Wednesday, January 16, 2002

WILMINGTON – A workshop on university finances requested by UNC Wilmington trustees is expected to show that UNCW is underfunded by approximately $15 million in comparison to other Carnegie I UNC institutions. Since the November meeting, when Chancellor Jim Leutze said that a significant tuition increase may be necessary, administrative staff has been collecting and analyzing data at the board’s request. This information will be used in discussion of a possible tuition increase for Fall 2002. Based on a directive from the UNC Board of Governors to plan five years out and based on the analysis that has been done, Chancellor Leutze and Provost John Cavanaugh will present to the trustees a process for developing a comprehensive plan for tuition levels over the next five years. By planning five years in advance, students and their families would know what to expect and how to plan for any increases that are approved.

The UNCW Board of Trustees will begin consideration and review of this matter at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Madeline Suite. The same presentation will be made available to the UNCW Student Government Association at its next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Chancellor Leutze discussed the issue in general terms with the UNCW Faculty Senate at yesterday’s meeting. Following the receipt of input from trustees, students, and others, the executive committee of the trustees is expected to act on a proposal so that it can be forwarded to the UNC Board of Governors by Feb. 5.

A key component of the previous UNCW campus-based tuition increase was that students with financial need were held harmless from the increase. This is a recommended component of the current proposal as well. Revenues generated from any future increases might also be used to enhance the quality of academic programs, to provide a safe and well-maintained learning and working environment, to provide some funds for faculty and staff competitiveness, and to allow the university to continue contributing to the progress of the region and state through research and service.

Chancellor Jim Leutze stated, “ I am, in principle, opposed to significant and unanticipated tuition increases, yet I will not allow the quality of this institution to decline. We have come too far to now go backwards. In order to maintain the excellence that UNCW has come to be known for, and in order to continue to enhance the value of a degree from this university, additional revenues from tuition are essential, in the absence of funds from other sources.”