University of Nebraska Board of Regents to consider program eliminations, department mergers at Dec. 5 meeting
November 26, 2025
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St., in Lincoln. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed at www.nebraska.edu.
A detailed agenda for the Board meeting is available online.
During the meeting, the Board will consider the elimination of four departments at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as well as the consolidation of four additional departments into two interdisciplinary schools.
The departments and associated programs the Board will consider for elimination were identified through a campus-led analysis of UNL’s academic programs informed by teaching and research metrics. UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett outlined the departments for elimination in his budget reduction plan, which he shared with the Board of Regents in November.
The proposed eliminations represent approximately $6.74 million of a UNL-wide effort to identify $27.5 million in budget reductions. That effort also includes a voluntary separation incentive plan, the extension of a hiring freeze and other cost-cutting measures.
“Every program makes a difference that is felt by our students, in our Nebraska communities, and frankly, around the world,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “These are incredibly difficult decisions, but identifying reductions and living within our means is necessary to the long-term sustainability and future success of our land-grant campus.”
The Board will also consider approving a program statement for new athletics facilities at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The facilities would be funded entirely through private philanthropy.
About the University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska is the state’s only public university system, made up of four campuses – UNL, UNO, UNK and UNMC – each with a distinct role and mission. Together the campuses enroll nearly 50,000 students and employ 16,000 faculty and staff who serve the state, nation and world through education, research and outreach. For more information and news from the University of Nebraska, visit nebraska.edu/news.