The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted Monday to authorize staff reductions for the the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the president of Eastern Illinois University announced a series of immediate cuts, including the possible imposition of unpaid furloughs and layoffs.

A university spokesperson said a letter sent to campus by EIU President David Glassman is meant to quell rumors on social media that the state budget impasse might force the university in Charleston to shut down during the spring, 2016 semester.