WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Macomb (NEWS3) — Western Illinois University has confirmed employees are being sent notices regarding layoffs.
“As a result of the current budget situation, including decreased enrollment, it is necessary to reduce our expenditures, including position reductions across the University. We have pledged to work with employees to provide career counseling and assistance with employment searches,” a statement from university President Jack Thomas reads.
According to a university spokesperson, notices are being sent via email, while others may receive a notice in person.
At 1 p.m., notices were sent to faculty at the university.
About ten employees in security sensitive positions who received notices were asked to vacate their offices effective today.
“They were not escorted from their office or their building, nor are they banned from campus,” the university says, “Some chose to pack their offices today, while others are coming back to do so at a later time.”
These individuals were notified in person and will continue to receive pay and benefits for 30 days.
The university says approximately 130 employees are being laid off; however, due to “bumping” and a reassignment process, as well as retirements, this number could change.
An additional nine employees had a contract term length reduced.
