Eastern president David Glassman emailed students and faculty Wednesday morning after what he says is a “rumor” re-surfaced regarding the statement he made during a state budget hearing, implying a potential university shutdown in the spring semester.

A Chicago Tribune article ran the statement, which Glassman said, was used out of context.

“The statement was designed to emphasize the seriousness of the budget situation for Eastern Illinois University and higher education in Illinois,” he said.

Glassman said Eastern’s ability to stay open for the spring semester is not an issue in question.

“This is not true,” Glassman wrote. “I assure you EIU will continue to operate throughout this academic year, even given the unprecedented budgetary impasse occurring within our state government.”

He said the university fully expects state funding to come through this year and contingency plans are being made for Eastern to fully operate until the funds are received.