Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Lack of state funding increases stress on Illinois universities - The ASSOCIATED PRESS

The lack of a state budget is adding stress to Illinois’ public universities that still aren’t receiving money from the state. Larger schools, such as the University of Illinois and Illinois State University, are faring better than smaller schools, the Chicago Tribune reports. Measures there to cut back include positions going unfilled and construction being pushed back. But at smaller schools where enrollment has fallen or fundraising is harder, the cutbacks include layoffs and furloughs, less funding for athletics and raiding of cash reserves. There also is concern whether universities can continue to front the cost of scholarships for low-income students that are typically paid for by the state. Alan Phillips, chief financial officer at Northern Illinois University, said it would be “very difficult” to get through a full year without state funding. http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2015/11/06/lack-of-state-funding-increases-stress-on-illinois-universities/a7x1p1o/