In 1933, the Division of University Extension, now known as the Office of Continuing Education, was established to serve the needs of working professionals, non-traditional students, and lifelong learners. Its mission then and now remains same— to work with the faculty and the academic units to extend the reach of this great institution throughout the state, the nation, and the world.

Through an array of partnerships, the Office of Continuing Education (OCE) offers off-campus classes and degrees; assists faculty in developing online programs for external audiences; and provides broad and comprehensive conferencing services to all campus units. In addition, OCE manages all aspects of Allerton Park to ensure that the Park supports the research, education, and public engagement missions of the Urbana campus.

Today, the Office of Continuing Education’s three divisions— Academic Outreach, Conferences & Institutes, and Allerton Park and Retreat Center— provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs that link more than 75,000 citizens of Illinois and beyond to the Urbana-Champaign campus. Additionally, more than 100,000 people participate in OCE personal enrichment programs or visit Allerton Park annually.

We invite you to take advantage of the resources that OCE provides and of the many programmatic opportunities that the University of Illinois offers.