University of Nebraska-Lincoln Proposes $27.5M Cuts Eliminating Six Programs

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is proposing $27.5 million in budget cuts to address a structural deficit caused by declining revenues and rising costs, including healthcare and utilities. Chancellor Rodney Bennett's plan includes eliminating six academic programs—Community and Regional Planning, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Educational Administration, Landscape Architecture, Statistics, and Textiles, Merchandising, & Fashion Design—resulting in the loss of 48 full-time positions. Additionally, four academic departments are set to be consolidated into two interdisciplinary schools to save $2 million, and two colleges will face budget reductions totaling $550,000. These measures come after state funding increases fell short of requests, forcing the university to tighten its budget despite tuition hikes and a relatively stable enrollment. Bennett emphasized the need to prioritize programs contributing significantly to the university's strategic goals, while University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold highlighted the ongoing financial challenges requiring difficult decisions across campuses. The proposals are subject to review by the Academic Planning Committee and public hearings, allowing input from faculty, staff, and students.