When times are tough, who will speak up for the University of Illinois?
The three campuses claim about 514,000 living alumni of whom about 262,900 live in Illinois. The university enrolls about 71,000 students and employs 24,000 people. Our non-alumni friends and partners are legion – parents of students, our campus neighbors, companies that hire our graduates, agricultural interests that rely on our research, patients served in our hospitals and clinics, among others. In short, a lot of people in all walks of life.
The university administration is committed to consistent and informed action on behalf of the university, day in and day out, and has called upon members of that legion of friends and partners as advocates. These activities strengthen the relationship between the university and the people of Illinois through public awareness and direct outreach to constituencies, including the state legislature and governor.
Now, as the Illinois budget reaches a record $5 billion deficit and the UI is on the fiscal ropes, the university is stepping up again.
“Given the dire condition and poor outlook for the University of Illinois’ budget, those with a stake in the university might want to act as advocates and let the governor and the legislature know that a great asset is in jeopardy,” Stukel said.
“What has taken generations to build will decline bit by bit until this university drops into the second tier. That’s a future none of us wants to be a part of and it’s too gloomy to contemplate. I hope our own people will pull together to try to have some positive outcome this legislative session.”
A handful of fundamental advocacy steps can make a difference by those interested in speaking up for the university.
First, identify an issue or two – in this case related to the budget – that resonates with you personally or one you believe a particular legislator cares about.
Second, construct a short, respectful but firm letter that outlines the issue and asks the legislator and the governor to consider its effect on students or faculty members or services or employment and the reputation of the UI.
Third, mail it so it reaches the governor and the legislator in time to have a real impact. The legislature is in session in Springfield now, deliberating about funding and other issues important to the UI.
Other steps include visiting legislators when they are home for district visits that might include town hall meetings and other venues. Or, call the district office and leave a message citing a concern. Or, fax a short note to the governor and members of the legislature.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s address:
207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706-1150 or 100 W. Randolph, Suite 16-100, Chicago, IL 60601-3220. The governor’s Web site: www.state.il.us/gov.
Your home address determines who your state representative and state senator are. If you are unsure who they are, go to: www.elections.state.il.us/ and click on “Find Districts/Officials.”
