East Central Reporter

Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman expressed disappointment as he announced recently that almost 200 employees might be facing furloughs and layoffs unless his administration constructs alternative fiscal strategies to avoid such a scenario.

Due to a budget impasse in Springfield, many state schools stand to be affected. Glassman described legislators’ efforts to correct the course of negotiations to provide necessary funding for institutions of higher learning, noting that a “recent flurry of bills” indicate awareness among lawmakers of the situation’s urgency.

“We all love this institution first and foremost for the excellence it provides in educating our students,” Glassman said. “However, it is also an economic, intellectual and cultural engine for our entire region of Illinois. I remain steadfastly confident that our General Assembly and governor realize the great importance of EIU and all public universities to the future of our great state.

Glassman went on to explain the details of layoff and furlough actions, outlining tentative schedules and urging personnel to remain optimistic; if an appropriation is enacted and funds are received by March 12, many or all of the layoff notices could be rescinded.

“Our human resources office will provide as much assistance as possible to those who will be laid off,” Glassman said in a statement to the campus community. “We are saddened to be put in this position… . Let us stand together in optimism… . I am thankful and proud to serve as your president and we will continue together in action for our students and our beloved university.”