UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts discusses challenges facing higher education including federal research funding uncertainty, AI's impact on learning, tuition affordability (in-state $9K/year), and the need for federal regulation in college athletics amid NIL and transfer portal changes.
Federal research funding was held flat despite proposed cuts. Priorities are changing which isn't bad. Biggest challenge is funding not being dispersed as allocated - universities waiting for grants.
North Carolina fortunate to have strong support from fast-growing state.
Tuition growth exceeding inflation - is that sustainable?
Paul Sweeney
Lee Roberts
Challenge for higher education generally. UNC ranked best value 21 years running. In-state tuition $9K/year, flat for 9 years, going up 3% this year - down 20% in real terms.
Why are students migrating south?
Tom Keene
Lee Roberts
Weather, sports, Greek life. It's okay for college to be fun.
What's the greatest threat to your business model?
Paul Sweeney
Lee Roberts
AI and what it means for higher education. We need to ensure students have wisdom and judgment alongside information.
We've never just been in the business of transmitting information - YouTube would have destroyed higher ed if that were the case.
How is UNC thinking about NIL and transfer portal in athletics?
Paul Sweeney
Lee Roberts
Current system is not working - costs too much, not good for anybody. Came about from series of court cases. Calls for federal regulation.
Bipartisan Cruz-Cantwell legislation that president has endorsed.
