Chicago State University begins preparations to close down its campus

The financially teetering Chicago State University has told department chairs to begin collecting keys from faculty, staff, administrators and students in anticipation of shutting down the campus.

WGN-TV reports that the effort to collect keys comes as the school is on the verge of running out of money. Chicago State has gone nine months without state funding because the Illinois General Assembly and Gov. Bruce Rauner cannot agree on a budget.

The university announced last month that it sent layoff notices to its employees. It says it has enough cash to make payroll through April 30. Chicago State also canceled its spring break so that student complete their spring semester classes before all its money ran out.

Nearly 7,200 students, predominantly African-American, are enrolled at Chicago State, which is situated on the city's South Side.

Video from WGN-TV: