I'm a student at UIUC so when I read your post, it worried me, especially as I also disagree with copyright assignments away from the student and don't remember signing any such document.
Fortunately the UIUC policy listed on their website agrees. Students do not assign copyright to the university for any works. They are merely required to allow certain graduate level works to be published royalty free by the university.
Read more under section C
I'm a student at UIUC so when I read your post, it worried me, especially as I also disagree with copyright assignments away from the student and don't remember signing any such document.
Fortunately the UIUC policy listed on their website agrees. Students do not assign copyright to the university for any works. They are merely required to allow certain graduate level works to be published royalty free by the university. Read more under section C