Bond will grow science education
The Connect NC bond proposal includes $2 billion for UNC system campuses, community colleges, public safety, water and sewer grants, state parks and agriculture. North Carolina has grown by 2 million people since the last bond campaign in 2000. The state’s infrastructure, including educational facilities, is not keeping up with this growth.
The bond would provide $980 million for facilities on UNC system campuses and $350 million for community colleges – $134 million within the Charlotte region.
The need for new and refurbished buildings on UNC system campuses reflects the demand for science education to help drive a globally competitive, growing North Carolina. Companies such as Duke Energy and AREVA in the energy sector, Siemens and Sealed Air in advanced manufacturing, Carolinas HealthCare System and Novant in health care – and many others – are seeking graduates educated in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.
Fiscally sound
- No new taxes required to pay for the debt service.
- Maintains North Carolina's AAA bond rating.
- Debt service will be $1.1 billion lower in 2020 than it is today.
- Proportion of N.C. General Fund required for debt service will decline.
How much will be allocated to UNC Charlotte, and why?
$90 million for science at UNC Charlotte
Demand for science instruction at UNC Charlotte is directly related to enrollment growth. The proposed science building is essential to opportunity at UNC Charlotte - opportunity for student success in affordable and accessible higher education, particularly in high-demand, STEM-related disciplines, and opportunity for a well-prepared professional workforce to help fuel the momentum of one of America's fastest growing cities and regions.
- Enrollment has grown by 142 percent since the current science building was built in 1985.
- UNC Charlotte accounts for 46 percent of the recent growth in the entire UNC system.
This is a matter of quality and quantity. Overcrowded, outdated science labs present a choke point in meeting demand for science graduates desired by employers.
Increasing numbers of UNC Charlotte students are seeking degrees in STEM fields, including hundreds of transfers from community colleges
- 50 percent of students with declared majors are in STEM fields.
- 15,000 students take at least once science lab each year.
- Nearly 50 majors require every student to complete at least once science laboratory course.
- 30 majors require at least two labs.
Investing in science education at UNC Charlotte helps meet workforce and economic development needs.
What you can do:
Learn more about the Connect NC Bond
Two websites provide detailed resources and information about the bond. Visit Connect.NC.gov to learn more about the bond legislation and funding allocations proposed for specific projects, and visit ConnectNCForHigherEd.com for advocacy information.
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois recently discussed the bond package with community officials.
Register to vote or update your voter registration
Visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections for information on voter registration.
Key election dates for the March Presidential Primary:
- Absentee voting begins: Jan. 25
- Last day to register to vote: Feb. 19
- Early Voting: March 3 - 12
- Election Day: March 15
As a state institution, UNC Charlotte is prohibited from advocating for or against the bond measure. We are permitted to educate the greater university community about the impact of this bond referendum on our campus.