UNC identify millions in savings ahead of potential federal and state funding cuts

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- UNC-Chapel Hill is finding ways to save amid proposed research funding and budget cuts at both the state and federal levels.

In a letter to the Carolina community, university leaders say they've identified about $70 million worth of savings.

"We believe it is a measured, strategic approach and it's designed to protect our longer-term mission," said one UNC board of trustees member."

Here's how that all breaks down.

Of the total, $38 million was identified through organizational effectiveness, which means leaders from athletics, student success, the graduate school and NC Collaboratory are finding ways to save.

Then another $14 million was identified through academic prioritization, university leaders are evaluating academic programs with low enrollment and waning interest.

Lastly, $17 million was identified through the North Carolinians First program.

"We are still not completely unscathed by what's happening to the larger government," said senior chemistry student Yuvan Suresh Babu. "For me, as a scientist, I feel like research is the best thing we do here."

University leaders say they will prioritize enrollment for people who live in NC by reducing financial aid for out-of-state students from 44% to 18%.

ABC11 Eyewitness News spoke with Mark Lehmkuhler, who lives in Hong Kong and is the parent of a senior high school student. They were on campus touring the university on Wednesday. He said he understands why the university is reducing financial aid for out-of-state students.

"If the taxpayers of North Carolina are paying for this, you can understand why they may say, 'Why should foreign and out-of-state students have a lot going to them when it's our own kids that should get the benefits?'

"I understand that," Lehmkuhler said.

University leaders said the bulk of these savings will be achieved within two years.

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