University Operations
Spellings elected president of the University of North Carolina
Margaret Spellings, president of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas and former U.S. Secretary of Education, was elected president of the 17-campus University of North Carolina during a special meeting of the UNC Board of Governors Oct. 23.
Governor signs bill for proposed bonds, $90 million for new science facility included
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois welcomed Gov. Pat McCrory and other dignitaries to campus Oct. 22 for a ceremonial signing of a bill that authorizes the state to vote on the Connect N.C. bond package. The $2 billion in bonds for economic development and infrastructure would include funding for the growth of science education at UNC Charlotte, specifically $90 million for a critically needed new science building.
The bond issue will be included on the state’s primary election ballot on March 15, 2016.
University to remove structurally unsound Belk Tower
Plans are in the works to remove the Belk Tower, which UNC Charlotte personnel and outside consulting engineers have determined to have significant structural issues.
In an Oct. 17 statement to campus, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois wrote, “Although the tower is not an immediate risk to campus, it does pose a potential safety hazard, and it is prudent to take precautions. The deterioration of the tower is the natural result of age-related corrosion, water penetration and rust that have damaged the tower’s concrete, metal and electrical components.”
University personnel appointed to UNC Campus Security Committee
Jeff Baker, Dawn Floyd and David Spano have been appointed to the recently established UNC Campus Security Committee.
Comprised of individuals from the University system’s 17 constituent institutions, the UNC Campus Security Committee will advise the president and other members of the UNC system leadership on best policy practices and ways to improve campus safety, in addition to implementing recommendations from campus security initiatives. Committee members include campus safety professionals, students and faculty representatives.
‘My UNC Charlotte’ to debut as new system portal
Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, the portal “My UNC Charlotte” will debut; it will eventually replace 49er Express on Nov. 16. As vendor support for 49er Express is ending, ITS has worked with faculty, staff and students to re-examine and optimize the University’s gateway to a myriad of systems and services that include Banner Self Service, Academic Advising and 49er Mart.
Oct. 1 ‘Live Wire’ devoted to impact of Friday football game
Starting at 2 p.m., Thursday, tune into “The Live Wire,” Inside UNC Charlotte’s streaming webcast, for a rebroadcast featuring Jeanne Madorin, executive director of human resources, and Keith Wassum, associate vice chancellor for business services, discussing the impact that the Friday, Oct. 2, home football game will have on campus.
Hauser Alumni Pavilion dedicated
UNC Charlotte leaders, alumni and friends of the University gathered beneath the newly constructed Hauser Alumni Pavilion for a formal ceremony to dedicate the facility prior to the Charlotte 49ers football game against the Florida Atlantic Owls Sept. 26.
The pavilion resulted from a significant gift commitment from longtime UNC Charlotte supporters Nancy and David Hauser.
State budget would fund enrollment growth, one-time bonuses
The North Carolina Budget Conference Report for 2015-17 will fully fund enrollment growth for UNC campuses and provide a one-time bonus of $750 for all permanent state employees. However, the overall UNC system faces an $18 million reduction for the 2015-16 fiscal year, or approximately $1 million for UNC Charlotte.
The budget, passed by the Senate, is scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
For UNC Charlotte, enrollment growth funding will be $18 million for fiscal year 2015-16 and $4.5 million for 2016-17.
The ADA at 25 – more doors opened, more work to accomplish
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); its passage enacted federally mandated, wide-sweeping changes in employment, transportation, communication and education, especially at the post-secondary level.
Gena Smith, director of disability services at UNC Charlotte, considers the ADA the broadest civil rights legislation of the 20th century.
UNC Charlotte continues to cut energy costs
In the past fiscal year, UNC Charlotte’s energy consumption has decreased by about 5 percent, resulting in a 1 percent reduction in total utility costs. Yet, gross square footage on campus increased by 4 percent during the same time frame.
Tony Schallert, energy manager in facilities management, noted the reductions are a result of the University’s performance contract that replaced inefficient lighting in older buildings and the more proficient energy-saving initiatives employed in new construction.