University Committees: Tuition Review Advisory Committee

Tuition Review Advisory

Committee Charge


August 1, 2014

Committee Charge from Chancellor Woodson

During its brief cycle of intense work each Fall, TRAC members are asked to thoroughly consider tuition [and its related uses] for the next academic year(s).  Proposed increases are subject to approval by the UNC Board of Governors who “shall fix the tuition and fees, not inconsistent with actions of the General Assembly at institutions. . . in such amount or amounts as it may deem best. . . .” GS 116-143.  At its August 2014 meeting the UNC Board of Governors approved an updated four-year tuition and fees plan for academic years 2015-16 through 2018-19.  During this 4-year covered plan period, the maximum rate of increase in campus-initiated tuition rates for resident undergraduate students is 5% per year.  This 5% cap is expected to remain in place throughout the 4-year period [barring significant changes in appropriations per resident FTE and/or compelling circumstances for individual campuses].

Based on the new 4-year plan, tuition and fee rates will be set on a biennial schedule.  Therefore, this year’s Tuition Review Advisory Committee has the responsibility to recommend 2015-2016 plus 2016-17 Campus Initiated Tuition Increases (CITI) for consideration which will serve as the basis for further recommendations to our Board of Trustees.  Revenue from CITI has traditionally been used to 1) enhance the student experience through quality and accessibility improvements; 2) support need-based financial aid and graduate student support; and  3) fund faculty promotional increases.  At its August meeting the Board of Governors set a 15% cap on the total tuition dollars that may be used for need-based financial aid.

The committee is asked to proceed with the CITI review and recommendation process focusing on resident and non-resident tuition rates for undergraduate and graduate students and is further asked to perform the following functions:

  • Review relevant materials relating to tuition, including guidance that has come from the UNC Board of Governors and General Administration.
  • Review the recent actions on tuition increases and formulate recommendations for changes in  the level of increase and for allocation of the additional funds that might be generated for the 2015-2016 plus 2016-2017 academic years.

The co-chairs who will help guide the work of this year’s committee are Provost Warwick Arden and Student Body President Rusty Mau.