North Carolina’s recently passed state budget means the historic Moore Building, a landmark for Western Carolina University and the community, will be remodeled and reopened after being inactive for more than a decade.
In addition to this $ 35.5 million appropriation, the budget provides an additional $ 12 million for WCU’s critical infrastructure and capital needs, and grants faculty and staff a biennial salary increase of 5%. and bonuses of up to $ 1,500.
“Western Carolina University is well served and very grateful for this budget, which allows us to meet critical infrastructure needs and to fairly compensate our faculty and staff who have done a tremendous job through the extremely difficult circumstances of the 18. recent months, “said Chancellor Kelli Brown. noted. “The heart of Western Carolina University is our staff and the salary increases included in the budget recognize the efforts of our faculty and staff who work every day to ensure that this university continues to provide a high quality education at the University. both affordable and accessible. . “
University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans said the state budget “is a remarkable start to a new era in which we will grow our faculty and staff, expand our educational reach. , reorganize our facilities on campus and make education more affordable for more North Carolinians. . All of our budget priorities – and more – have been met thanks to this historic legislation. “
An additional $ 3 million is included in recurring funds to support the operations and maintenance of the recently opened Apodaca Science Building by WCU, a state-of-the-art facility that houses the Department of Biology, Department of Chemistry and Physics and the interdisciplinary program in forensic sciences. .
The budget also funds and fully expands the NC Pledge, which sets WCU tuition fees at $ 500 per semester for state undergraduates and $ 2,500 per semester for undergraduates out of. state, including all new and returning students, transfer students, online program students, and international students enrolled in the fall and spring terms.
Fayetteville State will now join WCU as an NC Promise Institution, alongside Elizabeth City State University and UNC Pembroke.