Higher education in North Carolina could be in for a drastic change.
Last week UNC-system President Thomas Ross announced the creation of a 28-person “blue-ribbon” Advisory Committee for Strategic Directions to rethink the future of the UNC system.
The advisory panel is charged with crafting a plan to determine spending and academic priorities for the 17-campus UNC system during the next five years.
However, student input is notably absent, and there is currently only one faculty member on the committee.
The advisory panel should consult both students and faculty every step of the way. Having their buy-in is essential to ensure the policy reflects the best interests of the university system.
Five university chancellors were appointed, including UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp.
Doubtless Thorp and other university administrators will work to preserve accessibility and academic quality for students and faculty.
But since there is only one faculty member on the advisory board — and no student members — these crucial stakeholders will have little input.
The panel will also include many prominent conservative leaders from the N.C. General Assembly the Board of Governors and the private sector. The latter group has few formal ties to the system.
