Dear Students,

I am writing about the proposed elimination of your Department in the Chancellor's budget reduction plan. I realize this was very difficult news to receive. I want to ensure that you are fully aware that the UNL community will continue to support your path to degree completion.

First, I want to emphasize that only the University of Nebraska Board of Regents can approve the elimination of an academic degree program. They will consider the Chancellor’s plan at their meeting on December 5. I know that must feel like a very long time to wait for a final decision, and that you may be wondering what happens next.

If your department is approved for elimination, work will begin immediately to design and develop degree completion pathways. Pathways will be created with student input. They will depend on program and individual student situations, such as total credit hours earned. Pathways will be finalized during the spring 2026 semester and communicated to all students in an impacted program before priority registration begins on March 23.

A Transition Coordinator would be identified and available to help students successfully navigate completing their degree.

It is expected that programs will strive to provide the curriculum and experiences which students would normally engage, including experiential learning, research paths and practical training. However, in some instances a compressed timeline and modifications of some requirements may be necessary, such as course substitutions.

The FAQ on the budget process website<https://budgetprocess.unl.edu/faq/ > has been updated with new, detailed answers to the following:

* What is a degree completion pathway? * How will degree completion pathways be developed and implemented? * What is a Transition Coordinator? If you have academic concerns, reach out to your advisor, academic navigator, Graduate Studies<https://graduate.unl.edu/ >, or graduate chair. Contact Husker Hub<https://huskerhub.unl.edu/ > if you have any concerns about financial aid or scholarships, or Graduate Studies about graduate assistantships. Consider making an appointment with CAPS<https://caps.unl.edu/ > if you need emotional support, or reach out to Student Advocacy and Support<https://studentadvocacy.unl.edu/ >. If you are an international student with concerns about implications to your visa status, contact ISSO<https://global.unl.edu/isso/ >.

We will continue to keep you informed as soon as information is available.

Sincerely,

Mark E. Button, Ph.D. Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer

Note: Undergraduate minors in geology, and meteorology, and the MA in Educational Administration would be retained.