Aondover Tarhule

On day 17 of the AFSCME Local 1110 strike, union representatives presented the president of Illinois State University with nearly 7,000 petition signatures urging his negotiation of a fair deal. A state senator on campus said the strike is "putting pressure on us as legislators as well."

At an Illinois House committee hearing in Springfield on Thursday, Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule requested more state funding as striking employees also in attendance claimed ISU was not negotiating with them in good faith.

ISU President Aondover Tarhule on Friday took a practical stance as litigation continues over a lot of federal mandates. "Our first and most important responsibility is to our students,” said Tarhule.

Illinois State University's board of trustees on Friday approved a 5% tuition increase for new students arriving on campus this fall, with Chief Financial Officer Glen Nelson saying planners tried to minimize the impact of cost increases on those students.

Illinois State leaders are urging the campus to commit to change and remain flexible as the university implements a new budgeting process that could significantly re-allocate program funds.

During his State of the University address, the president of Illinois State University said "funding pressures remain high and very concerning."

Illinois State University is sending a calming message to students and employees as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to squelch diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Kris Lutt is president of sustainable materials and strategic initiatives at ADM. He earned an MBA from Illinois State in 2006.

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule said the painful efforts to address a structural budget deficit have found about $12 million. That's enough to offer nonunion workers a 3.5% pay raise starting in October.

Illinois State University is looking to expand housing and dining facilities to match its growing incoming classes.