By Jeff Williams
Carbondale, IL – Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Sam Goldman outlined the state of the university Monday during an afternoon address.
Goldman highlighted a number of accomplishments as well as challenges. The chancellor asked the campus community to adopt a sense of urgency for the next three to five fiscal years because the financial situation could get worse.
SIUC is implementing an immediate hiring freeze with the exception of essential hires. Goldman says he will work to meet hiring commitments already made.
Goldman admits it's a drastic move that's he's not crazy about, but he says he would prefer the university be judicious with its hiring now than to have to cut people later.
The chancellor says SIU and all the other state universities in Illinois are living off of federal stimulus money right now, and Goldman says when it goes away next year there won't be anything left.
Goldman says he remains optimistic. He is encouraging the campus and the Carbondale community to act boldly to move SIUC forward. He says the future of the university is in the hands of everyone who loves the university.
You can listen to Chancellor Goldman's Address here.
