Panel to investigate admissions of politically connected students at University of Illinois

Ill. panel to investigate U. of Ill. admissions

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed a state commission to investigate what some have called questionable admissions practices at the state’s largest public university.

The Chicago Tribune reported last month that the University of Illinois admitted some students with more political connections than qualifications, including a convicted fundraiser’s relative who was recommended by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The school also kept a list of students favored by lawmakers and trustees. University President Joseph White has since suspended use of the list.

Quinn said Wednesday that the state commission has 60 days to evaluate admission criteria. White pledged the school’s full cooperation.

Blagojevich was impeached and ousted after his arrest late last year on federal corruption charges, including allegations he schemed to sell President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.