year with the annual University Address on August 16.
staff and students listened intently in the Givens Performing Arts
Center as the university's leader set expectations high for the new
year despite some sobering budget realities. His address followed
four familiar themes: 1) fostering student success, 2) becoming
an institution of choice, 3) reaching out to the region and 4) the
"new normal."
This year, the new normal was first on the list because of
budget reductions of more than $7 million. "Last fall, I knew that
we would be challenged by the current economy and would
have to look for ways to do more with less," he said. "But I had
no idea that I would stand before you today and report that our
state appropriation would be 15.5 percent less than last year."
Despite help from the enrollment growth and tuition increases,
the university budget was reduced by more than $7 million.
"These reductions are daunting," Chancellor Carter said. "There
will be budget tightening across the campus."
Because the university has kept a close watch on hiring over
the past three years, only three employees were lost due to
budget cuts. Because more than three-quarters of UNCP students
receive need-based financial aid, raising tuition before the start of
the 2011-12 academic year was not feasible, he said.
and build
community,"
Dr. Carter said.
"As difficult as
the budget is,
we cannot let it
stop our progress
or dampen our
spirit."
Chancellor
Carter promised
to continue
the long-term
planning process
with a new
campus master
plan and a new
strategic plan.
new library or information
commons, new playing fields,
more pedestrian walkways
and greenways, a greater
connection to the Town of
Pembroke and preservation
of the historical assets of
campus.
There will be no slowdown
in the drive to increase
student success either, he
promised. Chancellor Carter
announced a strategic
reorganization of student
support services effective July 1. The offices for advisement,
tutoring, disability support services and other support functions
will be consolidated in the D.F. Lowry Building.
Expectations are higher than ever in 2011-12, he said, and
the university has already raised admission standards and the
minimum GPA requirement for current students. "We hope that
raised expectations will encourage students to be serious about
their academics from day one," Chancellor Carter said. "Faculty,
please remind your students of this change during the first week
of class."
Chancellor Carter pledged a new effort on branding of
the university's image that will project a consistent look and
reflect the university's core values. "Institutions of choice must
differentiate themselves from other institutions through consistent
and accurate messages that tell their story," he said. "The brand is
not only the visual imagery like Old Main and the athletic logo,
but also the language used to describe ourselves and what we
promise. We have a great story to tell."
Chancellor Carter said the university would seize every
opportunity to engage with the region through continuing
education, service to the military, partnership with the Town of
Pembroke and promotion of service learning to project civic
engagement out of the classroom into communities.
In sum, Dr. Carter sought to part the clouds of uncertainty by
encouraging adaptability, resiliency and creativity.
"We have a community spirit that many campuses can only
aspire to achieve," he said. "We need to work extra hard this year
to protect and promote our climate of respect and appreciation
for one another regardless of outside pressure beyond our
control."
The entire university address may be viewed online at:
www.uncp.edu/chancellor/news/address/2011/index.htm/.