How the UNC System is governed

In 1776, the North Carolina Constitution set out a mandate: “all useful learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted, in one or more universities.”

Two hundred and fifty years later, the UNC System is made up of 17 institutions, large and small, serving more than 256,000 students across North Carolina. The System embodies the state’s vision and investment in higher education over generations — an array of institutions with a shared public purpose yet distinct missions: research universities, regional universities, historically minority universities, a liberal arts and sciences campus, an arts conservatory, and a high school for gifted students.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The System is governed by the 25-member UNC Board of Governors, whose members are selected by the North Carolina General Assembly — 12 members appointed by the Senate, 12 members appointed by the House, and a student representative. The Board of Governors is responsible for policymaking and overall governance of the System, including determining the academic programs of the institutions, the types of degrees awarded, and tuition and fee rates for students.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Each institution has a board of trustees, whose members are appointed by the Senate, House, and Board of Governors. Student body presidents also serve as trustees. These boards are advisory to the chancellors and the Board of Governors, and their duties are defined and delegated by the Board of Governors. Their roles include awarding tenure and degrees, overseeing construction, property transactions, financial aid, tuition and fee collection, student services, athletics, and auxiliary operations.

THE SYSTEM’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The president of the UNC System is elected by the Board of Governors and serves as the chief executive officer of the System, with authority to manage the affairs and execute the policies of the University. The president is also responsible for requests to the legislature, the governor, state commissions, and the federal government.

CHANCELLORS

The chancellors of the institutions are elected by the Board of Governors upon nomination by the president. Chancellors report to the president and serve as executive leaders, managing their institutions and carrying out the policies of the Board of Governors and boards of trustees.