As a senior at the University of Reno, I've witnessed a troubling trend impacting students and faculty alike—rising tuition and registration fees without clear justification. It’s disheartening to see this lack of transparency, especially when UNR navigates a hiring freeze affecting over 100 educators for the past two years, leaving the remaining faculty without the full extent of their guaranteed raises going on seven years. These issues hinder students' access to necessary classes for timely graduation, and resources including support services and materials of class work, all while new facilities continue to spring up despite the campus operating at only 80% occupancy with no clear plan as to who will teach in those buildings.

The need for financial clarity is more pressing than ever. We urge the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Directors and UNR administration to enhance budget transparency by providing detailed, accessible, and comprehensible explanations regarding tuition and fee allocations.  In addition, we urge these systems to provide detailed plans regarding the hiring freeze, the current financial state of UNR, its faculty and support services, and its future. This transparency will foster trust and support for strategic academic decisions.

Additionally, to truly embody shared governance, it is crucial that NSHE includes representatives from the Nevada Faculty Alliance (NFA), the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), and Graduate Student Association (GSA) in future board meetings addressing financial decision-making and fund allocation as a means of oversight. By giving a voice to students and faculty, we can work together to prioritize spending that most benefits educational and community advancement. 

We stand at a critical juncture where collaboration and open communication need to be prioritized to ensure that tuition fees are not just accounted for, but justifiable, and aligned with the university’s mission to provide impactful education. We urge the NSHE Board of Directors and UNR administration to take immediate action in opening their financial books and inviting key stakeholders into the conversation.

We call upon the residents of Reno, NV, and all stakeholders in the University of Reno community to advocate for this necessary change toward transparency and accountability. Your signature can make a difference in promoting a more equitable and informed campus environment. Please sign this petition today to demand the transparency we deserve.