Updates to faculty layoff plan and other stuff

[ST_Lawson]

Well, kinda sorta.....the way I see it, Rauner was elected because the people were tired of "business as usual" - losing manufacturing and other jobs to other states because of our horrible business climate, for one - and Madigan has been there because of the city on the lake. Pretty much, downstate tends to be a whole lot more conservative than the northeast "corner"; but that northeast "corner" plays hell with the rest of us. Just my thoughts.

I agree, I am from downstate small town and try to stay as much out of politics as possible, but it is making it hard to stay out of right now. I think the whole system is at fault I do not care if you are democrat or republican you are your own person and should have some idea of what is right and if it is not exactly what your party wants who the hell cares. The people you represent just may love it and that is really all that matters. The majority of Illinois would love to at least see something happen rather than this stalemate.

Yea, right now it doesn't seem like anyone is talking to anyone else or even trying to make anything happen, and that's on both sides. I pretty strongly identify with one side for the most part, but I realize that neither side is going to get everything they want. If each side could give up a little, everyone could still get probably 80% of what they want...but none if that is going to happen unless they're willing to compromise somewhat.

[meganeck]

Well, kinda sorta.....the way I see it, Rauner was elected because the people were tired of "business as usual" - losing manufacturing and other jobs to other states because of our horrible business climate, for one - and Madigan has been there because of the city on the lake. Pretty much, downstate tends to be a whole lot more conservative than the northeast "corner"; but that northeast "corner" plays hell with the rest of us. Just my thoughts.

I agree, I am from downstate small town and try to stay as much out of politics as possible, but it is making it hard to stay out of right now. I think the whole system is at fault I do not care if you are democrat or republican you are your own person and should have some idea of what is right and if it is not exactly what your party wants who the hell cares. The people you represent just may love it and that is really all that matters. The majority of Illinois would love to at least see something happen rather than this stalemate.

Yea, right now it doesn't seem like anyone is talking to anyone else or even trying to make anything happen, and that's on both sides. I pretty strongly identify with one side for the most part, but I realize that neither side is going to get everything they want. If each side could give up a little, everyone could still get probably 80% of what they want...but none if that is going to happen unless they're willing to compromise somewhat.

Well said

[Tere North]

If each side could give up a little, everyone could still get probably 80% of what they want...but none if that is going to happen unless they're willing to compromise somewhat.

Not just in the Illinois legislature, but pretty much in all contentious situations, e.g., Western's UPI refusing to consider they are part of the problem.

[ST_Lawson]

If each side could give up a little, everyone could still get probably 80% of what they want...but none if that is going to happen unless they're willing to compromise somewhat.

Not just in the Illinois legislature, but pretty much in all contentious situations, e.g., Western's UPI refusing to consider they are part of the problem.

Also true, and that specific issue is looking like it might end up with someone I know very well getting "downsized".

[wiu712]

Illinois budget battle leads Moody's to downgrade several state universities

From the Washington Post News Service:
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20160225/illin ... iversities

[WIU0812]

That is actually not really surprising, but just puts everyone in an even worse position.

[WIU0812]

Carl Sandburg shutting down an extension office.

http://www.mcdonoughvoice.com/news/2016 ... ell-center

[wiu712]

Chicago State University sends layoff notices to ALL 900 employees

From the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... story.html

[leatherface]

Rauner said Wednesday that he's working to find a way to get money to the schools.

He expressed his support for a bill introduced by Rep. Ken Dunkin, D-Chicago, that would send $160 million to struggling universities such as Chicago State, Northeastern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University, and $40 million to community colleges.

Here we go again- lumped as struggling with the perception we are worse off than ISU,UIC,UICU,SIUC,SIUE and NIU. Maybe we are.

When will this start to affect prospective student enrollment? Visit days are just that-visits. Doesn't mean all of the visitors are going to enroll. Parents and savvy students do not want to commit to a school perceived to be struggling. Where is the President or others out squelching this drama?

[LocalYokelFan]

I hate to say it, but WIU belongs in that category with those institutions. ALL state universities are feeling the pinch right now, but Western is certainly in that "the coffers are about empty" category. While we may not be the worst off, we're gaining ground. There's a pretty common sentiment out there that WIU's UPI leadership is among the most difficult in the State to negotiate with -- meaning while Eastern and the likes are negotiating and cutting costs in good faith, the faculty union here is handcuffing the administration from much overdue "fat trimming" stemming not just from the budget stalemate, but a decade's worth of steady enrollment decline.

Luckily, it sounds as if there is a few brave faculty that have started a resistance and are working to petition for a vote to overthrow the UPI president. I'd urge you all, if you know WIU faculty, encourage them to consider that cause.