“U of Ill. official: Close aviation program,” Pantagraph, February 3
A University of Illinois official is recommending the closing of the school’s aviation program in an effort to save money.
. . .
[Interim chancellor Robert] Easter last year estimated the university could save up to $750,000 a year by closing the program.
“Champaign, Vermilion jobless rates fall,” News-Gazette, January 28
Unemployment rates fell in both Champaign and Vermilion counties in December, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Champaign County’s rate fell to 7.5 percent, down from 8.3 percent in November. The last time the rate was that low was May 2009, when unemployment stood at 7.2 percent.
The rates for Champaign and Urbana also fell in December, with Champaign’s dropping from 8 percent to 7.1 percent and Urbana’s sliding from 9 percent to 7.8 percent.
“UI not interested in hosting ’12 presidential debate,”News-Gazette, January 30
The University of Illinois has been invited to host a 2012 presidential debate.
Thanks, but no thanks, says Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs Robin Kaler.
. . .
“While it sounds very exciting as a way to build a reputation or gain some national exposure, it’s difficult to see a cost-benefit win for us. It would take a lot of time and money just to estimate how much it would cost to host this event.”
“Committee hopes to fill turbine funding gap,” Daily Illini, January 31
The University’s Department for Facilities and Services continued its plea for funding from the Student Sustainability Committee at a public forum in Urbana on Monday night, asking for $700,000 for its wind turbine project by its Wednesday deadline.
. . .
Morgan Johnston, transportation demand management coordinator in the Facilities and Services Department, said the University has chosen the Student Sustainability Committee to fund the extra amount needed for the project because of the widespread budget problems the University system currently faces.
“University to ask students in Egypt to return stateside,” Daily Illini, January 31
Given the political turmoil and civil unrest in Egypt, the Study Abroad Office decided Monday afternoon to cancel all of its current programs in the country and bring back all University students there.
Advisors and representatives from the office met with administrative officials throughout Monday to assess the severity of the country’s situation and the danger it poses to the students.
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“I think the decision to bring the students back happened early enough that none of the students’ safety has been threatened,” Nussbaum said. “In fact, many of them are sad to be returning to campus early, and asked if they could finish the semester in Egypt.”