The University of Illinois system plans to hold public forums on its three campuses in December to seek input on the search for a new president.

The committee is starting to build a pool of applicants, according to a University press release. Forums will be held Dec. 2 at the Chicago campus, Dec. 3 at the Urbana campus and Dec. 8 in Springfield.

The University wants to hire a replacement for outgoing President B. Joseph White by July 2010.

White will leave his job on Dec. 31. He turned in his resignation after news reports and a state examination revealed that politically connected applicants were admitted to the Urbana campus over better–qualified applicants.