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In this Issue Letter from the President - Budget Update
Letter from the President - Budget Update
We are disappointed in several of the elements in the pension reform bill (the approach to COLA and the cap on pensionable salaries) that has been signed into law. We believe this will have a negative effect and impact the retirement security of our former, current, and future employees. I will meet again with other public university presidents and chancellors to discuss pension reform and other legislative topics. We will continue to seek adequate funding for Western Illinois University and promote how higher education contributes to the economic development of the State of Illinois. BOT Approves UPI AgreementThe Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted for a memorandum of understanding with the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) Local 4100 at its Dec. 13 Board meeting. An agreement was reached on Oct. 23 and was ratified by the WIU UPI chapter Nov. 19. As part of the memorandum of understanding, WIU and the UPI Local 4100 agree that the 2010-2015 agreement be extended from May 31, 2014 through June 30, 2017. In addition, effective Fall 2014 (or July 1, 2014) for 12-month employees, the board will grant each eligible employee under contract and in the bargaining unit a salary increase of 2 percent for Fiscal Year 2015 [FY'16 - 2 percent, and FY'17 - 1 percent]. As part of the memorandum of understanding, WIU and the UPI Local 4100 agree that the 2010-2015 agreement be extended from May 31, 2014 through June 30, 2017. Admissions Standards UpdateEarlier this year, Western Illinois University announced it would increase admissions standards for high school seniors applying for the Fall 2014 semester, and according to Admissions Director Andy Borst, the increased standards are having an impact. "We are admitting students who have the best chance for success at WIU," Borst explained. We are seeing an increase in applications from qualified students, and we are making admissions decisions in a more expedited manner than in previous years. "We have improved our decision timeline from three weeks during the highest volume of applications down to only four days," he added. "Even with the increase in applications, a student who submits an application on a Monday will have an admissions decision by Friday." Borst noted that although WIU is turning away more applicants, freshman applicants who meet the increased admissions standards are up 12.6 percent compared to the previous year. This increase includes 8.5 percent more students with profiles above the institutional averages of ACT score and grade point average who qualify for Western Commitment Scholarships. WIU expects to receive an additional 5,500 freshmen applications until the Aug. 1 deadline. San Diego Alumni & Friends Social January 16Join President Jack Thomas, Vice President of Student Services Gary Biller, new Athletics Director Tommy Bell and Alumni Director Amy Spelman '98 as they travel to San Diego and the historical Gaslamp District. Experience Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar's passion for food and wine, served with inspired hospitality!
Social, delectable hors d'oeuvres and cash bar: $20/person Jazz and More in Macomb January 21
"Jazz and More" at the Macomb Campus featuring the special exhibition "A New Deal for Illinois: The Federal Art Projects Collection of Western Illinois University". If you missed our event at the Figge Art Museum in October, now is your chance to view this extraordinary collection.
Art exhibition, social, scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and cash bar: $10/person Visit the exhibit any time during the social or experience a special tour of the exhibit by WIU Art Gallery Director Ann Marie Hays-Hawkinson at 7:15 p.m. Washington, DC Alumni & Friends Social January 29
Social, delectable hors d'oeuvres and cash bar: $20/person ***JANUARY 2015: SAVE THE DATE – WIU ALUMNI & FRIENDS SOCIALS IN FLORIDA***Western Wednesdays in Glen Ellyn February 5
Western Wednesdays Social, light appetizers (while they last) & cash bar: FREE Pre-registration is preferred, however walk-ins are welcome. To pre-register, please call 309-298-1914 or email A-Association@wiu.edu. Upcoming Western Wednesdays from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.:
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As the semester has drawn to a close and we have celebrated another graduation ceremony, I would like to update you on our budget situation (as of Dec. 6). The University cash flow continues to remain a top focus. I am pleased that we have received two reimbursements from the State for FY2014. However, as of December 1, 2013, the State owed the University approximately $33.3 million. This requires us to continue to conserve and spend wisely. We continue to watch the enrollment levels for the spring and attempt new recruitment strategies in order to grow our enrollment. 
San Diego Alumni & Friends Social
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