Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose or mission of the CIC?
The mission of the CIC is to promote academic excellence in the member universities through resource sharing and collaboration.
When was the CIC started?
1958
What Universities belong to the CIC?
The CIC is a consortium of 12 research universities, including the eleven members of the Big Ten Athletic Conference and the University of Chicago.
Who funds the CIC?
The CIC office and programs are funded entirely through member universities dues and through grants.
How is the CIC governed?
The “Members” of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation are the governing board. The Chief Academic Officers (Provosts) of the 12 member universities are the Members of the CIC.
Who “speaks” for the CIC?
Only the CIC Members (Provosts), or their designees, may speak on behalf of the CIC on any issue. See also the CIC guidelines on public statements.
Is there any relationship to the Big Ten Athletic Conference?
Of the 12 CIC member universities, 11 of them are members of the Big Ten Athletic Conference. The Big Ten generously provides meeting space at their headquarters near the O’Hare Airport in Chicago. The Big Ten and CIC staffs work together, as appropriate, to share information with the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors, or the CIC Members (Provosts) as appropriate.
Is there a CIC office? Where is it located?
The CIC headquarters staff of 16 is located in Champaign, Illinois.
Does the CIC pay meeting expenses, or provide grants or fund projects?
Those groups organized at the request of the CIC Members (Provosts) typically have their meeting room expenses covered (meals and meeting room costs). Additionally, the Chief Information Officers, Graduate Deans, Deans of Arts and Sciences, University Librarians, or other senior administrators may convene (and pay for) meetings of groups. There is no CIC program budget for new activities. Rather, the CIC Members (Provosts) or other senior administrative groups may identify and fund new areas of focus.
Who determines the level of support provided by CIC headquarters to groups and committees?
Headquarters resources (human and financial) are designated first and foremost to project management in areas of strategic opportunity. The CIC headquarters staff, in consultation with the Members (Provosts), will determine the level of support that can be provided to any group.
How do I join an existing CIC group?
Most CIC groups do not allow “open” participation. However, you should contact the group chair for more information. If you do not know how to contact the group chair, contact the CIC office at cic@uiuc.edu.
I meet with my peers from the CIC, but we are not listed on the CIC web page. Why?
A number of self-organized groups from the CIC convene on a regular basis to share ideas and best practices. Many such groups do not have a web page.
Where is the Big Ten Conference Center?
The Big Ten Conference Center is located approximately two miles from O’Hare International Airport. Travel directions and information about nearby hotels may be found at Directions to the Big Ten Center.
How do I start a CIC group?
CIC committees may be established only by the Provosts or their designees. If you wish to convene a group of your CIC peers for best practice and information sharing, please contact the CIC for more information and guidance. cic@uiuc.edu.
What should we do if our group wishes to make a public statement?
Only the CIC Members (Provosts) may issue statements on behalf of the CIC, or issue recommendations to the campuses. Please consult the policy entitled Who Speaks for the CIC.
If your question is not answered here, please contact the CIC at cic@uiuc.edu.
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