Updates to faculty layoff plan and other stuff

[wiu712]

Tri-States Public Radio WIUM-FM mentioned on this morning's news program that more state universities will be announcing layoffs as a result of the Governor's and the General Assembly's failure to do their jobs.

In the last few days, NEIU and SIUC have announced layoffs.

From today's Springfield State Journal-Register editorial:
Higher education has been hit hard by the budget impasse too. Northeastern Illinois University announced Tuesday it was eliminating 180 full-time jobs (130 in civil service, 50 in administrative and professional staff). NEIU already had its staff take eight furlough days this academic year. It’s in the realm of possibility one (or more) of the state’s public universities closes in the next year.

[wiu712]

And the fallout begins ...................

Bond rating agencies have begun downgrading Illinois debt a day after state lawmakers ended the spring session without approving a budget.

S&P Global Ratings announced today that the state’s general obligation bonds have been downgraded from BBB to BBB- and appropriations bond debt has been dropped from BBB- to BB+. The downgrades, which are one step from junk-bond status, mean higher borrowing costs at a time when the state owes more than $14.5 billion in unpaid bills. S&P also placed Illinois on CreditWatch, suggesting the probability of additional downgrades if the budget deadlock continues.

The state has the lowest bond rating in the country, according to an update of state ratings released with Thursday’s announcement. Illinois has been without a permanent spending plan since the end of the state fiscal year June 30, 2015.

“The ratings actions largely reflect the severe deterioration of Illinois’ fiscal condition, a byproduct of its stalemated budget negotiations, now approaching the start of a third fiscal year,” S&P credit analyst Gabriel Petek said in the announcement. “”We placed the ratings on CreditWatch with negative implications because, in our view, the unrelenting political brinkmanship now poses a threat to the state’s core priority payments.”

The agency warned of a “negative credit spiral” including the likelihood of another downgrade if a budget is not approved by the start of the 2018 fiscal year on July 1.

[wiu712]

President Thomas' statement:

Dear University Community:

Due to the unprecedented state budget impasse, Western Illinois University continues to consider fiscal adjustments. As we approach a third year without a state appropriated budget, pursuant to Article 30 of the WIU/UPI Agreement, the University is delaying contract renewal notices to non-tenure track faculty (Unit B). This notice delays a decision on staffing levels for the Fall 2017 semester. Impacted employees will receive written notification.

While we face funding challenges, Western Illinois University is committed to continuing to provide a world-class education to our students. On numerous occasions, we engaged the Governor and state legislators about the need for funding. As recently as Sunday, May 28, I testified before the House Higher Education Appropriations Committee. We continue to advocate strongly for our University.

Questions about this notice can be directed to the WIU Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President at (309) 298-1066 or Academic Personnel at (309) 298-2216.

Sincerely,
Jack Thomas, Ph.D.
University President

[leatherface]

ST, how many folks does this affect (non-tenure track faculty)? Also, about how many lay-offs have been activated in the past two years-staff etc?

[ST_Lawson]

ST, how many folks does this affect (non-tenure track faculty)? Also, about how many lay-offs have been activated in the past two years-staff etc?

I don't really know.

This chart from Institutional Research and Planning, even though it's kinda hard to read, seems to say that as of last fall, 59.3 percent of faculty were tenured and 12.1 were tenure track, for a total of 71.4%. If what they're referring to is everyone outside of that group, then it'd be 28.6% of faculty, which, if the numbers in the top chart are correct (903 full-time + 229 part-time = 1,132 total faculty) then that'd be about 324 faculty that could be affected.

Last year, there were 110 non-instructional employees that were laid off, however, I believe that over the course of last summer, they re-hired many of them and everyone that was laid off was at least offered a position (maybe not the exact same one in the same department, but similar). Not everyone came back, so they ended up having to hire a few people to fill the positions that were still empty. However, not all of the positions were kept open, so while the individual people were all offered positions, there were still fewer total jobs at the university.

Here's the running "tally" of higher ed jobs lost in IL in the last couple of years: https://twitter.com/IllinoisWorking/sta ... 3144431616 (just fyi, we're up to ~1500 jobs total.

Personally, I'm most worried about my brother-in-law right now. He had a very good job as a choir director at a decent-sized (and growing) school in the outer western Chicago suburbs. He was recently hired as a faculty member here in Choral Music Education...it was a pay cut, but him and his wife are Western alumni, his wife is from Macomb, and the cost of living is a bit lower. But...I don't know if he's tenure-track or not, so while they're worrying about finalizing buying a house, moving all their stuff, and getting themselves and their two daughters all set up here, his job could actually be "in question".

To say that I'm worried about the situation would be a hell of an understatement.

[leatherface]

Thanks for the information, and I am aware and sorry for the many folks affected by this situation. For those of us not directly affected, we can sometimes lose track of the very real issues many individuals are facing.

[Neckfansince71]

I am so disgusted with governments in general at this point I could scream! Beside our new stand on global warming, we have a state government which truly and totally is ineffective to say the least. I think reform is a good thing, especially in the financial mess Illinois is in, but government is working together to find solutions which at times requires compromise! Oh, I'm sorry, good government! I feel for those caught in this trap! I definitely feel for our alma mater which, with other schools is being put through the ringer!

Have you ever seen the movie "Big Country" with Burl Ives and Gregory Peck. It's all about two families fighting for control of the "Big Muddy", the only water source available for cattle ranchers in the area. Well at the end, the two patriarchs of the fighting families meet face to face in Blanco Canyon! Both die in the ensuing one on one gun battle! Problem solved! Peace once again returns to the river valley! Hmmmm! jc

[wiu712]

The only way that this budget impasse will end is when the public shows up at the State Capitol with pitchforks, tar, and feathers. The main question will be who will be leaving Springfield on a rail: Rauner or Madigan ??

The Daily Egyptian is reporting that SIUC is cutting 19% from their Athletics budget.

[sealhall74]

I dont care what party or parties are involved, ultimately, if you read the Illinois Constitution, the budget success or failure lies directly in the hands of the Governor. Leaders must lead. If they cant, then get the f**k out of the way.

[leatherface]

I'm going to ask a question for any Western employees on the site. It's a question few want to ask publicly,but, needs to be asked. What is the mood in the campus community regarding a possible shut down if the state continues the nickle and dime support for another year? It seems Western is listed in news articles along with Eastern as being on the bubble- now, along with SIU-C. Chicago State should have been shut down by now,however, I don't see that being allowed to happen. Likely the same with Northeastern Illinois.
Alums need to know how dire it could be for Western,and, asked to step up for support before the worst happens. I know you don't want to present an image that might run off future students and support, but, I don't know if most folks outside of alums and employees realize how serious it could be. It's fine to hear the president say all will be fine- builds up confidence. However, if it's getting to the point of not making payrolls, then folks need to know. A fine line to walk, I realize.
Is there a feeling on campus that Western's future is sliding away?