Several UNC leaders say they were surprised by free tuition announcement for some students

A few members of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees said they were surprised to learn of the university’s plan to offer free tuition for some students at the same time as the plan became public.

Last week, Kevin Guskiewicz announced the university will provide free tuition and waive required fees for incoming undergraduates from North Carolina whose families make less than $80,000 per year. The new policy starts in fall of 2024 for incoming students from the state.

“I don't know enough about the plan and details to really have any concerns one way or the other,” said Board of Trustees Chair David Boliek.

Boliek said he does have questions about the new policy.

“I'd like to know how it's going to be paid for and what the numbers look like and how it's going to benefit the citizens of North Carolina,” Boliek said.

Woody White, a member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, tweeted about his concerns about the way the decision was made.

“Chapter 116 of the NC General Statutes places all university governing decisions, which certainly include policies in the wake of what [the Supreme Court of the United States] found as discriminatory practices, firmly under the purview of the UNC Board of Governors, not with administrators,” White tweeted. “Admissions policies for all constituent campuses, should be uniform, to the extent practicable.

“We look forward to working [with] all Chancellors and policy makers to ensure full compliance with the Court’s decision.”

UNC Trustee Marty Kotis said the money will come from private donations and redistribution of existing financial aid.

"The approximate cost as estimated by the vice chancellor for enrollment is approximately $520,000 recurring annual cost,” Kotis said.

Kotis said this new policy opens the doors for a much-needed conversation about the cost of college.

“I think this is an opportunity to have a good discussion about the costs of attending college and the best way to support our North Carolinians,” Kotis said.

Guskiewicz will meet with both the board of governors and trustees in the next couple of weeks. He was out of the country Wednesday and was unavailable for comment.