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BOT Approves FY18 Spending Plan, Auxiliary Facilities Systems Funds Resolution

June 9, 2017

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved the institution's FY18 preliminary spending plan and a resolution to utilize Auxiliary Facilities Systems (AFS) funds, if necessary, at its meeting today (June 9) at the WIU-QC campus.

Trustees approved the University's Fiscal Year 2018 preliminary spending plan of $227.2 million. The plan must be prepared prior to July 1 for submission to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois State Legislature and the Governor.

The Board also approved a resolution to utilize AFS funds. According to Matt Bierman, vice president of administrative services and University budget director, the Board's vote will allow, if necessary, the University to temporarily utilize systems funds for any University expenses due to the ongoing state budget impasse, which is now in its third year. Therefore, Board approval is necessary to temporarily use systems funds for non-systems purposes to maintain operational continuity of the University. Auxiliary Facilities Systems funds are generated from specific student fees and from room and board charges. The Board also authorized the University to replace systems funds after the necessary state appropriations are received or as soon as financially possible. In April 2016, the Board approved a similar resolution for FY17. However, AFS funds were not used in Fiscal Year 2017.

Board members approved the implementation of University's Higher Values in Higher Education Higher Values in Higher Education Academic Year 2017-2018 Supplement. The strategic plan supplement and the President's Executive Institute initiatives will be presented at press events, which are open to the public, Wednesday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m., Tri-States Public Radio Performance Studio on the WIU-Macomb campus and 2:30 p.m., Riverfront Hall, rooms 103/104 on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.

Trustees also approved a contract for President Jack Thomas.

"As we are all aware, the last few years have been difficult, exacerbated by the ongoing budget challenges in Springfield. However, President Thomas has done an admirable job in steering the University through these difficulties," stated Trustee Yvonne Salava, a member of the BOT evaluation team, at today's meeting. "The University has continued to evolve with a goal-minded view. We acknowledge that despite Dr. Thomas' status as one of the longest-serving presidents at an Illinois public university, he is compensated significantly below his peers in the state.

"We have discussed the possibility of an increase to bring him closer in line with the average compensation for his position. However, Dr. Thomas continues to refuse, given our fiscal reality and the difficulties our employees face," Savala added.

The Board has reached an agreement with Thomas in the event that a budget is passed and increases are available for WIU employees, a salary increase will be provided to Thomas, which reflects at least the average total compensation of presidents of comparable Illinois public higher education institutions. Thomas' current salary is $270,528.

In other business, the Board approved tenure recommendations for 10 faculty members (see separate release) and elected officers (see separate release).

The WIU Board of Trustees will hold a retreat July 13-14 in Moline. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held Sept. 28-29 on the WIU-Macomb campus.



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