Campus Discusses Proposed UNO Core, Budget at Strategy Forum

The latest strategy forum held at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) provided an opportunity for more than 200 campus stakeholders, particularly faculty and staff, to hear more about the university’s approach to budget concerns as well as engage in discussion to guide the future of the institution.

The first part of the forum centered around the UNO Core, a statement that UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA proposed in the State of the University address in early October. The campus community has had the opportunity to read the UNO Core and provide feedback on it via the Office of the Chancellor website.

Friday’s forum provided a fresh opportunity for attendees, in-person and online, to discuss how they and their units contribute to the Core’s four pillars: Educating people of the world, research and discovery, serving our communities through inclusion, and assuming responsibility for workforce and economic development. Table groups in the room and breakout groups via Zoom all provided their thoughts through an online form. The anonymized responses will be analyzed and reviewed to help guide how UNO implements the UNO Core statement moving forward.

With regard to budget, Chancellor Li shared details on how UNO is in a strong position. Through financial discipline, scrutiny of existing processes and policies, and examining organizational structures, UNO has already nearly accounted for a permanent deficit of $2.7 million which existed from the previous fiscal year.

In addressing future budgetary challenges, including the University of Nebraska System’s $58 million deficit, Chancellor Li shared that the institutions that thrive must move quickly, proactively, strategically, and in a way that’s relevant for their communities.

“The long-term sustainability of this university is not just to honor ourselves, but to honor our learners and our families,” Chancellor Li said. “We have an important responsibility on our shoulders. We’re not just doing it for ourselves but for the larger community.”

Carol Kirchner, vice chancellor for business and finance, reiterated that UNO does not know what its share will be of the systemwide deficit; however, the university began to proactively employ financial strategies as early as January to encourage growth and identify additional revenue streams. These include the Omaha Urban Rate (OUR) Tuition program, an expanded focus on international student recruitment, the introduction of microcredential offerings, and getting a better handle on remissions.

“We are determined to be data-driven, be intentional, and to link our strategies to the university’s strategic priorities,” Kirchner said.

Senior Vice Chancellor Phil He, Ph.D., shared updates on the academic vitality initiative, efforts to streamline general education requirements, and exploring opportunities for intercampus collaboration across the NU System.

The academic program vitality model looks at programs as they relate to the mission of the university, academic standards, margins and returns on investment, and the market for programs. Guided by the model and by recommendations from campus stakeholders on the relevant data to include, the academic program vitality model will be represented on data analytics dashboards to provide both transparency and guidance for decisions to be made.

Attendees participated in a brainstorming exercise to gather input for potential reductions and efficiencies as well as revenue opportunities. These will be organized and shared with campus leadership for further review and discussion. The forum concluded with a Q&A session where Chancellor Li, SVC He, and VC Kirchner answered questions from attendees. Many of the questions built on the content of the forum, and in particular, the budget approach.

The campus is encouraged to talk to their unit leadership and supervisors, submit suggestions or questions to budget-challenges@unomaha.edu and check the strategic budget response website which will be updated with information when it becomes available.