University of Illinois at Chicago College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs

What do we think we're doing?

The short answer is that we are trying to make the places we live better for everyone. That can mean different things to different people and there are certainly many ways to go about it. And that's really why there is a UIC CUPPA.

We look at the history, theory, and practice of why we live where we do and what we need in the places we live in. We add that to our new research, new data, and new information. After that, we remember our dreams. We get creative and use our imaginations. Finally, we share our work to help residents go about making things as fair as they can be, get through the tough times if and when they happen, and be prosperous.

We believe in our mission. We promote just, resilient, and livable communities.

We are CUPPA.

CUPPA’s two undergraduate programs have 130 students. Our five graduate programs have 375 students. That means personalized attention from the faculty and staff across the college.

Thirty-four full-time faculty members teach our undergraduate and graduate classes. Adjunct faculty members hired specifically for their expertise in a particular topic in the Chicago metropolitan region are added for special course topics.

Our very own building, CUPPA Hall adjoins our Art and Exhibition Hall, which serves as the home for our contemporary, technologically enhanced classrooms. Our building also supports meeting rooms, computer labs, lounges, and discussion spaces for students 24/7. In the final stages of completion, CUPPA Hall underwent renovations totaling over $7 million.

Celebrate Our Differences

Theodore Levitt said, "One should not focus on the differences between people but look for commonality and similarity."

The UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs is proud to be a community of students, staff, and faculty from around the world. Indeed, one of the most important experiences we offer our students, staff, and faculty is the opportunity to study, learn and work in a wonderfully diverse environment.

Recent restrictions to US entry by immigrants and refugees from Muslim-majority countries stand in direct contradiction to CUPPA’s core values of encouraging cultural diversity and respecting the unique individual contributions of our students, faculty, and staff. For all of our CUPPA undocumented students, foreign students, postdocs, visiting scholars, staff, and faculty, please know that your continued presence and success is of the utmost importance to the College. You greatly enrich our lives and we are privileged and honored to have you here with us at UIC.

CUPPA remains committed to promoting reasoned dialogue and civil discourse. We will work with you to ensure you have safe spaces and full access to the faculty, staff, and administrators in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs to share your concerns, ask questions, or seek support.

Sweet Home Chicago

Proud to be part of the Chicagoland Region

Located in the heart of one of the world's global cities, the University of Illinois at Chicago and our College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs are a vital part of the educational, technological, and cultural fabric of the region.

Real people live, study, and work in Chicago; our city is known for its history, resilience, and a premier location in the center of the country. We are not isolated at the edges but fully immersed in the culture of the citizens surrounding us.

At CUPPA, we work hand in hand with the city of Chicago and the surrounding region, which contains the most local governments of all U.S. metro areas. We are able to use the intellectual capital among our faculty, students, and alumni to the benefit of all that surrounds us and beyond.