University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett spoke directly to students and staff Friday in a video message outlining the institution’s $27.5 million in forthcoming cuts.
As Bennett explained, UNL must reduce its budget to address a structural shortfall and prevent future cycles of cuts. The reductions include $21 million to close the current gap and another $6.5 million as a safeguard, Bennett elaborated. He cited declining tuition revenue, limited state appropriations, and rising costs for health care, insurance, and utilities as key factors in the university’s financial strain.
“We cannot use athletic funds to offset this deficit, and we cannot permanently backfill deficits with foundation funds,” Bennett said.
The chancellor acknowledged years of repeated cuts across the university and praised faculty and staff for continuing to do “more and more with less and less.” He said the latest plan was developed after consultation and input, using both data metrics and program uniqueness as criteria.
The Academic Planning Committee is now reviewing the proposed plan and gathering feedback. Bennett will present a final version to the Board of Regents in December.
Despite the financial challenges, Bennett remined optimistic, pointing to UNL’s role in driving Nebraska’s economy and history of innovation.
“The time is now for us to boldly reimagine our future,” Bennett said. “Together, we will continue our Odyssey to the Extraordinary.”
Watch Bennett’s full address below.