The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Faculty Senate Executive Committee has issued a sharp response following the Board of Regents' decision to eliminate four academic departments. The committee expressed deep disappointment and stated that faculty members feel they are "under assault" from both inside and outside the university.
The decision, which came after more than five hours of public testimony overwhelmingly against the cuts, will result in the dismissal of dozens of faculty members. The move is intended to address a significant budget deficit facing the institution.
Key Takeaways
- The Nebraska Board of Regents voted to eliminate four academic departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
- The UNL Faculty Senate Executive Committee released a statement expressing profound disappointment and concern.
- The cuts were made despite over 110 speakers unanimously opposing the move during a five-hour public hearing.
- Faculty leaders fear the decision will trigger a broader exodus of talent from the university.
- The eliminations coincide with the approval of $67.5 million for new, privately funded athletic facilities.
Four Departments Eliminated Amid Budget Concerns
The Nebraska Board of Regents finalized the decision to shutter four key academic programs at its Lincoln campus. The affected departments include Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Statistics, Educational Administration, and Textiles, Merchandizing and Fashion.
University officials have cited a pressing $27.5 million budget deficit as the primary driver for this decision. However, the move has sparked significant controversy and a strong reaction from the academic community.
A Contentious Vote
The board's vote followed an extensive public comment session where more than 110 individuals—including students, alumni, and faculty—spoke in defense of the programs. Despite the five-hour-long appeal, with every speaker advocating to retain the departments, the regents proceeded with the eliminations.
Faculty Senate Denounces Decision
In a statement released shortly after the vote, the UNL Faculty Senate Executive Committee condemned the decision, highlighting a growing sense of alienation among the university's educators. The committee voiced its concern not only for the faculty members who will lose their jobs but also for the university's future ability to retain top academic talent.
"The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Faculty Senate Executive Committee is deeply disappointed that the Board of Regents Friday voted overwhelmingly to eliminate four academic programs, and, as a result, fired dozens of faculty," the statement read.
The committee also took issue with the administration's handling of the crisis, suggesting that blame for the financial shortfall was unfairly shifted away from leadership.
Feeling Unsupported
A central theme of the faculty's response is a feeling of abandonment. The statement criticized Chancellor Rodney Bennett for referring to faculty as mere "employees," arguing that this language fails to acknowledge the deeper academic and personal bonds that define a university community.
The committee expressed a profound sense of vulnerability, a sentiment they believe is shared across campus.
"It is crystal clear to this committee that the faculty of this university is under assault, and it feels as though we don’t have support on the outside of this university or, sadly, from the inside, either."
By the Numbers: Public Opposition
- 110+ speakers voiced their opinions during the public hearing.
- 5+ hours of testimony were presented to the Board of Regents.
- 100% of the speakers were in support of keeping the programs.
Fears of a 'Brain Drain' Emerge
Beyond the immediate job losses, faculty leaders are concerned about the long-term consequences of the board's decision. They predict that the move will create a climate of instability, prompting many professors—even those in departments that were not cut—to seek employment elsewhere.
"We are sure that not only will we lose these faculty members... but that many of our brothers and sisters in the faculty whose programs have not been directly impacted will be looking for work elsewhere," the committee warned. "We know this because they’re telling us."
This potential exodus, often referred to as a "brain drain," could damage the university's academic standing and its ability to attract high-caliber students and researchers in the future.
A Tale of Two Investments
The decision to cut academic programs has been further complicated by another vote taken by the Board of Regents. In the same period, the board approved $67.5 million in privately funded projects for the university's athletic department.
While the funding sources are different—with the academic cuts addressing a state-funded budget deficit and the athletic buildings being privately funded—the contrast has not been lost on critics. The juxtaposition of shuttering academic departments while expanding athletic facilities has fueled debate about the university's priorities and its commitment to its core educational mission.
The faculty committee's statement emphasized that the financial problems were not created by the academic staff now facing the consequences. "The $27.5 million deficit was not caused by any of the faculty, students or staff who are so profoundly and negatively affected by this decision," they asserted, adding that none of the university leaders acknowledged this fact.
