The North Carolina General Assembly will convene on May 16 for its “short session” to make adjustments to the two-year budget passed in 2017. UNC Charlotte’s priorities include funding for a permanent facility for the two highly successful early colleges: the Charlotte Engineering Early College and the Charlotte Teacher Early College, which is the first of its kind in North Carolina and one of only a handful in the nation. The University is seeking a $10 million appropriation for the new building that will be located between the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) and Grigg Hall, in the midst of our campus and easily accessible to light rail.
Recognizing the importance of public/private partnerships and limited state revenues, the University has committed to privately raise $10 million to match a state investment of $10 million. During recent visits to the early colleges, key legislators have noted the programs are excellent pipelines for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and education talent, and provide an affordable and accessible way to earn nearly two years of college credit.
The University also is seeking additional management flexibility for more efficient use of state funds by increasing the authority to carry forward state appropriations from the current 2.5 percent to 5 percent to address needed repairs and renovations to campus facilities.
Recognizing the importance of the individuals who comprise our University community, the University will seek $3 million for the Faculty Recruitment and Retention Fund and salary increases for University employees.
What can you do?
Advocate for these priorities with members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Please contact Betty Doster, special assistant to the chancellor for Constituent Relations, to learn more.