Quinn taps panel to examine U of I admissions in wake of 'clout list'

University of Illinois President Joe White says he's shelving plans to create his own task force to examine the school's admission practices because Gov. Pat Quinn has named a special commission to investigate.

White pledged Wednesday that the school will cooperate fully with Quinn's panel, promising it would have access to what it needed to do its job.

Quinn named an independent commission to review the school's admission practices after news reports showed less-qualified candidates with political connections had been admitted to the state university.

The commission has 60 days to complete its work.

Quinn says the panel will look at the standards used to judge applicants and investigate any instances of politically-connected students being favored.

Retired federal Judge Abner Mikva will head the commission.