Because of broader state budget reductions, officials were forced to cut the University of North Carolina system's budget by $31 million from the previous year, according to the 2005-2006 Budget Reductions Report issued this week by the UNC system.
Of that reduction, $16.4 million is being cut in relation to student instruction-a loss in funds that will result in cutbacks of teaching positions and courses, among other things, officials said.
Repercussions of the new budget cuts have already been seen in universities across the state, many of which have truncated their normal course offerings for this year.
The nearby state schools of UNC at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University have cut 46 and 60 classes, respectively, from their normal schedules.
Both N.C. State and North Carolina Central University have also announced plans to reduce school supplies, such as limits on science lab equipment and other teaching-related materials.
"Ironically, unavoidable reductions in advising and faculty contact hours means that many students will have less assistance in monitoring their degree progress at a time when it becomes much more difficult and critical to do so," the Budget Reductions Report stated.
The UNC system's report expressed concern that the limited class offerings and increased class sizes would put new strains on students attempting to complete their studies in the normal four-year period.
Although the report was released recently, students said they have already faced difficulties in registering for degree requirements.
"As a philosophy major, I couldn't get into any of the classes I need and had to take a place on the waitlist instead," said UNC-CH sophomore Clare Barnett, who added that she was unaware of the budget cuts. "I might go to summer school to finish some of my major requirements if I don't get into those classes when the semester starts."
Several UNC students added that registration difficulties are mostly limited to courses taken by underclassmen.
"I would say a fair amount of students have had trouble getting into the larger introductory lecture classes," UNC-CH sophomore Emmy Wilde said.
In August, UNC system officials expressed financial optimism after state legislators approved several of their funding projects, including $73 million for enrollment growth and $57.5 million devoted to repairs and renovations of university facilities.
That optimism has faded in light of the Budget Reduction Report's release, with UNC system officials-including those on the UNC Board of Governors-criticizing the system's continuing financial difficulties.
Despite these criticisms, some board members said the financial difficulties currently plaguing the UNC system are the inevitable result of a state where coffers are running low-a budget pinch that is affecting all aspects of public funding.
"There's just not enough money," former governor James Holshouser, an emeritus member of the UNC board, told the Associated Press.
"The educational experience is going to be impacted negatively if we can't turn the corner as a state," he added.
The UNC Board of Governors also approved a plan Friday that would place a 10 percent cap on UNC tuition increases for next year.
Additionally, the Board planned to increase pay for campus chancellors by 8 to 16 percent-a move that has been criticized by other state employees, who by comparison will receive 2 percent salary increases.
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