UNC Tuition for 2020-21 to Remain Unchanged as Trustees Approve Provisional Budget
June 12, 2020
The University of Northern Colorado will remain the state’s most affordable research university with in-state tuition for the next academic year staying at current rates as the Board of Trustees on Friday approved an interim budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year that begins July 1.
With UNC President Andy Feinstein saying that holding tuition flat is the right call, trustees were in full support. Trustee Steven Jordan noted the effort to “ameliorate the effect on students” given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. An outgoing Student Trustee added that “it sends a really positive message to the students that their financial well-being is of importance to UNC.”
The tuition and fees schedule will be posted online in the coming days.
Like virtually every sector of the economy, UNC has not been immune from disruptions caused by COVID-19. UNC’s $175 million budget for 2020-21 assumes that in-person classes will be offered in the fall, as previously announced, and that campus residence halls open as planned. Updates on the re-entry progress, which were discussed during the meeting, continue to be shared on the UNC Coronavirus website.
At this point, UNC anticipates a $24 million shortfall for the coming year with state funding decreases and projected reductions in enrollment, housing and dining, and other campus services. In response, a combined $6 million in temporary savings have come from senior staff taking a 10% pay cut, faculty and staff salary freezes for a third year, limited exempt staff furloughs in June and July, and reductions in costs for utilities, travel, and purchases. A campus task force is spending the summer identifying an additional $10 million in permanent and temporary savings. The remaining $7 million shortfall will be addressed through operating reserves.
Because of the uncertainty of the pandemic, the board approved a budget through the summer. Staff will return in the fall to present the proposed budget for the remaining year as the financial outlook becomes clearer.
The board also approved:
- Promotion and tenure of faculty and tenure for news deans
- Emeritus status for 11 retiring faculty
- Multiyear employment agreements for head football and head men’s basketball coaches
- Amendments to the Board Policy Manual for the: Academic Appeal Procedure, Tenure Clock Extension, and Student Conduct
In other news:
- During his report, President Feinstein followed up on his campus email that reaffirmed UNC’s commitment to inclusivity and commitment to take action. “I’ve received a lot of email from students, faculty, staff, alumni and others, and taken the opportunity to engage with groups of people in direct dialogue. Students are sharing with us that we can change and begin to address racism, discrimination and bias at our university. I appreciate that they are sharing ideas with us, but also that they are willing to continue to hold us accountable.” Recommendations are being developed as part of an action plan. “This is not one-time work. It is going to require an ongoing commitment.” Feinstein plans to send a campus email early next week that will provide an update.
- Provost Mark Anderson provided the board with this summary of work for the 25 faculty sabbaticals approved for 2020-21. He noted that some may delayed because of travel restrictions caused by Covid-19.
- A personnel update included the list of staff appointed since the board meeting Feb. 14
View the video recording of the meeting:
—Written by Nate Haas
