Faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln challenged administrative plans to eliminate six academic programs and consolidate departments, arguing the process lacked transparency and relied on flawed or incomplete data. Chancellor Rodney Bennett proposed the cuts as part of a $27.5 million budget‑reduction package, citing lower revenues and the need to align academic offerings with demand and workforce needs. Professors said units targeted for elimination were not given a full opportunity to account for their contributions, questioned the metrics used (enrollment, tuition generation, research productivity), and urged additional review before final decisions. The university’s Academic Planning Committee is set to deliver recommendations in October, with the Board of Regents expected to vote in December. The episode underscores the governance tensions that arise when institutions pursue rapid reorganization to close budget gaps: faculty voice, data governance and shared decision‑making become central to preserving academic quality and legitimacy in the eyes of stakeholders.