Colleagues,
As we see campus spring back to life with the return of our students ahead of a new year, we continue to be amazed by the incredible work of our staff.
The incredible commitment and care you show through your work is what makes this year’s news regarding budget planning understandably frustrating.
The May announcement that there will be no merit increases for FY 26 across the University of Nebraska System has a deeply personal impact on your families, your personal finances, and how your work is recognized.
Earlier this summer, the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) formally submitted staff feedback to university leadership, highlighting not only your concerns but also your ideas for practical ways UNO can better support its staff beyond compensation.
In response to that input, and at SAC’s request, a campus task force has been formed to identify both short-term and long-term strategies that support staff well-being and recognition.
This group, which includes representatives from SAC, the Office of the Chancellor, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, and Business and Finance, has already begun meeting and will continue its work into the fall. Their charge is simple but urgent: listen, respond, and act with care.
There is still work to do before we arrive to a sustainable solution that gives you, our hardworking staff, the financial stability, peace of mind, and recognition you deserve.
Sharing ideas, opportunities, and feedback through the SAC suggestion box will help us stay connected and hear directly from you this year.
Thanks to the commitment you have to each other and love for our university’s mission, we are confident that we will get there.
With gratitude,
Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA
UNO Chancellor
Ashley Ostransky
SAC President
