UNC System President Peter Hans wants the UNC Board of Governors to consider allowing the state’s historically minority-serving universities to allow out-of-state students to make up as much as 25% of their enrollment, up from the current system-wide cap of 18%.
Hans discussed the idea at a BOG committee meeting Wednesday. The full board agreed Thursday to consider the matter at a meeting next year.
Hans said North Carolina can “lead the nation” in historically Black and minority-serving institutions, or HMSIs, at a time when the state needs more talent. Lifting the cap could also occur as many U.S. minority-dominated campuses face severe financial pressure, he added.
Hans said he doesn’t favor lifting the cap on out-of-state enrollment at other system campuses. “We’re here for the people of this state first and foremost,” he said.
During a discussion, board member Steve Long, a Raleigh attorney, said that he opposes the change because it won’t apply to all campuses. Though out-of-state students pay higher tuition, BOG leaders have traditionally opposed changing the policy because of significant demand from N.C.-based students.
UNC has made exceptions to the 18% cap in rare cases. N.C. A&T State University in Greensboro and Elizabeth City State University have received waivers in recent years.
Other HMSIs in the UNC System include N.C. Central University in Durham, Fayetteville State University, Winston-Salem-State University and UNC Pembroke.