Who is the Emergency Dean?
A unique service of the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Illinois is the Emergency Dean who can be
reached 24-hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (217) 333-0050. Between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday,
professional staff in the Office of the Dean of Students serve as Emergency Dean. At all other times, an on-call Emergency
Dean serves on a rotating basis.
What does the Emergency Dean do?
The Emergency Dean provides information and follow-up services to students and families in an emergency situation. Also,
the Emergency Dean acts as a resource to community and University law enforcement agencies, hospitals and crisis centers.
Can the Emergency Dean help if a student misses classes or assignments?
Yes. The Emergency Dean can send a letter for extended absences due to an illness, accident or family crisis. However,
the faculty has authority and responsibility for excusing students from class, accepting late assignments and giving make-up
tests. Request an Absence Letter >>
Does the Emergency Dean contact parents if a student is ill or involved in an accident?
Medical personnel at local hospitals will contact parents if such contact is deemed medically necessary. The Emergency
Dean does not contact parents because of federal privacy laws.
Can the Emergency Dean locate students?
The Emergency Dean will attempt to locate students if an emergency such as family death or sudden hospitalization for
serious illness or accident occurs.
Can students or parents call the Emergency Dean for non-emergency reasons?
Yes. The Emergency Dean will answer callers' questions or direct callers to the appropriate University staff for answers.