Updates to faculty layoff plan and other stuff

[Western_101]

712,

Keeping people on the payroll for programs that don't make sense........well, don't make sense

A lot of sky is falling mumbo jumbo.

Yes, there is pain right now. Western is not alone. If SIU wasn't stealing from e they would probably be closed by now.

People complain that Western didn't have the vision to make changes. So, changes are happening and that is wrong too?

The housing market is saturated in Peoria too. CAT leaving shook the community to the core and an identity crises ensued. There is an ebb and flow to everything. Actually there seems to be more of a "chin up" attitude in Peoria than "woe is me".

I guess what I'm getting at is things are rough in A LOT of places in Illinois. Western will adapt and prevail, what they will be in 10 years time has yet to be written.

[wiu712]

Layoff notices went out today though some teachers were emailed yesterday. 24 faculty on the list (7 tenured professors, 16 instructors, and 1 assistant professor) plus 2 non-faculty within academic affairs.

University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100, the union representing the faculty, says 21 of the 24 people laid off are in the bargaining unit.

The other 3 were new Unit B instructors who had signed contracts to start in August.

[Tere North]

Layoff notices went out today though some teachers were emailed yesterday. 24 faculty on the list (7 tenured professors, 16 instructors, and 1 assistant professor) plus 2 non-faculty within academic affairs.

University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100, the union representing the faculty, says 21 of the 24 people laid off are in the bargaining unit.

The other 3 were new Unit B instructors who had signed contracts to start in August.

It will be interesting to see if the layoffs are reflective of the yet to be announced academic redirection.

[Neckfansince71]

Well that would make good sense, wouldn't it? jc

WIU/Macomb - Town/Gown - Marketing/Development

[Neckfansince71]

Well that would make good sense, wouldn't it? jc

#WIU/Macomb - Town/Gown - Marketing/Development

[sealhall74]

So if a member of the faculty is not given a full year notice before being cut loose, I assume they get a pretty generous severance package. Anyone have the scoop on that?

[wiu712]

On Thursday, BOT member Cathy Early said: “We are re-aligning our resources to further build upon Western’s programs that are highly sought after by our students and employers. While Western can no longer be all things to all people, Western’s mission and academic progress are not compromised by the decision to re-align the educational opportunities.”

We should find out on July 16 what Western will become.

[Tere North]

Well that would make good sense, wouldn't it? jc

WIU/Macomb - Town/Gown - Marketing/Development

Indeed, but then you can't really be sure it will happen. Hopefully the July 16th announcement actually shows leadership.

[wiu712]

Hopefully the July 16th announcement actually shows leadership.

After hearing BOT member Todd Lester's statements, it appears that that the Board is ready to show strong leadership.

[ST_Lawson]

So if a member of the faculty is not given a full year notice before being cut loose, I assume they get a pretty generous severance package. Anyone have the scoop on that?

Probably depends on if they are actually still going to teach here for the 2018/19 school year. I think that everyone who's positions have been scheduled for elimination will still be able to to teach this coming year, but will be let go after that (if other reorganization doesn't happen). So, they should all be getting 1 year notice, essentially.

It's possible that some of the ones who were told they were being fired can be kept if there's more retirements announced for next year.