Government Relations

October 10 , 2005

Kevin FitzGerald, Special Assistant to the Chancellor

Are you much of a dancer? You might have to be to understand how the University appropriations budget from the state is developed and approved. Kevin FitzGerald, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, explained the "dances" involved in creating the biennial state budget and in including higher education interests in the process. Using the 2005-2006 state appropriations to UNC as a guide, FitzGerald taught us the steps - moving through the UNC system to be consolidated with the requests of the other 15 public institutions, and then through the legislative chambers. Besides the occassional cut-ins, stepping on toes, and other negotiations of the dance, the appropriation clearly reflects UNC's role as the University of the People.