Updates to faculty layoff plan and other stuff

[wiu712]

An interesting side note to the billboard:

The UIS Chancellor is Susan Koch.

People will remember that she was one of the 5 finalists for President at Western. That job went to Jack Thomas.

[Neckfansince71]

Time to rise up Macomb!!!! Time to say, Western Illinois University matters and is a wonderful institution. You see, alot of people throughout the state and states think that but it seems like a lot of people in Macomb area just can't get it through their heads. People should really get peeeed offfff about that sign and the fact that the state government can not get it's act together regarding budget and the support of state university education. Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeez, I am really angry about that sign...............................ugh! jc

[leatherface]

Student recruitment is very competitive. UIS is growing in the region. If a sign like this bothers you, you certainly wouldn't do well in the business world. Nothing personal, just business. I doubt if the UIS President cares what Thomas thinks. Western's perception is very low right now, of course competitors will pounce on it.
Western needs a big PR move to reassure people.It seems like they are sitting on their hands.

[Tere North]

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 ????

Except for a few coaches who also hold faculty positions, most are executive assistants with no Union coverage. I would expect they too would be affected by furloughs, but would work that around their coaching schedule. Really, they can work, just not get paid.

[Tere North]

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

We put our billboards up in other communities that have 4-year colleges. Saw one just the other day in Quincy. True, Quincy University is a private, not a public college, but nonetheless, we are advertising in their backyard.

[sealhall74]

I don't have a problem with that billboard. In fact, being a techie, I kind of like it (assuming that it is digital and they can rotate or change the message(s) as appropriate). Opportunity is knocking here - whatever you can do we can do better but we need that "niche" to advertise. Coming up with that niche should be job #1 for the administration. If our current niche is "Diversity University", I might be looking for another one. Regardless, sitting on your hands waiting for the state money to come is not good for business.

[ST_Lawson]

None of the billboards within at least an hour of Macomb are digital. That thing isn't moving/changing anytime real soon.

The Western administration is aware of it and they've already had a discussion with the UIS administration about it, from what I've heard.

[leatherface]

Maybe they need to worry less about what UIS is doing, and worry more about the rumors of WIU closing or doing some solid PR work to squelch rumors and reassure students and parents. They will lose prospective students over this, more than will transfer out to UIS. This sign is just a a little prick, they need to look at the big picture. It appears to me there is no leadership. I vote no confidence in the current administration.

I will be honest. I was at a community college event yesterday, where graduating cheerleaders and players were being recognized. Two of the cheerleaders were announced as going to WIU. Someone in the crowd laughingly said- "if it's still open". The negative perceptions are starting to grow.

[Leatherneck10]

An interesting side note to the billboard:

The UIS Chancellor is Susan Koch.

People will remember that she was one of the 5 finalists for President at Western. That job went to Jack Thomas.

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Especially considering Koch was the preferred choice of the faculty and at least one of the Trustees. That whole search process was a predetermined sham.

[wiu712]

The UIS billboard is specifically addressed to "Transfer Students".

With its placement adjacent to the Western campus, it is quite clear who the intended audience is.

This is a competitive environment when it comes to enrollment and retention. UIS is the closest state university to Western.