UNC System Board of Governors highlights September 2026

September 25, 2026

Categories: General News

The UNC System Board of Governors (BOG) met Sept. 17, 2026. Below is a summary of key reports shared with the board and actions taken by the board.

Note: Any business conducted by the Board of Governors in closed session is not included in this summary.

Committee on Budget and Finance

Tuition and fee guidance discussed: The committee reviewed instructions for 2027-28 tuition and fee proposals. While institutions may propose limited adjustments, committee members emphasized managing expenses and identifying efficiencies before considering increases. Specific proposals will be considered in early 2027.
Capital and infrastructure actions approved: Through the consent agenda, the board approved 2026-27 State Capital and Infrastructure Fund repairs and renovations allocations, bond financing for two institutions and several capital project authorizations across the UNC System.
Discussion of intercollegiate athletics finance: Josh Lassiter, vice president for financial health and strategy, described how the national intercollegiate athletics landscape has changed in recent years, and Jennifer Haygood, senior vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, provided details on the System’s data.
Capital and debt policies advanced: The committee approved amendments to the UNC System’s policy on the design, construction and financing of capital improvement projects and a new policy on debt management. Both are expected to go to the full board at its next meeting.

UNC System enrollment reaches record high: The committee received preliminary fall enrollment figures showing Systemwide enrollment increased 1.4% from last year and surpassed 260,000 students for the first time.
- UNC Charlotte saw record-breaking enrollment for the third consecutive year, surpassing 33,000 students.
Academic program changes approved: Through the consent agenda, the board approved four new academic degree programs and one program consolidation or discontinuation. None of these were associated with UNC Charlotte.
Student well-being policy advanced: The committee approved a proposed policy on student well-being resources developed in response to requirements established by the General Assembly. The policy will be considered by the full board at its next meeting.
NCSSM-Morganton enrollment study underway: The committee received an update on a legislatively mandated study examining what would be required to double enrollment at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton. Findings are expected to be presented to the board in January 2027, with a final report due to the General Assembly in February.
Update on Hurricane Helene recovery: The board received an update from UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimbery van Noort about the university’s efforts to recover from the storm’s effects.

Free speech and free expression report reviewed: The committee received the annual report on free speech and free expression within the UNC System.
Research policy changes advanced: The committee approved proposed amendments to the UNC System policy governing university research relationships with government agencies and private entities. The amendments are expected to go to the full board at its next meeting.
Equality policy certifications reviewed: Members received an overview of institutional certification reports related to the UNC System’s Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy.

Academic rigor and artificial intelligence discussed: As part of work on the next phase of the UNC System strategic plan, the committee discussed academic rigor, the value of a UNC System degree and approaches to student use of artificial intelligence. Faculty and academic leaders from across the System shared strategies for using AI to enhance learning while maintaining academic standards.

New committee begins review of UNC System funding: At its inaugural meeting, the committee reviewed the System’s operating and capital funding models, including the roles of state appropriations, tuition, enrollment, institutional missions and other factors in determining funding needs. The committee will continue its work through spring 2028 and may recommend changes to System funding approaches.

Audit plan and annual report approved: The committee approved the FY 2027 Annual Internal Audit Plan and FY 2026 Annual Year-End Report.
Enterprise risks and cybersecurity reviewed: Members received updates on top enterprise risks identified across the UNC System and the use and impact of cybersecurity funding.

Compiled by: Christy Jackson