[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6272487,"mediaKeyId","3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa","parentId",3027788,"title","Votes at a glance: Board of Regents approves program changes, construction items and Project Health intermediate design review","audioSeconds",2227,"startMs",7040000,"endMs",9267000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa&start=7040&end=9267","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa/thumbnail_7040000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272487/Nebraska/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-of-Regents-approves-program-changes-construction-items-and-Project-Health-intermediate-design-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272487-da82adfc2c7c348b0a052841381d245c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870127&Signature=VmQFiMr2pa5uEUN-YZxQoZJp6SwXHK5QeTtDppLXe9QzZo8g14iYUAR4r5D5TfCLxH6lxxvGoAx2N3rvjq9BIe~vVOJhmBpjWk~i8UbNK1ER4jt0GNut2LoQ6DQptBgE3qMasep3Qmy6u78pwONL3Oy2g0~CTJvMqQjQZCswkUqB4vPVoTkF6Km~4kN7e~poC6RU24OAUohYFc3-XiJ6s1kOXS2~WaQYIhdKPPAkMZoCAXgUbZIQZBO1YSCG~AlxbiCOja3l969qh74xbZjDfXEMah97IA5NLyTyzKy~7nTh1CRHWLImRsjd8WtiJQt6JQM96gEMFFsWHmAdPauawg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","University of Nebraska System, NE","date","2025-04-17T00:13:09.77Z","article","LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on April 11 approved a set of consent and action items covering academic programs, collective‑bargaining amendments, construction change orders, naming, and the intermediate design review for Project Health. Below is a concise “votes at a glance” summary of each formal action recorded in the meeting transcript.

Items and outcomes (selected items from agenda):

- Approval of minutes from the Feb. 25, 2025 special board meeting — Motion passed (unanimous roll call ‘Yes’ recorded).

- 6A1: Award of honorary degrees and awards — Motion passed (roll call ‘Yes’ recorded).

Academic program actions (12A series)
- 12A1: Establishment of the Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center (administered by UNL College of Law, in partnership with UNL College of Arts & Sciences) — Approved (roll call recorded; item funded by private funds per presentation).
- 12A2: Establish undergraduate certificate in irrigation and agricultural water management (UNL, 18 credit hours) — Approved (roll call recorded).
- 12A3: Eliminate the Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology (UNL) — Approved (roll call recorded); the BS in Geology remains available and current BA students allowed to complete.
- 12A4: Establish graduate certificate in Emergency Nurse Practitioner (UNMC) — Approved (roll call recorded); item described as a 16‑credit hybrid certificate aimed at rural emergency care staffing shortages.

Collective bargaining and personnel (12B/12):
- 12B1: Amendments to the collective bargaining agreement between Board of Regents and UNK Education Association (2025–2027 biennium) — Approved. Salary increases described as 4% first year, 3% second year (roll call recorded).
- 12B10: Amendments to the UNO AAUP collective bargaining agreement (2025–2027 biennium) — Approved. Salary increases described as 4.9% in first year, 4.8% in second year (roll call recorded).

Construction, change orders and naming (12B2–12B12):
- 12B2: Change order / construction agreement for Husker Vision enabling work (Memorial Stadium improvements) — Approved (roll call recorded). Regents and staff noted athletic department funds cover project costs.
- 12B3: Naming the John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center (including donor‑funded statue and signage, estimated cost $400,000) — Approved (roll call recorded).
- 12B4: Change order / construction agreement for outdoor track replacement at UNL (seating, concessions, AV, Wi‑Fi, electrical) — Approved (roll call recorded).
- 12B5: Budget increase for UNL Pershing Military & Naval Sciences Building renovation — Approved. Requested increase $685,300 (approx. 6% of prior budget) to address unforeseen hazardous materials, electrical upgrades and other conditions; funds from existing UNL LB384 allocations (roll call recorded).
- 12B6: Ratify amendments and change order for Westbrook Music Building LB384 replacement — Approved; additional changes totaling $1,300,000 covered from project contingencies (roll call recorded).
- 12B7 & 12B8: Intermediate Design Report #1 and Integrated Project Delivery Agreement for Project Health (UNMC); request to authorize additional enabling‑work budget of $69,000,000 — Approved (roll call recorded; Regent Schaefer recorded as abstaining on the vote). Project Health remains within the program statement budget allocation of $2,191,000,000 per the presentation.
- 12B9: Change order / construction agreement for Core Building project (UNMC) to enhance mechanical/electrical systems for wet‑lab requirements — Approved (roll call recorded).
- 12B11: UNO Biomechanics Research Building Phase 3 program statement and budget — Approved. Budget reported as $17,100,000 and funded by a private donation (roll call recorded).
- 12B12: UNO LB384 electrical switch relocation scope and budget change — Approved. Capital construction increase requested $2,000,000 (total $6,000,000); funds from UNO LB384 allocations (roll call recorded).

Other business and bylaws (12C series)
- 12C1: Bylaws update to section 1.1 (administrative structure) — Approved (roll call recorded).
- 12C2: Proposed amendments to section 3 of the bylaws (equal‑opportunity language): Approved after roll‑call (several regents voted No, one abstention recorded; motion passed by majority).
- 12C3: Amendments consolidating maternal/paternal leave into a parental leave policy — Approved (roll call recorded).
- 12C4: Regents policy changes affecting equal‑opportunity and related policies (3.10.3, 5.2.0.1 and other cross references) — Approved after extended debate and procedural votes (roll call recorded).

How regents voted (examples from transcript roll calls):
- Bylaw item 12C2 roll call (excerpt): Regent Adedam — No; Regent Thavaraju — No; Regent Herban — No; Regent Schroeder — Abstain; Regent Shearer — Yes; Regent Starck — Yes; Regent Weitz — No; Regent Wilmot — Yes; Regent Clare — Yes; Regent Kenny — Yes; Regent O'Connor — No; Regent Schaefer — Yes. Motion passed by majority.
- Project Health (12B7/12B8) roll call (excerpt): Multiple regents voted Yes; Regent Schaefer recorded an abstention on the combined IDR/IPD approval; final motion passed (see transcript for full roll call sequence).

Notes and context:
- Many items in the business and finance section were described as funded from private gifts, athletics funds, or existing LB384 allocations; several construction items were approved with change orders drawing on project contingency funds rather than increasing systemwide tuition or general funds.
- The board also approved several awards and ceremonial resolutions, including Regent Emeritus status for former Regent Jim McClurg and posthumous recognition and an honorary degree recommendation for Jack Hoffman; those were adopted by acclamation or unanimous consent as recorded in the meeting.

Where to find the details: The meeting transcript contains the roll‑call sequences and motion language for each listed agenda item. This roundup highlights outcomes and key factual points recorded during the April 11 meeting.

Ending: The board adjourned after a brief call for closed session that was not needed; the meeting record indicates additional bylaw chapters will be brought back for the June meeting and several implementation steps and communications to campuses were directed by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","University of Nebraska Board of Regents Meeting: April 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 11 meeting the Board of Regents approved multiple academic program actions, collective bargaining amendments, construction change orders and the first intermediate design review for Project Health. Most items passed by roll call; a few votes recorded opposition or abstentions.","taxTitle","Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska, Elected Officials, Organizations, Executive, Nebraska","taxId",29123,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6272492,"UNO tells Regents it’s shifting to a skill‑based model: Career Connect, microcredentials and AI cited as growth areas",665,153000,818000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa&start=153&end=818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa/thumbnail_153000.jpg","/articles/6272492/Nebraska/UNO-tells-Regents-its-shifting-to-a-skillbased-model-Career-Connect-microcredentials-and-AI-cited-as-growth-areas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272492-cf6a1b3b3d371c74c6085a6a5d66d693/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870127&Signature=kd7d4IyNu7VbVVkQbxtiSbVZC53GAApKgkKfEVsZw8cheBCbiEkFoWjtdjOCsfOZ68CzX17q060I0u4ySm8VySauMtlztUzkCJ1dpHt8Cu44XXjxfY3PTyV2OUGpgHp20GiwnBTJiflnZGDHCaVw8UK4Iyt6tv5xKf~XR24do07w4uy4lb51Qv9pjVLWVWHU0snEaMgGsEUpdo9q8D3alpFAbYxNq0KUgdaFr9x~rUoaUXGFQ4nWVWao7QHyoxr-AlV7elSm1duy8rfPLCju4CgxK1~b6KsrXuCKvx-UMk5V554MwmYfPGeDzEyvhLhlGWol1cf4bzL3~R6N1Dz85A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","OMAHA — University of Nebraska at Omaha leaders on April 11 told the Board of Regents that UNO is refocusing programs to serve a “skill‑based economy,” emphasizing paid internships, competency‑based learning, microcredentials and AI training as ways to increase student job placement and retain graduates in Nebraska.

Chris Moore, a professor of physics and director of UNO’s STEM Trail Center, opened the presentation and described the city‑facing classrooms and planetary outreach that he said reached 16,000 young people through camps and public programs. Moore said nearly 2,000 UNO undergraduates used the center’s classrooms this year and cited data showing a measured effect: “a 1‑week session in our summer camps for third through tenth graders leads to a 15% increase in interest in STEM careers,” he said.

Chancellor Jolie (UNO) framed the campus’s strategy as responding to employer demand for skills rather than degrees alone. Jolie told the regents UNO’s “Career Connect” initiative — launched in 2022 — asks local employers to offer paid internships so students need not take unpaid work or multiple part‑time jobs to participate. Jolie said 54 employers had pledged paid internships and the UNO Handshake platform listed 11,429 paid internships at the time of the presentation.

Jolie described other initiatives the campus is developing: competency‑based learning with more than 100 faculty across six colleges engaged; 26 microcredentials on topics including AI and grant development designed for non‑traditional learners; and a pilot cooperative education (co‑op) program in logistics and supply‑chain management with employer partners that include Valmont, Union Pacific and HDI.

On AI, Jolie said UNO has implemented an “AI learning lab” to upskill faculty and staff; about 1,000 UNO employees were using enterprise generative AI tools, and “over 70 faculty across all six colleges are redeveloping their courses…to include information and hands‑on experiences about AI,” she said.

Jolie also cited UNO’s pathway work with Metropolitan Community College (MCC), noting the transfer pipeline produced a 13% increase in new transfer enrollment last fall and that Nebraska Department of Labor data shows 81% of UNO graduates remain employed in Nebraska one year after graduation and 67% at five years.

Why this matters: With national debate about the value of four‑year degrees, UNO’s presentation framed the campus as broadening credential pathways to meet employer needs and to attract adult learners. Regents said they were pleased with the campus tour and with the work connecting students to local employers.

Board response: Regents applauded the presentation and thanked UNO leaders for the tour. President Gold and several regents emphasized the state and system benefits of workforce retention and the campus’s efforts to make credentials more accessible and aligned to employers.

Ending: UNO asked for regents’ continued support as the campus pursues formal approval for a competency, skills and workforce development hub to be designated an NU center; Jolie said she would seek the board’s support when the proposal is formally filed.","University of Nebraska at Omaha leaders told the Board of Regents that the campus is expanding skill‑based programs, paid internships, microcredentials and AI training to boost workforce outcomes and retain graduates in Nebraska.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6272497,"Regents approve bylaw and policy changes on equal‑opportunity language after public comment and split votes",4033,6381000,10414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa&start=6381&end=10414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027788-f3e0d65956d21ac21b2c80b932e759fa/thumbnail_6381000.jpg","/articles/6272497/Nebraska/Regents-approve-bylaw-and-policy-changes-on-equalopportunity-language-after-public-comment-and-split-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272497-b04f43e09f4b1f62e459baaab5b2c43a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870127&Signature=l-5k-HwlMEjOXkIXnGl7t2jAcfI9m8fRwH0zuqKVvQqsNgTgn2O-wvEomUtBgCMGTc2hOWyi-rEzzO253BnNaU1qN2z0dbCysm3Uzx0g9BE63nTFgSxxGbxWJdM5fYTO8DCZKSqxkXIq2cctvxcJ96Db8PsQdQ5qqxYDTwcfhI9LLfhI2Dten40FP-ZSmlPGU-eogXxsG8i6YNccKKpOKiXSAtxP7Q0W8HKPwnmMiwdyKY0~6LBcQndFhPeIxqnRKilahtEPaV2DoTFwghZC8KhffwsuBK93GvLOsAz7sa8NwHuPmBq1p1jNJa9b--iQavuygrzDVTtkbjw2vMQORA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted April 11 to amend multiple bylaws and system policies that remove or revise affirmative‑action and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language, a move that drew extended public comment and divided votes from regents.

The board approved two separate, related measures in Chapter 12 (items 12C2 and 12C4), along with related bylaws and policy updates the board said are intended to align system rules with recent federal guidance and executive actions. The measures passed after roll‑call votes in which several regents voted no or abstained.

The changes follow guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and an administration executive order referenced repeatedly during the meeting. Supporters on the board described the amendments as efforts to ensure university policies comply with federal contractor obligations; opponents said removing explicit protections could harm recruitment, retention and student success.

Members of the public urged the board to pause or reject the changes. Stephanie Bondi, a higher‑education doctoral student, told the regents the proposed bylaw edits “remove affirmative action, removing words like race, ethnicity, gender identity from the bylaws” and warned the change would reduce retention and increase harassment of minoritized students. “This is what the research says,” Bondi said.

Crystal Garcia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, urged the regents to “pause response via bylaws changes” and called the Dear Colleague letter and executive guidance “vague” and politically motivated. “History will remember your bravery,” Garcia said, urging the board to resist what she called coercive federal pressure.

Student speakers also opposed the change. Zachary Bursch, a sophomore and peer mentor at UNL, said removing the ability to discuss identity would send a message to students that “you do not care about them.” UNO student Ellie Calderon Palacios read excerpts from hundreds of postcards submitted to the board that said the proposed amendments “actively erase the identities of many staff, students, and faculty.”

Several regents described the vote as difficult. Regent [last name recorded in transcript as] Shearer — who cast a yes vote — said he understood the concerns but voiced priority for protecting federal funding streams that support students. “For all I know, by not doing this, we may lose health funding grants,” he said during the debate. Regent [last name recorded as] Wilmot and Regent [last name recorded as] Clare spoke to the gravity of the decision and the need to avoid unintended fiscal consequences.

The roll call for the bylaws amendment under item 12C2 produced a split vote: several regents voted against the change, one regent recorded an abstention, and a majority voted in favor. (The meeting transcript records the roll‑call sequence; see the provenance section below for exact transcript excerpts.) The board later approved the related policy amendments in item 12C4 after additional debate and procedural votes.

Why this matters: The University of Nebraska is the state's largest public system and a federal contractor. Changes to system bylaws and equal‑opportunity policy can affect hiring, student services, research practices and how campuses document compliance for federal awards. Opponents at the meeting said the proposed language reduces explicit commitments that help recruit and retain historically underrepresented students and staff. Supporters said the updates are intended to avoid conflicts with federal requirements for contractors.

Board action: The board approved multiple related bylaw and policy updates (items 12C1–12C4). Item 12C1, an update to section 1.1 of the bylaws clarifying administrative structure, passed unanimously. Item 12C2 (section 3 updates) and item 12C4 (policy changes referenced in 3.10.3 and others) passed by roll call after public comment and internal debate. Item 12C3, which created a consolidated parental‑leave policy to replace prior maternal/paternal leave language, also passed.

What the public said: Members of faculty and student bodies urged the board not to adopt changes they described as a reaction to federal political pressure. “We should be here discussing policies that strengthen our communities,” Crystal Garcia said. Student speakers presented postcards and statements alleging the changes would harm first‑generation and Pell‑eligible students.

What the board said: Regents who voted for the changes argued the system must comply with federal contractor obligations and said the policy edits were intended to preserve the university’s ability to receive federal funding. Several regents emphasized they did not intend to remove protections from students but to reword policies to avoid legal conflict.

What’s next: The board said additional chapters of the bylaws will return for review at the June meeting. Several regents urged robust training and communication to campus leaders and personnel to implement the changes; a separate motion to require mandatory annual training for all personnel was proposed but did not pass.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the public comment period and the regents’ discussion on April 11, 2025. The transcript excerpts supporting this article are cited in the provenance field below.

Ending: The board concluded its bylaws votes and moved on to consent and other agenda items; the broader process of revising the system bylaws will continue with further committee work and a scheduled June board review.","The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted to amend bylaws and policies that change how the system addresses affirmative‑action and diversity language. The changes drew multiple public commenters and several regents’ objections before passing on roll calls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Board of Regents approves program changes, construction items and Project Health intermediate design review

UNO tells Regents it’s shifting to a skill‑based model: Career Connect, microcredentials and AI cited as growth areas

Regents approve bylaw and policy changes on equal‑opportunity language after public comment and split votes