Message to Students Regarding Furloughs

Dear College of Education students,

As you have probably heard from news reports, the University of Illinois is making a series of drastic cost-cutting measures to help address a significant operating budget shortfall. Currently, there is a $436 million backlog of unpaid appropriations to the University from the State of Illinois. In response, university leadership is requiring the faculty and academic staff to take a furlough, which is a temporary leave of absence without pay. It is anticipated that this program will save the University $17 million.

Between January 16 and May 16, faculty and staff will be away from work for four days. Fortunately, there is flexibility in choosing the days of leave, so faculty and staff are being asked to choose days that minimize the impact to our students. We anticipate that University business will continue throughout the remainder of the academic year and we expect that all classes will meet as originally scheduled.

The use of furloughs is unprecedented in the history of the university and we will do our best to ensure that your academic progress and experience in the College of Education is not affected.

If you have any questions or concerns about the furloughs and how they might affect your academic progress, please contact your advisor. You should also feel free to contact the Dean’s Office (333-0960) or the Student Academic Affairs Office (333-2800).

Sincerely,
Scott D. Johnson
COE Chief Information Officer