CHAMPAIGN-URBANA-- More than a hundred emails sent to university leaders are being questioned. They show political connections paying off in acceptance letters. Trustees were called into an emergency meeting Thursday. It was behind closed doors so they can't comment on the specifics, but I was given copies of the emails. They show cases of people offering favors in exchange for unqualified students landing spots on campus. Take for example the law school. A string of emails dating back to 2006 show the former dean Heidi Hurd advocating for a student who fell below the qualifications. The emails went to the assistant dean for the law school. In one, he wrote back saying "I can't state strongly enough the negative impact this will have on the profile of the incoming class." Paul Pless went on to voice another concern. "This is now the third candidate that we have been forced to admit." Emails also show former governor Rod Blagojevich trying to wheel and deal. " Looked like a deal to trade jobs for an admission of a student that the admissions people at the law school said was clearly not qualified to be a student there and that's very troubling to me," David Dorris said. "I can't imagine that there's a defense to that."

Governor Quinn has already called for a state investigation. Dorris sat through today's meeting and says this is not a widespread problem, but admits it has tainted the public's trust in the admissions process.

Chancellor Richard Herman was also mentioned multiple times in the emails. People asked for his help admitting students. We don't know what role if any he played.

I tried to get reaction from university leaders, but so far haven't heard back. Thursday's meeting came after the emails came to light. No word on what will happen next.