UNL Faces $27.5M Cuts Amid Audit Questioning Financial Health

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is facing proposed budget cuts of $27.5 million by Chancellor Rodney Bennett, which include eliminating six academic programs and significant faculty layoffs. However, an independent financial analysis by Bonnie Fox Garrity, commissioned by UNL's chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), finds that the university and the NU system are financially healthy, with strong revenue growth, a solid net position, and a high credit rating. Despite this, the cuts are justified by the administration as necessary to address a structural budget deficit and to safeguard against future budget reductions. Faculty and analysts criticize the disproportionate impact on instruction, which accounts for only 20% of the overall budget but faces nearly 70% of the proposed cuts, while non-instructional staff salaries have surged significantly. The university disputes the analysis, citing complex financial challenges including inflation and structural pressures, but faculty remain skeptical and call for greater transparency. The University Board of Regents is expected to vote on the budget proposal in December, amid ongoing debate over the necessity and fairness of the cuts.