In the wake of economic downturn and national tragedy, universities are facing massive budget cuts.

NIU President John Peters announced his plan and parameters for university spending at Thursday’s board of trustees finance, facilities and operations committee meeting in preparation for a $25 million Illinois Board of Higher Education budget reserve cut.

The reallocation and reduction was mandated by Illinois Gov. George Ryan and passed on to him by IBHE chairman Phil Rock and executive director Keith Sanders.

Peters assured fellow administrators that his top goals are to minimize the disruption of student academics and to maintain the health and safety of the campus.

He promised that there will be no staff salary or benefit reductions, furloughs or layoffs.

Peters said he has been meeting with his vice presidents to determine their options for reductions.

He added that they have agreed on a modified hiring freeze for the months of November to January, and he added that there will be delays in equipment purchases.

“NIU stands willing to do its part as the state tries to balance the budget in the aftermath of Sept. 11,” he added.

Peters said he won’t know the exact percentage of NIU’s reduction until he gets a note from the governor.

He stressed the distinction between state revenue and bond revenue funds — monies set aside specifically for university projects — to assure the board members and attending administrators that these cuts will not affect endeavors like the construction of Barsema Hall and the arena.

Eddie Williams, vice president of finance and facilities, continued the meeting as the committee unanimously passed recommendations to establish a budget of about $5 million for information technology services communications hardware and software, as well as fixtures and equipment to be installed in Barsema Hall and the arena.

This money is included within the previously established $20 million Barsema Hall and $36 million arena budgets.

Also, Williams said that this time next year, the university can expect to see a revival in the visitor pay lot, a “well-overdue” project.

The committee approved a recommendation to reconstruct parking Lot 17, the lot between Founders Memorial Library and Watson Creek.

The lot has deteriorated over time because of poor drainage and standing water brought by floods.

The $471,300 project will be funded by revenue from parking fines and permits.

The full board of trustees will convene on Dec. 6 to address the recommendations.