I-Team

The University of Illinois I-Team is a group of diverse staff members who help ensure expression of First Amendment rights at events on campus within the parameters of the Expressive Activity on Campus Policy. A rotating subset of I-Team members attend events on campus that have the potential to be interrupted, disruptive or lead to adverse contact between parties due to conflict, particularly protests and demonstrations.

I-Team members are easily identifiable through branded apparel such as a jacket or shirt and a lanyard badge. If feasible, they introduce themselves to event organizers before an event begins, reinforcing the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and related policies and explaining the purpose of the team. I-Team members remain in the background at events and serve as a means of potential intervention prior to disturbance escalation, with a goal of avoiding unnecessary police response.

Members of the I-Team have been trained in de-escalation techniques and utilize their professional backgrounds and experiences in engagement with students and others in the community. I-Team members are not responsible for negotiation with event organizers should behavior in violation of any university policy persist; instead, I-Team members defer to protocols outlined in the university’s Demonstration Response Plan.

The I-Team is comprised of 25 staff in various roles roles throughout the university act in the scope of their assigned university duties as members of the I-Team. At any given week during the fall and spring semesters (except fall break and spring break), three I-Team members are on standby to respond to designated events that are either scheduled or unscheduled.

I-Team Member Responsibilities

  • Be present and visible at designated events wearing I-Team apparel and lanyard badge
  • Communicate with event organizers/facilitators, explaining the purpose of the I-Team
  • Be ready to explain parameters of the Expressive Activity on Campus Policy
  • Monitor dynamics during the event and be sensitive to potential escalations that could lead to violations of university policies or could create hostile interactions between opposing parties
  • Utilize de-escalation techniques as needed and practical, maintaining the safety of all participants/attendees as a priority
  • Respectfully approach those who engage in actions intended to silence protected speech during an event with request to cease behavior as warranted (e.g., “heckler’s veto” during an event in a space reserved by the hosting group)
  • Interface with other university staff (e.g., University of Illinois Police, facility/event managers) at the event as needed
  • Seek assistance when necessary

I-Team Operation Overview

  1. 1 Awareness
  2. 2 I-Team Designated Event
  3. 3 Notification to I-Teamers Covering that Week
  4. 4 Pre-Planning Meeting (Optional)
  5. 5 Introduction to Event Sponsor(s) and Facility Designated Official
  6. 6 I-Teamers Arrive on Site
  7. 7 Team expansion if needed
  8. 8 Strategic Placement of I-Team
  9. 9 Maintain Situational Awareness
  10. 10 Intervene as warranted; seek help from UIPD if necessary
  11. 11 Complete Event Report

I-Team Q&A

How will the I-Team be activated?

Events will be designated as I-Team events by the I-Team coordinators, Stephen Bryan (Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Advocacy and Dean of Students) and/or Kristin McMurray (Assistant Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations). These may be events that are scheduled in advance or occur with little notice. The I-Teamers “on call” during the week of the designated event are tasked to be first responders for the event. Notification of a designated event will occur through an app used by the I-Team. The “on call” I-Teamers will confirm their participation by RSVPing for the event in the app. Other I-Teamers who are available and can assist for the event will also indicate such. Generally, a minimum of three and a maximum of seven I-Teamers will staff each event.

What do members of the I-Team do when they get to the site of the protest/demonstration?

Huddle with the other I-Teamers covering the event to: 1) confirm communications means for each other that will be used during the event (a Teams or Zoom meeting; chatting within the I-Team app; or, group texting); 2) connect with the UIPD officer in charge of staffing the event; 3) connect with the event facility manager/designated official; and, 4) introduce themselves to the event organizer, noting any concerns/observations and/or answering any questions about university expectations for the event. The I-Team lead will then ensure that I-Team members are assigned to a strategic location for the duration of the event.

What’s NOT the I-Team role?

It is outside the normal purview of the I-Team role for I-Teamers to confront students with demands for compliance with university policy and then to formally document non-compliance for follow up through the university’s disciplinary mechanisms. I-Teamers are also not responsible for negotiation with event organizers should behavior in violation of university policy persist.

Can I request the I-Team for an event?

Please send your event details including date, time, location, estimated attendance to the Office of the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@illinois.edu) with as much notice as possible. An I-Team coordinator will follow up with you to discuss your event and the potential for I-Team members to be present. Please review the Demonstration Response Plan as well.