Plan to scrap U of Ill. aviation program stalls

CHAMPAIGN — A move to close down the University of Illinois' Aviation program as a cost-saving measure has stalled.

The Champaign-Urbana campus' faculty-student Senate voted 57-54 Monday against the proposal to shut down the program while continuing to offer an aviation-related master's degree.

Associate Spanish professor Joyce Tolliver chairs the Senate executive committee. She said many who voted against the proposal didn't believe all options to keep the program open had been explored.

Only university trustees can close a program but the process requires a proposal from the school's president and a recommendation on that proposal by the Senate. Administrators estimate the university could save $750,000 a year by closing the program.

Tolliver said the Senate could consider a refined version of the proposal as soon as next week.