After 198 civil service employees at Eastern Illinois University received their layoff notices and rallies held on campus and in Springfield, the Mayor of Charleston has provided his input on the current situation at the university. Brandon Combs told Regional Radio News that EIU will not close, and they are looking at the negatives as a way to springboard to move forward.

EIU and 11 other public universities are going through the same situation, along with 48 community colleges that are still waiting for funds to come in, as it can account for as much as 30% of the budget at some schools. Money for state grants awarded to low-income students were never distributed, so EIU and other colleges are covering that expense. Glassman and Combs communicate on a daily basis and noted that EIU and other universities are looking at ways of protecting themselves.

Combs added he’s proud of the citizens, students, the faculty and staff for coming together and the outpouring of love and support for the University and hopes it will continue, even after the impasse is broken. Glassman noted if they receive funding by March 12, many or all layoffs could be rescinded. All A&P employees starting March 1 will be required to take the equivalent of one day of furlough per week, each month, until further notification or up until June 30, 2016. Enrollment at the university has fallen by 28% since 2007 and state funding has declined by 11% during that same time period.