State of the University

University Convocation gives Chancellor Philip L. Dubois the opportunity to peer into his own crystal ball to discuss UNC Charlotte's challenges and long-term strategic goals.

Here are some highlights from the chancellor’s remarks on Aug. 16 at McKnight Hall:

• UNC Charlotte expects to set a new all-time record, enrolling the largest first-year student class in history.  While enrollment might not hit the 30,000-mark this fall, interest in UNC Charlotte continues to be strong.

• The first-year student class possesses the best academic credentials of any previous class, and enrollment is bolstered by about 5,000 transfers. Graduate enrollment last year hit a record 5,400.

• As Charlotte attracts more residents, and as the region recruits new businesses and industries, the chancellor noted "when it comes to satisfying employer needs for significant numbers of prepared degree recipients and for research and technical support from faculty, we’re not just the flagship; we’re the whole fleet."
• University enrollment beyond 35,000 would require considering: new undergraduate and graduate academic programming; how best to offer the programming with an appropriate mix of on-campus and off-campus delivery; and how to protect the University’s reputation of quality instruction, particularly in terms of undergraduate education.

• Another topic was the University’s growing academic reputation. Student surveys indicate UNC Charlotte is increasingly attracting applications from students who also are applying to UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State.

• Challenges for the University involve possible turnover among the Board of Trustees and the absence of enrollment increase funds. Also, the General Assembly reduced the University’s permanent budget by $800,000.

• Space on campus also must be addressed. UNC Charlotte has the lowest amount of space per student in the UNC System and is also among the most efficient when it comes to space utilization.

• The University’s five-year capital construction plan is focused on renovating academic and classroom facilities in the academic complex, critical repairs to Burson Building and construction of the new Admissions and Visitors Center. Preparations are underway for the new Science Building.

• Another major initiative is developing a University-operated lab school to serve K-5 elementary students. Two years ago, the General Assembly mandated the UNC System establish nine of these schools, and UNC Charlotte was chosen to host one. This Niner lab school will be in a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools facility near campus.

• At the University Convocation, Heather Coffey from the Cato College of Education’s Department of Middle, Secondary and K-12 Education was announced as this year’s recipient of the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship of Teaching.