Updates to faculty layoff plan and other stuff

[ST_Lawson]

This is just an example, but Pennsylvania...population almost exactly the same as Illinois.

They have 14 universities in their state system: http://www.passhe.edu/Pages/map.aspx
Then the Penn State system that has 24 campuses: http://www.psu.edu/academics/campuses
(and it sounds like most...maybe all...are 4-year universities)
And 14 community colleges: https://pacommunitycolleges.org/our-col ... llege-map/

That's a total of 52, although they have quite a few more 4-year universities than we do. That being said, Pennsylvania is the only state who's financial situation is roughly similar to Illinois'....budget impasse.

[wiu712]

Just heard on the KHQA-TV-7 News that Illinois has 12 state universities and 48 public junior colleges.

From the "Western Courier":
Western announces new reductions
http://westerncourier.com/34851/news/we ... eductions/

[Tere North]

Just read the article about CSU, perhaps the below sentence shows the problem. Do most states really support 57 public universities? Maybe they do, but that seems like a high number.


The agency also asked all the state's 57 public schools to provide basic financial and enrollment information, including the current cash situation, cuts in faculty and staff, and expectations for fall enrollment "in light of concerns prospective students may have about the stability of higher education in the state."

12 public universities:
U of I @ Chicago, Springfield, and Urbana/Champaign
Southern IU @ Carbondale and Edwardsville
Northern IU
Western IU
Eastern IU
Northeastern IU
Chicago State U
Governors State U
Illinois State U

All the rest are community colleges.

[wiu712]

News story about the job and budget cuts as seen on Friday night's WGEM News:
http://www.wgem.com/story/31327994/2016 ... its-budget

[wiu712]

I have a question that maybe Scott or Tere can answer:

How are coaching positions classified within the university's personnel system ???

I am assuming that a coaching position is not a "faculty position" and probably not "civil service" either. Coaching positions are also probably not covered under a collective bargaining agreement either.

So in light of President Thomas' announcement of Friday, are coaching positions subject to the mandatory furloughs that will start on April 1, and would they be subject to the same layoff procedures ????

[ST_Lawson]

I have a question that maybe Scott or Tere can answer:

How are coaching positions classified within the university's personnel system ???

I am assuming that a coaching position is not a "faculty position" and probably not "civil service" either. Coaching positions are also probably not covered under a collective bargaining agreement either.

So in light of President Thomas' announcement of Friday, are coaching positions subject to the mandatory furloughs that will start on April 1, and would they be subject to the same layoff procedures ????

I believe that coaching positions would be classified A&P (Administrative Staff & Professional). They're not classified under civil service or faculty, but in the same grouping as the higher administration. Allows for negotiation of salaries, more easy to terminate contract (example: our former VP of Student Services), etc. I don't know where coaches fall in terms of being asked to take furlough days and stuff. I'd guess they're probably exempt, due to the more "fluid" nature of their contracts usually, but we might find out more info next week.

[ST_Lawson]

New billboard up just outside of Macomb....there's quite a bit of people pretty pissed off at UIS about this:

[wiu712]

New billboard up just outside of Macomb.

Very troubling, indeed! Not good! Not good! Not good!

A businessman from Charleston was interviewed on the radio yesterday. He is very concerned.

He did have one interesting comment: "People should have thought a bit more before voting for Rauner."

I don't think that Western will be able to make it through 3 more years of Rauner.

State Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno has frequently commented that Illinois has too many state universities. We have heard "talk" that Rauner has a team that is working on closing three or four of them. We could be down to just the U of I system by the time that Rauner's term ends.

I am trying to stay optimistic. But it is getting more difficult every day.

[Neckfansince71]

You have got to be kidding me!!! And 712, keep the faith, the sky is not falling yet. That billboard is thoughtless, classless, and if I am Dr. Thomas, I am having a real serious talk with UIS. That is bull sh-t to say the least! Time to take the gloves off! jc

[sealhall74]

Offering degrees 100% online looks like where the world is going. Finish at your own pace (2 years, 4 years, whatever). Save a ton of room and board dollars. Sad but what can you do.