A message from the interim chancellor: Four areas of focus

Dear Carolina Community, 

It’s been wonderful to get to know faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters, trustees and others in our community over the last couple of months. I’ve been listening closely to concerns and priorities, and I’ve received a lot of questions about areas of focus during this time of transition at Carolina.  

From these insightful conversations, I have identified four areas to examine over the next few months. These priorities include enrollment planning, generative AI, the physical master plan and applied sciences.  

I have asked small and focused groups to give us their thoughts and ideas about how we might approach these important topics for the University. These committees will bring together University leaders, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and alumni to work together and build on our strategic plan, Carolina Next. These groups will address some key questions about Carolina’s future and approach their work with fresh eyes focused on the big picture and possibilities. 

We will hold an initial joint meeting of the committees at 9 a.m., Monday, March 25, over Zoom to launch this work. The goals of the committees are as follows: 

• Enrollment Planning Committee: Identify opportunities and challenges related to serving the needs of a vibrant, fast-growing state.
• Physical Master Plan Committee: Recommend next steps with the campus’ physical master plan, with a focus on priorities for renovation and redevelopment.
• Applied Science Committee: Evaluate how the University can produce graduates in high demand fields while complementing existing programs and meeting critical state needs.
• Generative AI Committee: Consider strategies that will strengthen Carolina’s ability to use, study and manage the impact of generative AI.

I’ve asked the committees to submit recommendations to me by August 1. You can find additional details on the committees online. We will continue to update the webpage with information related to this work as we have it.  

I thank each of the committee members who have accepted our invitation, and for helping me and others think through our University’s next steps in these areas. I greatly appreciate their time, expertise and service to Carolina.

Lee H. Roberts 

Interim Chancellor