The University of Iowa chapter of the American Association of University Professors issued a statement today saying its members stand in solidarity with the University of Northern Iowa's United Faculty.

The American Association of University Professors will investigate UNI in May, in relation to the university's actions associated with recent budget cuts. One of the issues they will look at is how early separation incentive packages were issued.

United Faculty is UNI's chapter of AAUP and acts as a faculty union.

"If that investigation results in censure for UNI, it could have devastating effects for public higher education in Iowa, most immediately for UNI, but also for the reputation and operations of the other Regents institutions," University of Iowa chapter president Marian Wilson Kimber wrote in the statement.

UNI President Ben Allen has sent a letter to the AAUP, responding to the concerns.

"We are hopeful that we can discuss this with the AAUP and address any of their concerns," UNI spokeswoman Stacey Christensen said.

For comprehensive coverage of the UNI budget cuts, including the planned closure of Price Lab, visit the Cedar Falls Patch topic page. Get notified of the latest on Price Lab and other UNI news by signing up to the Cedar Falls Patch newsletter, and "like" Cedar Falls Patch on Facebook to stay updated and join the conversation.