The N.C. General Assembly adjourned in July after finalizing a biennial state budget for 2013-2015 as well as other legislative measures. Overall, the UNC system received a budget reduction of approximately 4.7 percent. As a result, we project a reduction for NCSSM of approximately 1.1 percent, or $235,000. We do not anticipate these reductions will have a major impact on our operations for the coming year, but will add urgency to our on-going efforts to improve efficiencies and will understandably limit our ability to expand opportunities for students.

Lawmakers chose not to allocate funds to build a new dormitory at NCSSM, a priority request of the UNC Board of Governors. Also, funds were not allocated to restore the UNC tuition grant program for NCSSM graduates as requested by Governor Pat McCrory. However, the legislature did authorize additional flexibility to increase revenue for NCSSM, such as the ability to engage in revenue-generating activities, such as summer enrichment programs and enrolling students from outside North Carolina in our distance education courses.

Lastly, the legislature authorized a feasibility study of establishing an additional NCSSM campus in western NC.  As new details emerge, NCSSM will provide further information regarding the impact of budget reductions, efforts to generate new revenues, and the feasibility study.