SIU's President says the school has lost more than $10 million this year due to state budget cuts and grant fund sweeps at the state level.
Randy Dunn says in addition to a 2.25% across-the-board cut in state support, numerous areas have seen grant reductions that are forcing some people out of jobs - and triggering more deficits when matching funds are lost.
"These things have fingers that reach out; there are impacts that take place that when these cuts get made, we can't control, and sometimes, I'm afraid, people don't even think through."
Dunn says some areas will be able to finish out the spring semester with the current funding level, but the future of some programs and departments remains uncertain.
Still, the SIU System Leader says he remains hopeful a compromise can be reached - but admits it could be a long wait for a resolution - as lawmakers will likely meet into the summer in order to craft a budget.
In addition, Dunn says he stands by the decision to invite Governor Bruce Rauner to speak at this year's graduation, despite a growing number of people voicing displeasure over the choice.
Dunn says anytime you can get the sitting governor to speak at your state university, it's a good opportunity:
"I understand the frustration that some have, and certainly don't want to withhold anybody's opportunity to say what they think about this. But, on the whole, it's important to have Governor Rauner here to see what it is that we do - how we do it - and to tell the story of SIU with him present and in front of us."
Rauner will speak during the commencement ceremony for the Colleges of Business and Education and Human Services on May 16.
More than 2,600 people have signed a petition at www.change.org protesting Rauner's appearance.
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