EIU Media Relations

EIU Budget Update -- A Letter from EIU President David M. Glassman

Dear Campus Community,

There has been much discussion and planning since my last communication (June 30, 2015) with the campus concerning Eastern’s financial position and the very difficult and highly emotional decisions that are needed to balance our FY16 budget and create a sustainable and successful future for our university.

We have already notified 26 annually contracted faculty that they will not be reappointed for the 2015-2016 academic year. It was essential that we notify those affected as soon as the decisions were made to allow the greatest amount of time for seeking alternative employment opportunities. In addition, approximately 10 other annually contracted faculty positions will not be filled.

I have asked the vice presidents to provide their division-wide recommendation plans for expense cutting and related layoffs by the end of the month. The plans are to be strategic and supportive of our academic mission and positive student experience. The non-academic divisions have been given responsibility for a larger percent reduction of their appropriated and tuition funding than the academic affairs division. However, because the majority of appropriated and tuition dollars are assigned to academic affairs, the dollar amount to be cut from this division will be larger. Once received, I will personally review each plan for approval. Please know that the university will honor all notification agreement policies for layoffs.

In accordance with the procedures allowable in Eastern’s policy for university furloughs, I am implementing a graduated furlough requirement for Administrative and Professional (A&P) employees for FY16 based upon salary levels. A&P employees with salaries over $150,000 will take 14 unpaid furlough days; A&P employees with salaries between $100,000 and $150,000 will take 11 unpaid furlough days; A&P employees with salaries between $75,000 and $99,999 will take nine unpaid furlough days; and A&P employees with salaries between $50,000 and $74,999 will take seven unpaid furlough days. A&P employees with salaries less than $50,000 will not be required to take furlough days. Guidelines for selecting furlough days by employees will be provided by their supervisors. More information and answers to common questions about EIU furloughs can be found here.

In the case of the president, my salary will be cut (rather than furlough) at the equivalent amount of 16 unpaid days. This will allow me to continue to conduct university business without interruption or absence from campus. In addition to reducing my salary, I will give back an equal percentage of the housing allowance I was provided to support a scholarship for EIU students. Others who wish to have their salaries reduced at the comparable amount rather than taking furlough will have that option.

Although critically necessary, the actions the university is undertaking to adjust our budget are immensely difficult and emotional and will impact us all in the Eastern community. No one wishes to be laid off, nor see a colleague laid off. During this time, it is more important than ever that we remember to treat each other with respect and compassion. The university will do all that we can to assist affected individuals with support services and job search assistance.

I will continue to update the campus community on developing decisions involving our budget adjustment.

Sincerely,

David M. Glassman

President

Eastern Illinois University