KEARNEY, Neb. — Leadership at the University of Nebraska-Kearney is taking the next step in its effort to address a $4.5 million budget shortfall.

Chancellor Neal Schnoor released his draft budget reduction report on Tuesday. The chancellor, who has been in the role for six months, will host a public forum about the budget at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Student Union.

“I am deeply grateful to all who contributed time, ideas and expertise throughout this process,” Schnoor said in an email to university staff, faculty and students. “Your involvement has helped us forge a collaborative path forward.”

The proposed cuts include eliminating five degree programs: bachelor’s in family science, master’s in higher education student affairs, bachelor’s in modern languages with a German emphasis, bachelor’s in music comprehensive with an emphasis in music business and bachelor’s in modern languages 7-12 teaching endorsement with a German emphasis. The five programs currently have 39 participating students, 27 of whom are family science majors.

Schnoor proposes $2.4 million in cuts related to faculty. The draft includes nine voluntary separation incentives — or buyouts— five reductions in force and the elimination of seven open or vacant positions.

Schnoor proposes an additional $2.4 million in non-academic reductions. The draft cuts open positions, pledges to reduce tuition discounts given to athletes and students in the Kearney Health and Kearney Law Opportunities Programs, eliminates 20 graduate assistant positions, cuts $200,000 from athletics operations, reduces support for the Museum of Nebraska Art, among other cuts.

“I know the weight of these changes is felt differently across our community, and I appreciate the care and resilience you continue to show,” Schnoor said.

The cuts come as the university’s costs are rising, enrollment is declining and state assistance is dwindling.

Schnoor says he started a complete fiscal review process on his first day, July 1. He informed the campus of the need to address a $4.5 million structural deficit three weeks later. He says he worked with both the Faculty Advisory Committee and Business Advisory Committee to gather recommendations.

Schnoor and his senior leaders will be available for feedback on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Antelope Room. He will also be accepting feedback via email to chancellor@unk.edu. The final recommendations to the Board of Regents will be submitted on Dec. 22.