Friday, December 11, 2020

The UNCW Board of Trustees recognized the resilience of the university’s students, faculty and staff during their meeting on Dec. 11, commending the Seahawk community on its response to the pandemic. Students, faculty and staff worked together to follow the effective health and safety protocols the university developed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Chair Henry L. “Hal” Kitchin said. As a result, the university was able to complete the fall semester with both on-campus residential students and in-person classes in addition to offering a wide range of online and hybrid courses.    

The board holds a special meeting each December to evaluate tuition and fees for the following fiscal year. No tuition increase is planned for 2021-22, but two action items related to fees were approved, subject to the authority of the UNC Board of Governors.  

The board approved a plan to repurpose $52 of an existing recreation debt fee, using the funds generated to pay for two phases of a project to enhance UNCW’s recreation fields and facilities. The existing recreation debt fee will not increase. The board also approved a $27.07 increase in the student health services fee to pay for increased costs pertaining to salaries, benefits and medical supplies. The board also reviewed the university’s proposed housing and dining cost estimates for fiscal year 2021-22. Please see the meeting materials available here for more information.   

In addition, the trustees unanimously approved a resolution expressing confidence in the leadership of Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli and in support of the university’s efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion, which have been ongoing since June. A copy of the resolution is available here.