Members of UNC Board of Governors criticize university's free tuition plan
The idea of free tuition for some in-state students has caused some controversy at the highest levels of the University of North Carolina governing body.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiwiecz made the announcement in early July, that UNC would provide free tuition for incoming undergraduates whose families make less than $80,000 per year year.
On Wednesday, Guskiwiecz explained that decision to the Board of Governors. He said expanding access to education is the goal of the new initiative at the university.
"It's just an important time, nationwide, as I mentioned earlier, with the concerns around student debt, to reassure families ... that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is for all North Carolinians,” Guskiwiecz said.
The timing and rollout, right after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision striking down affirmative action, ruffled feathers on the Board of Governors.
“Horrible timing,” said board member C. Philip Byers. “We get an ‘F’ on timing.”
Chair Randy Ramsey echoed Byers’ sentiment.
“For it to be perceived as done in response to the Supreme Court decision is just a terrible, terrible communication error on your part,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey denounced what he called a lack of communication, which Guskiwiecz acknowledged.
"It may be within your authority, but this was a big announcement,” Ramsey said. “I think just a little bit of common courtesy would've gone a long way, and I don't see a lot of that here."
Despite the controversy, multiple board members expressed strong support, including board member Reginald Ronald Holley.
"Tuition should never ever be a barrier to our citizens enjoying the benefits of the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina,” Holley said.
No state dollars will be used. Guskiwiecz said the money will be paid through philanthropic sources. The new policy starts in fall 2024.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is not the only university in the Triangle providing free tuition to certain students.
In the fall 2023, Duke University will provide full tuition grants for undergraduate students from North Carolina and South Carolina whose family incomes total $150,000 or less.
