Emporia State administrators are working today on plans for a possible furlough of state employees. If the Kansas Legislature does not pass a budget by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, June 6, “non-essential” state employees will be furloughed, which is a mandatory leave without pay.
“We consider all of our employees essential,” said Dr. Jackie Vietti, interim president of Emporia State University. “With the regrettable possibility, however, that there will not be money from the state to pay employees, we have the unpleasant task of designating a small team of employees who will be needed to keep us moving forward.”
By noon Friday, all Emporia State faculty and staff will be notified whether they are subject to furlough.
Each state agency is compiling the same lists. Emporia State University’s administrative team is working with guidelines from the Kansas Board of Regents to address considerations unique to state universities. These include continuation of courses for students as well as keeping power plants running.
“This is an unfortunate situation,” Vietti said about the externally imposed possibility of furloughs. “We take very seriously our mission of preparing students for lifelong learning, rewarding careers and adaptive leadership.
“We, too, will adapt to ensure we continue moving forward.”
For more information about the possible furlough and Emporia State’s contingencies, please go online to www.emporia.edu/furlough