University News

Budget Update: May 2015

May 12, 2015

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May 12, 2015

To the Campus Community,

There remains great uncertainty with regard to the Fiscal Year 2016 budget for Western Illinois University and for higher education. To prepare for our next fiscal year, my leadership team has been working through a variety of scenarios to prepare for potential reductions to our state funding.

We are preparing scenarios that include up to a possible 31.5 percent reduction in our appropriated funding, which could mean as much as $16.6 million. We do not expect to have a finalized state budget until at least May 31. Therefore, we must wait until that time to finalize the University's budget. We will continue to lobby in Springfield about the importance of adequate funding for Western Illinois University.

Our predominant goals are to keep costs at Western Illinois University as affordable as possible in order to serve the residents of this state, as well as to continue the programs and services our students need to graduate as well-educated and well-prepared citizens. While we have been reviewing and consolidating programs in an effort to reduce costs, more will be necessary so that we remain a viable institution of higher learning. We will continue to review a variety of measures that will further enhance the efficiency of our daily operations, academic programs, and services. Our mission to provide a quality education will continue.

We understand there is a great concern among our employees during these challenging circumstances, but we are working diligently to put a strategy in place, and to make thoughtful, educated, and strategic decisions on behalf of the University community.

Unfortunately, the budget situation in this state is beyond our control. We have been good stewards of our fiscal resources, but despite those conservative measures, difficult decisions still lie ahead. We appreciate the patience of the University community and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. As we close another academic year, please know that I appreciate everyone's efforts in continuing to make this University great.

Sincerely,

Jack Thomas
President
Western Illinois University





Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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