University students received an e-mail regarding the financial situation of the University and the furloughs that will be affecting the faculty.

In a massmail sent out Wednesday, Chancellor Robert Easter informed students that the University is owed more than $436 million by the state of Illinois.

According to the email, the faculty and administrative staff will face mandatory furloughs starting in February. Furloughs are a leave of absence without pay, the e-mail added.

In the e-mail, Easter ensures students are the top priority and the University is doing everything they can to protect the students during the financial situation.