Poshard: Layoffs are likely inevitable - Brian Feldt, Daily Egyptian

SIU President Glenn Poshard said Thursday that layoffs of university staff would be inevitable if the state’s economy does not improve quickly. Poshard spoke to the SIU Board of Trustees during its meeting and said the economic situation facing the state is the worst he has ever seen and both SIU campuses would have to take drastic measures to stay afloat. Poshard said he expects this year’s budget to fall nearly $2 billion short of the university’s needs, and next year’s budget to be worse. “If it goes that deep, I would say there will have to be layoffs considered,” he said. “Hopefully, we can keep it to a minimum.” Poshard asked chancellors of SIUC and SIUE to make a priority list that would include potential cuts. He said each report should address layoffs and possible furloughs.