University of North Carolina System

The committee discussed updates on Academic Affairs and reviewed the UNC System's strategy for aligning academic programs with workforce demand. Significant items included a resolution authorizing UNC Wilmington to pursue healthcare planning and the potential development of a medical school. The session covered various academic degree program actions, including the establishment of new programs in data science and bioengineering, and the discontinuation of several undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, the committee addressed licensure requests, reviewed initiatives regarding AI foundational skills and literacy, and considered a resolution to join the Commission for Public Higher Education Board of Directors. The agenda also included a proposal for the establishment of a Bachelor of Social Work degree at UNC Chapel Hill.

The committee discussed the Short Session state budget, focusing on revenue forecasts and potential policy changes. A presentation was provided on the FY25 Composite Financial Index and the development of a new financial health monitoring framework for the system. The 2024 Facilities Inventory and Space Utilization Study was reviewed, highlighting capital assets and the need for updated space standards. Approval was granted to establish a new for-profit real estate investment fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for student educational purposes. Additionally, the committee authorized various capital improvement projects for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Elizabeth City State University, and received reports on smaller repairs and renovation projects across the system.

The committee meeting covered multiple academic agenda items including an academic affairs update, the UNC System Workforce Alignment report, and authorization for the University of North Carolina Wilmington to initiate planning for a Doctor of Medicine program. Several new academic degree program establishments were proposed, such as a Bachelor of Science in Data Science at Elizabeth City State University, a Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Data Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts in Health, Medicine, and Society at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The committee also addressed academic program discontinuations and consolidations across constituent institutions.

The committee meeting included deliberations on executive personnel matters and a review of reports concerning faculty recruitment, retention fund utilization, and annual human resources actions. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved proposed amendments to the UNC Policy Manual regarding the occupation of official residences for chancellors and the president.

The committee discussed advancing a healthy achievement culture across the university system by focusing on student access, mental health resources, and high-achieving student recruitment. Members reviewed the next phase of the Higher Expectations strategic plan, outlining the timeline for updates and metric refinement. Additionally, a presentation on North Carolina's shifting demographics provided insights into population growth, urbanization, and aging trends and their implications for future enrollment and workforce planning.