In a MASSMAIL today, Chancellor Richard Herman thanked all those who participated in the January 22nd Town Hall Meeting and ensured the university that they are doing everything they can to protect jobs and keep Illinois a highly ranked academic institution.
I write to thank everyone who participated in our town hall meeting. It is important that we continue to work together to address the critical challenges we are facing because of the state’s uncertain financial
situation.A summary of the town hall meeting, a description of ongoing initiatives, an FAQ, and a virtual ideas box to receive your suggestions have been posted at the following url: http://provost.illinois.edu/stewardingourresources/index.html. Through this means we will continue to receive input from those of you who have additional comments and recommendations.
Whether you attended the session at Foellinger Auditorium or participated via the online or broadcast facilities, I commend you for taking the time to learn and share ideas about how we can remain a great and valuable institution. We are a premier institution today and together we will remain so in the years to come.
Many of you made suggestions about how we might navigate the choppy economic waters we sail in, while remaining true to our cornerstone values and principles: quality programs and assurance that we provide our students with an educational experience that will prepare them to be leaders.
A clear, resounding and recurring message was delivered during the town hall meeting – protect jobs. While it would be reckless for me to make such promises without knowing the impact of the state’s financial situation on the university, what I can assure you is that the highest possible priority will be protecting people and their jobs.
Provost Katehi and I continue to work with the campus leadership team to chart our course. As we learn more about the state’s financial situation, we will share that information. We will draw upon all of the ideas that have been and will be tendered so that we can make the best informed decisions. We look forward to hearing from you. Many thanks for your continued participation at this critical time in Illinois’ history.
Check out the website, it’s pretty interesting; and since this involves us all, it’s important that you are informed.
