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NIU Leaders Talk Budget, Salaries, Job Security With Employees

Susan Stephens
/
WNIJ
NIU leaders host a town hall for employees

Northern Illinois University leaders held a town hall meeting with employees yesterday to outline budget challenges. NIU President Doug Baker and top administrators talked about efforts to bring in more students and streamlining operations. They also answered questions about whether people will lose jobs under the state’s budget uncertainties.

Vice President for finance Alan Phillips says it’s something that must be discussed: although there are no plans for layoffs, unless things get much worse. He says "If we don't receive any state funding at some point in time, that will probably be something we have to do. We think we can get through the year. We are cutting everything we can, short of cutting payroll."

Employees were assured they would continue receiving paychecks. Raises for the lowest-paid employees are a priority…although everything is tied up in how much the state finally decides to cut from higher education.

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.