‘Nobody is going to be immune’: Carter says some NU programs may be eliminated

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Some programs at the University of Nebraska may be on the chopping block as the system addresses a $58 million shortfall over the next two years.

President Ted Carter made the announcement Thursday as he updated the Board of Regents on his plan to close the deficit, which was caused by inflation and an enrollment decrease.

Carter said there have been conversations about “reductions” to academic programs.

“We run the risk of losing entire major programs, even colleges, if we don’t do this,” he said. “This isn’t about looking for who to fire, this isn’t about which programs are not performing. This is about survival of the overall institution.”

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The Nebraska Examiner reported that UNK has already proposed cutting about 30 faculty positions from 14 departments, sparking protest among students.

“Discussions about eliminating academic programs is very difficult and can be painful,” Carter said. “And yes, I know it’s emotional.”

Carter said he encourages feedback but also wants to acknowledge the “fiscal realities in front of us.”

SEE ALSO: Regents approve tuition hike; Ted Carter ‘would be shocked’ if NU lost students

Under the minimum performance standards for bachelor’s degree programs, there must be at least seven graduates per year over a five-year average for every program.

Carter said that there are a number of programs that don’t meet that standard and that it may be time to discuss whether taxpayers should keep subsidizing them.

He said options are limited and cuts have to be found somewhere, so “nobody is going to be immune.”

But programs would be phased out to allow current students to finish their degree.

“We are going to take care of our students,” Carter said. “What that means is if you’re in an academic program that’s destined to be sunsetted, we will grandfather those students so they do not lose their path.”

Carter will announce the final cuts to the NU system by Dec. 1. After that, he’ll leave to become president of Ohio State University.