SIU's Board of Trustees has approved a budget - for the first time in nearly three years.
The university had been essentially operating on a continuing appropriation while the state weathered its budget stalemate. But with passage of a budget this summer, leaders were able to formulate a full-year spending plan.
SIU President Randy Dunn says while that's good news, there is still reason to proceed carefully.
"I think there is caution throughout the system that before we get committing ourselves to anything drastically long term that's a high-ticket item, we have to ensure that we have the means to have success and complete whatever project or task is out there."
It remains to be seen what next year's state budget process will look like. Dunn says he remains optimistic for the future - and adds higher education can't weather another impasse.
SIU's F-Y 2018 operating budget is nearly 865-million dollars.
