UNL professors hold town hall to discuss potential impacts of imminent $27.5 million budget cuts

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Community members learned more about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s proposed $27.5 million budget cuts at a town hall meeting on Tuesday.

UNL is considering an elimination of six academic programs, and members of each of those programs have been fighting to save them.

SEE ALSO: ‘Difficult decisions’: NU Board of Regents hear from staff on proposed department cuts

Students and professors invited the public to Mt. Zion Baptist Church to share details on the proposed budget cuts.

“We think it’s entirely appropriate and essential to engage Nebraskans in the process and have their voices heard,” said Abigail Cochran, who teaches in the College of Community and Regional Planning.

Nearly 40 people filled the pews as faculty members explained how these cuts could impact Nebraskans.

Judith Hudgins said she went to the town hall as a learning opportunity.

“I was really interested because my grandson currently goes to UNL,” Hudgins said. “And I wanted to make sure that I knew more about what the cuts were about because it’s going to affect the younger generation coming forward.”

SEE ALSO: UNL students, professors hold demonstration as $27.5 million budget cut looms

People in the effected programs have already pled their cases to the university, but this was a chance to get Nebraskans to back them.

“It’s very heartening to have the support of the community behind us,” Cochran said.

She said with the additional voices on their side, she’s sure it “would help move the needle on our case and our cause.”

With only about six weeks left before the cuts become final, UNL students and staff are desperate to save their programs.

But no matter what, by the end of this year, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents must cut $27.5 million from UNL’s budget.

SEE ALSO: ‘No other program like this’: UNL gets pushback for ending Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Until then, Cochran said she will fight for her passion.

“We have every moment to utilize,” she said. “We’re a little tired, but we’re happy to continue advocating for these programs we feel are essential to the university and to the state.”