Why is this budget reduction happening?
Our institution's current revenues are not sufficient to meet our expenses. It is important we address our budget deficit with a deliberate, long-term strategy that aligns our programs with enrollment trends and market needs, streamlines our operations to reduce costs without compromising academic excellence, and expands fundraising efforts to support institutional growth and innovation.
How did the university decide which programs would be affected?
University leadership within administration and the colleges have provided input to a metrics-based approach that can be applied consistently and fairly across all programs. Strength of the programs, needs of the state, and workforce alignment are also being considered in the decision-making process. Details about the metrics-based approach are available elsewhere on this website.
What programs are impacted in the budget reduction plan?
The budget reduction plan includes the following proposed eliminations:
- Undergraduate Programs
- Geology
- Landscape Architecture
- Meteorology and Climatology
- Statistics and Data Analytics
- Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design
- Minor in Community and Regional Planning
- Data Science pathway in the Department of Statistics. The pathways for the Data Science BS in the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering will be retained.
- Graduate Programs
- Master’s in Community Regional Planning (MCRP)
- MS and PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- PhD and EdD in Educational Studies, with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education
- EdD in Educational Administration
- MS and PhD in Statistics
- MA and MS in Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design
- PhD in Human Sciences, with a specialization in Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design
- Graduate Certificate Programs
- Community College Leadership
- Quilt Studies
- Urban Design
What do I do if my program is affected by the budget reduction?
If your program is under consideration, keep in mind that the budget reduction proposal goes through a thorough review process before final decisions are made. The university is here to support you during this review process and beyond.
- Students: Reach out to your advisor, academic navigator, or graduate chair about academic concerns. Contact Husker Hub if you have any concerns about financial aid or scholarships. Consider making an appointment with CAPS if you need emotional support. If you are an international student with concerns about implications to your visa status, contact ISSO.
- Faculty and staff: Reach out to your supervisor, department executive officer, or college dean's office with questions. Consider making an appointment with EAP if you need emotional support. Tenured faculty who meet VSIP eligibility requirements can reach out to the NU Interim Vice Provost for confidential discussions. If you are concerned about a student during this process, use UNL's Student Referral Guide to help them connect with the appropriate support.
The university is committed to student success and minimizing disruption to degree completion. There is a process that departments follow when programs are eliminated, which includes creating a teach-out plan that provides opportunities for current students to finish their course of study. Plan specifics would be individualized to the program and student. Academic advisors and faculty will work closely with impacted students. New students would no longer be accepted into the program, effective fall 2026.
What is a teach-out plan?
A teach-out plan facilitates the graduation of students engaged in a primary curriculum that is being eliminated. While colleges strive to provide the curriculum that students would normally follow, in some instances a compressed timeline and modifications of some requirements may occur, such as course substitution. Academic advisors and faculty will work closely with impacted students, and a Transition Coordinator would be assigned to help students successfully navigate completing their degree.
When will we know final decisions about programs?
The university's Academic Planning Committee plays a central role in reviewing and making recommendations on proposed budget reductions. The committee will collect feedback from the campus community and stakeholders between Sept. 15 and Oct. 10. After deliberations, the committee will share its recommendations with the Chancellor on Oct. 24.
These recommendations and the Chancellor's final decisions will be shared with campus in November. The NU Board of Regents is expected to vote on program eliminations at their Dec. 5 meeting. At that time, decisions about program eliminations will be final. The university will keep impacted faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders informed as soon as information is available.
If this timeline changes, updates will be posted on this website and shared with the campus.
How does this affect student workers?
Supervisors are expected to notify student workers if their position would be impacted by the budget reductions. Contact your supervisor directly for more information.
How does this affect graduate assistantships?
Supervisors are expected to notify graduate students if their assistantship would be impacted by the budget reductions. Graduate assistants should contact the graduate chair within their department with questions. Contacts for each program are listed on the programs page of the Graduate Studies website. Other questions about graduate assistantships can be directed to Graduate Studies at graduate@unl.edu or 402-472-2875.
How would program eliminations affect scholarships and financial aid?
It is important to remember that final decisions about program eliminations are not expected until December. Changes to course registration and enrollment mid-semester could affect financial aid or scholarships. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a member of Husker Hub prior to making any changes to their registration or program of study.
Is UNL eliminating any other departments or programs that will affect students?
Colleges have established processes for determining if changes are needed in academic programs, which include consultation and engagement with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders. These changes are not always related to a budget reduction; overall student demand and enrollment are important factors in these decisions. Any such changes, including elimination, must go through a careful and full review and implementation process, which would require a teach-out plan for affected students.
I am a prospective student and have applied to one of the programs under consideration for elimination. What should I do now? Can I get a refund on my application fee?
If the major you have applied to is one of the programs under consideration for elimination, keep in mind that the budget reduction proposal goes through a thorough review process before final decisions are made. You will receive information from Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Studies as more information is available. You do not need to take an action now.
In addition, UNL offers over 100 programs of study for undergraduate and graduate education at Nebraska. You may explore alternative opportunities in your field of interest. If you would like to make a change to your application for admission or request a refund for your application fee, contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@unl.edu or 402-472-2023 and Graduate Studies at graduate@unl.edu or 402-472-2875.