East Central Reporter

In a recent meeting with Eastern Illinois University (EIU) President David Glassman, the faculty senate heard updates on high-priority issues for the university, especially regarding potential ramifications of how the ongoing budget stalemate might affect EIU. 

“What’s happening in Springfield and on our campus … is an unprecedented and unfortunate situation impacting all universities,” Glassman said. “We are in a critical time period because it is affecting our abilities and operations... . If there is a positive, the topic has come to the forefront. They finally understand the urgency. It’s immediate.”

Glassman pointed out that other Illinois universities have also communicated with the legislature.

“We are hopeful that a resolution will be reached,” he said. “We can get through this together.”

Peppered with questions about details surrounding impending layoffs and furloughs, Glassman outlined the scope of his recent actions and possible alternatives. Having met with many sectors across the campus, he responded reassuringly with facts and encouragement alike.

“Obviously, there is a lot of nervousness across campus,” he said. “I am trying to ensure that information is timely, accurate and transparent in order to manage the situation as effectively as possible.”

Glassman went on to respond to several individual queries regarding the impact of the crisis on retirement. In addition to quelling anxiety about rumors, he clarified issues of timing, spoke to what-if scenarios and provided numerical data where applicable.

Citing recent meetings with campus-wide entities as well as Paul McCann, interim vice president for business affairs, he recently observed two successful local recruiting events.

“We are effectively marketing EIU to the people of Illinois,” Glassman said. “High school seniors are excited to come to EIU. I am confident we will still provide a great EIU experience to future students. We will ‘win.’ However, the challenge faced this year will not be forgotten. We can show that this university is stronger than the impasse in Springfield.”

The productive discussion yielded ideas including the possible formation of a statewide organic or grassroots coalition, rallies and other fundraising sources.

“This has been one of the most challenging years in my 36-year career, dealing with this current situation,” Glassman said. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire career.”