Asheville 2030
By 2030, we want UNC Asheville to have a sustainable enrollment of 3,800 to 4,000 students drawn to and supported by our commitment to the vision of an innovative public liberal arts and sciences university of the future known for its student-centered focus, hands-on learning, technology-driven solutions, and career-ready emphasis.
Academic Portfolio Review
Similar to other colleges and universities across the nation, UNC Asheville is facing financial challenges. During the first several months of 2024, the University took immediate steps to address a structural deficit forecast at approximately $6 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Efforts are ongoing to minimize and resolve an additional deficit in the University general fund in fiscal year 2025.
The deficits stem from several factors, including an enrollment decline of about 25 percent — more than 900 students in all — over the past five years.
Enrollment challenges are not unique to UNC Asheville. They can be observed nationwide due to reductions in the population of traditional college-aged students and a perceived decline in the financial value of a college education. I believe factors specific to UNC Asheville have also contributed to its decline in enrollment. Key among these institution-specific factors is a reluctance to scrutinize and evolve our academic offerings in line with student demand and relevance to 21st-century society.
To the UNC Asheville Campus Community,
As we approach the summer months, the University is beginning what’s known as an academic portfolio review, or APR. This assessment of our academic offerings will help us allocate resources—and support students—as effectively and efficiently as we can. It marks the University’s latest step to address short-term financial pressures while we undertake longer-term planning together.
A widely accepted practice in higher education, the APR is a key mechanism to make sure we offer the right mix of degrees to meet the needs of our students and communities, sharpen our focus, and keep the University competitive and fiscally responsible.
Share your thoughts regarding the UNC Asheville current Academic Portfolio Review
We want to hear from you
We want to hear from you
Asheville 2030 Survey
Help us imagine what this vibrant and innovative campus looks like by sharing your creative ideas for our future by participating in the Asheville 2030 survey.
UNC Asheville Cost-Related Suggestions
Please share your suggestions for cost cutting, cost savings, budget relief, and revenue generation.
Budget Deficit
Budget Deficit
Part of this forward-looking effort involves addressing a current budget deficit created by enrollment declines over the past five years that have negatively impacted our financial position.
Setting the Record Straight: UNC Asheville’s 2024 budget deficit and next steps.
The immediate issue, short and longer-term actions, and answers to key questions.
A PowerPoint presentation prepared by our Budget and Finance Office also offers helpful information:
Chancellor's Updates
Chancellor's Updates
For more information, please review messages shared with the campus community by Chancellor Kimberly van Noort.
Because Dr. van Noort is committed to clarity and transparency about the budget efforts, this page will be updated frequently as new Chancellor Updates become available.
Questions?
Your feedback and questions on the deficit are vital to addressing this challenge, and everyone is encouraged to submit questions via an anonymous Google Form. Submissions, with answers, will be gathered here on a rolling basis.