EIU Institutes Unpaid Furloughs to Cut Costs

Eastern Illinois University has taken another step to cut costs, this one directly affecting staff members.

In a letter to the campus community, Eastern President Dr. David Glassman reminded that 26 annually contracted faculty were notified earlier that they will not be reappointed for the 2015-16 academic year. Additionally, approximately 10 other annually contracted faculty positions will not be filled.

Glassman said the furloughs will work as follows: 

Administrative and Professional employees with salaries over $150,000/year will take 14 unpaid furlough days; Administrative and Professional employees with salaries between $100,000 and $150,000 will take 11 unpaid furlough days; A&P employees with salaries between $75,000 and $99,999 will take nine unpaid furlough days; and A&P employees with salaries between $50,000 and $74,999 will take seven unpaid furlough days. A&P employees with salaries less than $50,000 will not be required to take furlough days.

In his case, Glassman said his salary would be cut (rather than furlough) at the equivalent of 16 unpaid days. He said the move would allow him to continue to conduct university business without interruption or absence from campus. In addition to reducing his salary, Glassman will give back an equal percentage of the housing allowance he is provided to support a scholarship for EIU students. Others who wish to have their salaries reduced at the comparable amount rather than taking furlough will have that option.

Glassman's letter indicates he has asked the vice presidents to provide division-wide recommendation plans for expense cutting and related layoffs by the end of the month.