Considering the vast influence the N.C. General Assembly has on UNC-system schools, it is important to nurture the lines of communication between both groups. That’s exactly what the Gillings School of Global Public Health did when it opened up its doors to members of the General Assembly last week. Other departments should take notice and strive to emulate this event.
On the first day of class, 16 state legislators and staff members toured the school. Throughout their time there, faculty members and students gave presentations about their research and the impact that it has on North Carolinians everyday.
Chancellor Carol Folt and UNC-system President Tom Ross were also present during the entire duration of the visit to answer questions.
With increasing budget cuts and a fiscally conservative state legislature, there couldn’t be a better time for departments across UNC to hold open house visits where legislators could come and see firsthand the work the faculty is doing, the first-class education North Carolinians are receiving and the effect UNC has on the state.
The ideas for departments are endless. Faculty and students across campus could showcase their research and projects — particularly those efforts that directly benefit the people of North Carolina. Legislators could even come and speak to classes or perhaps be guest lecturers.
Often times, when legislators vote on bills and pass laws they are not able to put a face on the decision they are making. The more interaction they have, the more accessible UNC, its students and its research will appear in the eyes of legislators.
Additionally, these visits and tours should not just be about lobbying legislators. Rather, it should also be about creating opportunities to open up more dialogue and to cultivate relationships.
Although there are times when UNC may not agree with the state legislature and vice versa, it is important to note that these two groups influence North Carolina as a state more than anything else. Their relationship should not be one of incessant opposition. It should instead be one of a constant commitment to the state of North Carolina
