With University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s holiday break just around the corner, the ghosts of UNL past, present and future are here to share the university’s progress, status and goals.
Just 16 weeks ago, when UNL students were deciding whether their fall semester classes would be a breeze or not, the university was deciding how to shoulder its $3.7 million share of the University of Nebraska budget cuts.
In November, NU heard more bad news when the Nebraska Legislature called a special session to rethink the state budget and decided to further reduce spending for higher education.
While UNL has tightened its belt by cutting positions and reducing spending, money is still an issue.
“I’m afraid the economy will be an issue we will worry about for some time, indeed, for several years,” wrote UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman in an e-mail.
“This is not something that will be fixed immediately.”
Perlman said it’s hard to tell how the university will continue balancing the budget next semester.
“Realistically, we will just have to find pockets of temporary money to tide us over while we make permanent budget reductions,” Perlman said.
“The problem is that it takes considerable time to make permanent reductions.”
UNL not only faced budget problems this semester, but also struggled to fill open positions.
The College of Journalism and Mass Communications, the College of Law and the College of Business Administration all continue to search for permanent deans.
Perlman said some of his biggest disappointments this semester include Nebraska’s loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship game, of course, and also the loss of two vice chancellors.
Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources John Owens announced his resignation this semester, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Barbara Couture accepted the presidency of New Mexico State University.
Couture’s new position begins in January.
Even with budget setbacks, UNL has made strides forward.
“We completed the plans necessary to acquire Innovation Campus,” Perlman said.
“We announced a major capital campaign to continue to elevate the university’s quality.
We have the largest student body in 14 years and the most academically qualified.
We continue to pursue some major initiatives including the Global Water for Food Institute.“
Of the accomplishments listed by the chancellor, moving forward with Innovation Campus has been one of the most-mentioned topics at NU Board of Regents meetings.
UNL plans to build the research campus on the former state fair grounds over the next 20 years.
“I think it’s moving forward as fast as it should be,” said Regent Chuck Hassebrook.
“We’re making sure it’s built in a way that benefits every part of the state, so we’re building better lives.”
Another hot topic at board meetings includes embryonic stem cell research.
After a few months of deliberation and hearing about three dozen public testimonies, the regents voted down a resolution that would have kept NU from conducting embryonic research.
“The decision in permitting research should not negatively impact UNL,” Perlman said.
“An alternative decision would have clearly made it more difficult to recruit good research faculty.”
Looking ahead to the following semester, the budget is still a top concern, said Regent Jim McClurg.
“The management of our expenses and managing our budgets are going to be a huge part of our concerns,” he said.
“We have not been hit as hard as other people, but we’re in the middle of it, and I’m afraid it will last. It will definitely be the number one repeating issue.”
Both McClurg and Hassebrook said the main goal is to maintain the affordability and accessibility of college education.
“I think we are still on track with our strategy, even in light of the challenges,” McClurg said.
“We’ve started very forward-looking initiatives. Over the next 20 years, they will bring incredible opportunities to the university. Innovation campus, (NU President J.B.) Milliken coming back from India, the capital campaign, establishing a water institute.
We’re laying the groundwork for success.”
Courtneypitts@dailynebraskan.com
Be the first to comment on this article!