NIU President John La Tourette will make a special appearance tonight at a meeting discussing the economic state of the university.

La Tourette will speak on the recession and its effect on NIU students tonight at 9 p.m. in the Sandburg Auditorium. The discussion is sponsored by the NIU Economics Association.

President of the Economics Association Ken Vandenbark said La Tourette will discuss the rapid changes that are taking place on campus because of major budget cuts.

He said La Tourette will also take time to answer questions from students.

NIU Economics Professor Jack Skeels said he is pleased about the president’s appearance.

“This is a critical time in NIU’s economic history,” he said. “It is important that effective communication be taken by university leaders to keep students informed,” Skeels said, who also serves as the faculty adviser of the NIU Economic Association.

“The money that the university will get from the state will not only determine how many classes will be offered at NIU next year, but the size of them as well,” Skeels said.

Vadenbark said this meeting will give students a chance to air their opinions on the recent cut backs.

“This meeting will give students a chance to hear why there is limited enrollment at the university and why programs are being cut back,” he said.

Vandenbark said he hopes to draw new economics majors and minors to join the Economics Association tonight, but “the meeting is open to all students interested in the economic future of NIU.”