Like its sister institutions in the University of North Carolina system, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is facing potential and significant budget reductions in the 2009-11 state biennium budget. While the exact amount of funding to be lost is not yet known, the university expects that its state appropriations could be reduced by as much as 7 percent.

However, through early preparation and strategic planning, UNCW has managed its approach to the state budget reduction process since September 2008, and plans to minimize the impact on the academic core through work realignment, restructuring of positions and managing current vacancies.

"We have approached our planning for these budget reductions with the guiding principles of being strategic and of protecting, as much as possible, our core academic mission of providing a quality learning environment for our students," said Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. "While reductions of this magnitude are difficult, we will enact them in a way that attempts to ensure that, when the economy recovers, UNCW will be positioned to emerge with strength."

To that end, the university is making an effort to protect jobs, DePaolo emphasized, noting that many faculty and staff members are concerned about the possibility of layoffs. In a presentation to faculty and staff at recent open budget forums, DePaolo and Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Charlie Maimone presented worst-case scenarios based on current budget projections.

"Although we don't know what UNCW's exact budget reduction will be, a 7 percent reduction in state appropriations could result in the loss of as many as 96 positions at UNCW," Maimone told forum attendees. Every effort will be made to create reassignments or restructure organizations before employees lose their jobs."

While currently filled faculty positions are not part of a reduction in force scenario, both EPA non-faculty and SPA positions could be affected, Maimone said. Any RIF could be effective as early as July 1, 2009, the beginning of the university's fiscal year. The university's budget decisions are ultimately contingent on the finalization and timing of the state's budget, as determined by the Governor and the NC General Assembly.

"Across-the-board budget reductions will not be made; that would simply diminish the entire university," said DePaolo, reiterating UNCW's goal of protecting its academic quality and student experience. "Therefore, some units will be affected more than others. This is especially hard since UNCW is one of the most underfunded and understaffed universities in North Carolina."

DePaolo has asked the heads of all university divisions to identify areas where strategic, targeted reductions can be made with the least amount of impact on university priorities. Certain divisions and areas have been asked to make even deeper reductions to lessen the impact on the academic heart of the university. Disproportionately large reductions are likely to be absorbed by the support areas in administration and non-academic areas, such as the Chancellor's Office, Public Service and Continuing Studies, Information Technology Systems, Business Affairs, University Advancement and Student Affairs. While these reductions are the right thing to do, DePaolo noted, they will result in diminished services and opportunities, which will necessitate significant adjustment in how the university conducts its daily business.

Media contact:

Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu