Message to Faculty & Staff Regarding State Budget Deficit

December 3, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

Even as we look for forward to the end of the fall semester and make preparations for the holidays, we share a common concern about our university's financial health. The State of Illinois is many months behind in appropriation payments, and I am concerned about our ability to keep up with routine operating expenses, including salaries. Late payments from the state have created a cash-flow crisis at all public universities, and today I want to talk about that with you.

This morning I addressed this topic with our Board of Trustees, and I asked that my remarks be videotaped to share with the rest of campus. You may access that link here -- http://www.niu.edu/video/ -- or you may read a transcript of my remarks at http://www.niu.edu/messages/board_remarks.shtml. In either case, I encourage you to take the time necessary to update yourself on this important topic.

All of us have a stake in the health of NIU, and in the continued success of its students, faculty and staff. Thank you in advance for your commitment to our university and to each other.

Sincerely,

John G. Peters
President