KEARNEY- Faculty and students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are pushing back against millions in proposed budget cuts that could lead to fewer degrees and faculty positions. The University of Nebraska system is facing an approximate $58 million shortfall over the next two years across its campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. UNK is estimating a $4.3 million shortfall this fiscal year.

Will Avilés, a professor of political science at UNK and president of the UNK Education Association, said administrators have proposed cutting approximately 30 faculty positions from 14 departments. The UNK departments of Geography, Philosophy and Theater are proposed to be eliminated. “I don’t think they appreciate or understand how harmful these cuts are going to be,” said Avilés.

Students protested the proposed budget cuts, which have been sent to a Faculty Advisory Committee for further review. The committee’s role is an advisory one. “I think we’re going to lose a lot of those students [from central and western Nebraska],” Avilés said. “Some of the students are not going to then just go to Lincoln or Omaha. They’re going to look elsewhere.”

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