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The purpose of this process is to evaluate thoughtfully how UNC can best position itself for long-term success, student demand, and institutional sustainability. The conversations will be guided by data, stakeholder input, and our academic mission. As part of the process, we will explore opportunities that may strengthen collaboration, reduce barriers, and better align resources with strategic priorities.Ìý

The Extended Cabinet was designed to include a mix of existing leadership roles and additional faculty representation through nomination and self-selection. Staff perspectives remain critical to the success of UNC Forward, and feedback mechanisms include sharing and engaging through the UNC Forward website, the Extended Cabinet, as well as through your academic or administrative task forces led by your Division Leader. Multiple individuals on the Extended Cabinet are staff members, ensuring their representation.Ìý

A key principle of UNC Forward is that those doing the work every day bring essential perspectives to understanding our challenges and opportunities. Engagement is intentionally designed to include adjunct faculty, faculty, exempt staff, classified staff, students, and others across the university—not just those in formal leadership roles. Multiple opportunities for input and dialogue will help ensure that planning and decisions are informed by those closest to our students, operations, and daily work.Ìý

You can share and engage through the UNC Forward website, the Extended Cabinet, as well as through the academic or administrative task forces in each division and college.Ìý

Maintaining momentum on important institutional initiatives is a priority for current leadership. Much of the focus during this transition has been on listening, learning, and understanding work already underway across campus before introducing new priorities. UNC Forward is intended to build upon, not replace, previous efforts by identifying initiatives that align with our strategic goals and have the greatest potential impact. The goal is to be thoughtful stewards of the time, resources, and commitments already invested, while ensuring that future decisions are informed by both past progress and current campus realities.Ìý

There are no predetermined workforce reduction plans associated with UNC Forward this fall. The goal is to build a sustainable future for UNC while supporting the people who make our university strong.ÌýÌý

We are deeply appreciative of the dedication and contributions of our faculty and staff and recognize that periods of change can create uncertainty. Our focus is on maintaining open communication, providing opportunities for engagement and feedback, and ensuring employees have the information and resources they need to continue their important work.

UNC is thoughtfully evaluating its academic portfolio as part of its commitment to long-term sustainability and student success. This includes reviewing enrollment trends, student demand, workforce needs, and alignment with our mission. Areas demonstrating strong interest and strategic relevance may present opportunities for investment or growth, while programs with sustained low enrollment will be evaluated carefully and in context. Any decisions regarding restructuring, consolidation, or discontinuation would be made through established shared governance processes, with consideration for academic quality, student impact, and the university’s broader educational mission.Ìý

No decisions have been made regarding changes to UNC Athletics, including conference or divisional affiliation. As part of UNC Forward, Athletics, like all areas of the university, will be considered within the broader context of UNC’s long-term goals and financial sustainability. That review will consider both the costs of Division I athletics and its broader institutional value, including its impact on student recruitment, visibility, alumni engagement, campus culture, and community connections. Any future decisions would be informed by data and a careful assessment of both financial and institutional impacts.Ìý

Graduate enrollment trends can be influenced by enrollment in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). To fully understand the picture, it is important to review both the combined graduate enrollment numbers and the graduate enrollment numbers excluding COM. Looking at the data both ways helps distinguish institution-wide graduate enrollment trends from growth or decline that may be concentrated in a specific college.Ìý

Infrastructure is an important part of the conversation. We are evaluating how our facilities, technology, space utilization, and operational systems can best support student success, academic excellence, research, community engagement, and the evolving needs of the university.Ìý

Health and safety will remain our top priority. While we face significant deferred maintenance challenges, we will continue to prioritize critical repairs, evaluate facility needs, and make strategic investments to ensure our campus environments are safe, functional, and supportive of learning and work. UNC Forward will help inform how we address infrastructure needs as part of a sustainable long-term plan.Ìý