KEARNEY- The University of Nebraska at Kearney announced their plans to cuts several faculty lines and eliminate several degrees on Monday Nov. 20.
UNK officials held the presentation at the Student Union, led by Chancellor Doug Kristensen to explain what actions the university will take and what was taken into consideration when it came to the final proposal.
However, that didn’t make it any easier for people to hear.
The large crowd, around 200, included students, faculty, alumni and community members. The budget cuts UNK is facing have been in the spot light since the end of September after the release of the first draft. Although it’s changed from what was initial proposed, cuts are still happening.
It was announced that 24.5 faculty positions and nine degrees were selected to be eliminated. The reductions are due in part of the $58 million dollar shortfall the Nebraska University System is projected to see by 2025, with UNK’s portions being $4.3 million. According to the university, they have already implemented hiring freezes that include 77 full-time positions.
The UNK press release stated the following nine degrees are set for elimination, pending University of Nebraska Board of Regents approval:
- Business Intelligence Emphasis BS
- Geography BS/BA
- Geography and GIScience BS
- Geography 7-12 Teaching Subject Endorsement BA
- Musical Theater BM
- Recreation Management BS
- Recreation, Outdoor and Event Management BS
- Theater BA
The breakdown of faculty positions to be eliminated at UNK is:
- Theater – 4
- English – 3.5
- Music – 3
- Communication, Cyber Systems, Math & Statistics, Modern Languages – 2 each
- Art & Design, History, Kinesiology & Sport Sciences, Montessori Early Childhood, Philosophy, Physics & Astronomy – 1 each
Following the presentation, Kristensen opened the floor to the questions.
Theatre Major and Senior Laura Rozema said “We are so disappointed that we have not felt more support from our administrators…a lot of us hoped that you guys would fight us”
She was one of many that pushed back against the plan to eliminate the theater program.
“To me this sends the message that the arts can’t exists in the rural communities.” said one Music Education Major
“The university recognizes the need for ongoing fiscal responsibility, and these decisions are a result of careful analysis,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen. “While these reductions are a significant step, we are actively exploring additional cost-saving measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of our institution.
UNK will phase out its theater and recreation management programs, as well as the geography program. Students enrolled in programs that are being eliminated will still have the opportunity to fulfill their graduation requirements. Employees affected will be notified by May 2024.
UNK leadership will present its budget findings to University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter on Dec. 1
