An associate professor in the College of Professional Studies is resigning as a result of the state’s budget cuts.

Peggy Sullivan, dean of the college, said several faculty members have complained about the lack of teaching space. “Space is the most critical factor. Problems with the budget are not just involved with pay raises,” she said.

“Faculty are in great demand in professional areas,” Sullivan said. She said she is uncertain about additional faculty leaving at the end of the semester.

Sullivan said it is too early in the semester for NIU faculty to receive teaching offers from other universities. “Faculty have a responsibility to complete the semester. But I know that other faculty members are looking (for positions at other schools),” she said.

The College of Professional Studies has been lacking a medical technology laboratory for the last two years, Sullivan said. A new lab will be installed later this year. The physical therapy department has no lab because of asbestos problems.

Stanley Madeja, College of Visual and Performing Arts dean, said no V&PA faculty are leaving to his knowledge, but “if the present situation continues, some will be looking for different positions.”

“It is a very difficult year for the faculty to keep their enthusiasm. The worst thing is that it may continue for another year,” Madeja said.

“It is a poor situation for everyone. If people are dissatisfied with their jobs, it will affect how they teach,” he said.

Sullivan said she believes students already are affected by the state’s higher education budget cuts.

Madeja said further cuts will affect class offerings and, more importantly, access to existing programs.

“We simply will have fewer slots available in our programs,” Madeja said.

John Smith, accountancy department chairman, said the pay scale in the NIU accountancy department is 20 percent lower than the scale for the same teaching position in other states.

“If we fail to provide this (a pay increase), our faculty will go to other states,” Smith said.

He said some accountancy classes are bigger due to the cuts and the department has had to cut back on offerings for non-majors.

“Faculty are concerned, but they are loyal to the NIU accountancy program,” Smith said.

“The state and the university need to do something very quickly or faculty will be leaving,” he said.

‘The state and the university need to do something very quickly or the faculty will be leaving’

John Smith, accountancy department chairman