State budget update

September 22, 2023
Categories: Faculty/Staff Tags: Faculty and Staff News

The North Carolina General Assembly has approved the state’s two-year budget. Gov. Roy Cooper has indicated he will allow the budget to become law without his signature. Among the items included is the largest raise for state employees since 2007.

“We appreciate the General Assembly’s investments in UNC Charlotte, most importantly salary increases for our hardworking faculty and staff,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber.

Highlights from the budget are below.

Raises and compensation

  • Faculty and Staff Pay Increases: The budget includes a 7% pay increase over two years for all permanent faculty and staff:
    • 4% in FY 23-24, retroactive to July 1, 2023
    • 3% in FY 24-25
  • Faculty Recruitment and Retention: The state will provide $15 million in a pool for the UNC System to support faculty recruitment and retention. The funds are for distribution across all System institutions.
  • Increased Compensation for Nursing Faculty: The state has approved a funding pool for the UNC System for additional salary increases, not to exceed 15%, in nursing faculty pay to support retention and address the critical shortage of nursing instructors. Starting salary for new nursing faculty shall be increased by at least 10%.

Important note: The University is awaiting additional guidance from the state and UNC System about all compensation-related actions. Human resources will share more information, including when to expect salary increases, directly with employees as it becomes available.

Investments in academics and student life

  • Engineering NC’s Future: A recurring $5 million is allocated for faculty, staff, equipment, facilities and other resources in the William States Lee College of Engineering, the College of Computing and Informatics and the School of Data Science.
  • Esports: $1.5 million is allocated for the upfitting and equipping of an esports center in the Popp Martin Student Union. An additional $250,000 was provided for this fiscal year and next to support programming.

Facilities and athletics

  • Smith Hall: $3.6 million was authorized in FY 24-25 for planning and design of the comprehensive renovation of Smith Hall, home to the Engineering Technology and Construction Management programs.
  • Repairs and Renovations: More than $530 million was allocated to the UNC System for overall facilities repair and renovations. The Board of Governors will determine each institution’s specific funding allotment.
  • Stadium Improvements: The budget provides $25 million over two years for expansion and improvements at Jerry Richardson Stadium, matching a private gift to support the project.
  • Wagering Receipts: Approximately $1.165 million in expected sports and horse wagering receipts will be allocated to Charlotte Athletics.