2025-2026 Budget Update

In March, I shared a message with you outlining the financial realities facing our campus and our commitment to managing them with transparency and care. Today, I want to follow up with more details about our budget planning in the coming fiscal year.

To protect our core academic mission and minimize programmatic and job reductions, the University of Nebraska System announced the 2025-2026 budget again will not include an allocation for general salary increases.

The following guidelines will take effect on July 1 for the full upcoming fiscal year:

• There will be no across-the-board raises from any funding source.

• Faculty salary increases tied to collective bargaining agreements will be honored through internal financial management without additional financial support from the NU System.

• Any other salary increases, outside of bargaining agreements or promotions, must follow established UNO Business & Finance processes with final approval from both myself and President Gold.

• Additionally, any individual salary increases, regardless of employee category or funding source, may not exceed 5% in a single year without prior approval from the President.

I recognize that this is frustrating news that comes at a time when many families are navigating their own financial pressures and economic uncertainty nationally. However, it does not diminish the extraordinary impact you have on our students and countless individuals in our community. It also gives us a clearer view of the road ahead.

We’ve faced uncertainty together, and now, with greater clarity, I’m confident we’ll continue to move forward with purpose, resilience, and a greater focus on our student-centric mission.

As I said in March, keep looking out for one another, keep bringing your passion, and keep showing up for our students.

Thank you,

Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA

Chancellor