protest and equally important to take care of yourself. It is important to keep up the pressure and run for local office! Every phone call, letter, email, and postcard help keep the issues before our representatives. The pressure is working, keep up the good work.News page Statement from John Miller, President of the UPI & Membership Secretary of the IFTJanuary 22, 2026​ILLINOIS - As higher education institutions across the nation struggle with federal funding cuts, universities in Illinois are suffering further from long term underfunding by the state. University Professionals of Illinois President John Miller, who also serves as the Membership Secretary for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, issued this statement today after the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) neglected to fulfill its responsibilities. “The Illinois Board of Higher Education has failed students and working families once again. At a time when Illinois students and families are struggling desperately to afford a university education, the Board’s FY 27 budget recommendation today guarantees even higher tuition and fees and more student debt. “Chronic and systemic underfunding is to blame for the $1.3 billion owed to Illinois’ public universities. As a result, students are fleeing our state for a more affordable education elsewhere or giving up on their higher education dreams altogether. “While IBHE members should step up to demand full funding from the state, it is shameful that they unanimously voted to recommend a sham budget that will only make things worse. Board members claim to be requesting a 3% increase, but that is misleading. In reality, their recommendation is just a 1% increase over what was appropriated – but not released by Governor Pritzker – in the current fiscal year (FY 26). “Our union strongly condemns IBHE’s grossly inadequate budget recommendation. We join with students, families, and other education stakeholders to call on the Governor to do what is right – immediately release the remaining 2% of funds that he is withholding and commit to fully fund our public colleges and universities. Illinois students deserve real investment, not empty promises.” Healthcare Webinar ISU Fireside Chat Wrap up & Update for 2025 and Looking towards 2026December 31, 2025 As we wrap up 2025, we want to thank you for all you’ve done on campus and in support of one another. After a busy semester, and looking ahead to a new year, please take care of yourselves and make time to rest when you can. Your United Faculty ISU’s executive board is working diligently to meet with management, review grievances, ensure that our contract is upheld, and support our members. In this fireside chat, President Ashley Farmer provides updates on ongoing issues and addresses admin disposition towards the union, in particular towards our Dean Scavenger Hunt last month. If they don't want us coming to them, Ashley offers an alternative starting in Spring 2026. ​Dept. Workloads due Jan. 15, 2026 ​UIS Bargaining Update ​December 8, 2025 The parties met for their ninth session. The Union presented language for ten issues. Admin and the Union discussed these issues and how to proceed with mediation after the initial mediator declined to participate. The parties agreed to a new mediator from the original Illinois Education Labor Relations Board mediator list prior to adjournment. The next bargaining session is scheduled for January 23, 2026.ISU FB