The Budget and Finance Committee discussed strategies to reduce uneven graduation rates systemwide, specifically an allocated $18 million in the 2016-17 operating budget to close the achievement gap on campuses.
The money was set aside to include improved first-year course enhancements, tutoring, advising and merit-based financial interventions.
But board members like Champ Mitchell questioned the arbitrary decision to devote exactly $18 million.
“There’s nothing in here I’m not in favor of, but there’s a lot of data we’re not using,” Mitchell said.
Connect NC Bond
The UNC system is also expecting to receive new funds as a part of the Connect NC Bond — approved in the March 15 primaries.
Will Johnson, associate vice president for finance and capital planning for the budget and finance staff, updated the board’s finance committee on progress. The bond contains 21 capital improvement projects within the UNC system — 14 that are new and seven that are renovations.
The projected cost is nearly $1.1 billion. Johnson said UNC institutions are already making preparations to begin work as soon as the first portion of bond proceeds become available July 1.