February 25, 2025
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
This morning, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents held a special meeting to review potential future changes to our Board bylaws and policies. These changes are being considered in the context of the U.S. Department of Education’s recent ‘Dear Colleague’ letter issued on February 14, which introduced new federal requirements for higher education institutions, with a compliance date of February 28.
This letter was sent to all higher education institutions across the United States. Virtually all of our peers are convening similar necessary meetings of their boards, regents, governing councils, faculty groups and student groups to address the requirements articulated.
The purpose of today’s meeting was not to take any immediate action but to present these potential changes for review and discussion ahead of a future Board vote. We believe this approach honors our commitment to transparency and allows time for consideration and feedback. Please note that the changes set forth today are part of a larger, comprehensive process to review, discuss and update Board of Regent bylaws, policies and standing rules—some of which have not been updated since the 1980s.
I want to acknowledge the concerns that were expressed during public comment today and in conversations afterward. I also want you to know that we hear you. Your voices matter deeply, and we understand the potential significance of the changes proposed.
As I noted in an email to the University community last week, in addition to reviewing Board of Regents bylaws and policies, there will be a chancellor-led comprehensive review of potentially relevant policies and activities on each campus. This process allows each campus to evaluate its current programs, positions and policies and take appropriate measures to align with the Department’s directives.
Our mission at the University of Nebraska is to provide extraordinary education, conduct life-changing research and serve communities across our state and beyond. To do this, we must ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations—out of pragmatism and a steadfast commitment to our students, our work and our financial stability. Protecting access to federal funding is critical to our ability to support students, advance research and maintain our role as a leader in higher education. A focus on our future also guided my testimony this afternoon, as the University of Nebraska’s budget was discussed at the Appropriations Committee’s budget hearing.
We are not acting hastily, and we are not acting out of fear. We are acting because our responsibility to Nebraska and to our mission demands it. We will continue to approach this process thoughtfully, keeping our university’s values at the forefront: integrity, transformative impact and opportunity for all.
As we move forward, we are committed to providing clear communication and support. The chancellors and I will engage in open dialogue and work closely with faculty, staff and student leadership to ensure your perspectives are reflected in our path forward. Please feel free to reach out to me at president@nebraska.edu at any time with your thoughts, comments and concerns.
We are on an “Odyssey to Extraordinary,” and extraordinary institutions navigate new opportunities and challenges with transparency, resilience and unity. I am confident that together, we can meet this moment, support one another and emerge stronger.
Sincerely,
