Trustees dig into Greek life, Carolina North and renovations

The UNC Board of Trustees discussed changes taking place in the UNC community met Wednesday and Thursday to — including a review of the Greek system and a handful of renovations.

Greeks

Several improvements to the Greek system on UNC’s campus were proposed by Jordan Whichard, who was asked in January by the board to review the Greek system.

One proposal, the establishment of an “Interfraternity Council Fraternity Alumni Association,” would include appointing a full-time IFC Executive Director — to increase alumni oversight into fraternity affairs.

According to Whichard, the Greek system’s judicial structure needs to establish a new process involving the IFC Judicial Board, Fraternity Alumni Association and assistant dean of students for judicial programs.

Although Whichard is unsure of how Greek participants will react to an increase in adult alumni leadership, he said he is hopeful.

“I think all members of the Greek system will greatly benefit from these changes,” he said.  

Renovations

The Buildings and Grounds Committee made its top priority the relocation of UNC’s Law School, which is currently situated off of Ridge Road on South Campus.

Despite concerns regarding costs, the Board of Trustees approved planning for the school’s migration to Carolina North — a developing research and mixed-use campus located two miles north of UNC’s main campus.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning Bruce Runberg said the school’s current location will most likely be utilized by the College of Arts and Sciences, though this is not certain.

The board approved the Audit and Finance Committee’s plan to add a five-story ‘Carolina Student-Athlete Center for Excellence’, which will replace the field house in Kenan Stadium. The center will include an academic support center for all student-athletes, a home for the Carolina Leadership Academy, a new Olympic Sports strength and conditioning room, a visiting team locker room and several other commodities. New seats will also be added to an area named the “Blue Zone,” which will raise the stadium’s seating capacity by 2,980. The project is expected to cost from $70 million to $85 million.

Lenoir Dining Dall will have an extra section of it’s top floor added to a portion of it to accommodate more seating. The layout of the basement will also be increased.

The Frank Porter Graham Student Union will be improving food services, as well as upgrading its electrical and mechanical systems to increase safety.

The Bingham Facility, an animal research facility owned by UNC recently fined $15,000 for having treated wastewater leaks, will have three new buildings added on site. Replacements and repairs to its utilities and sewage system are also planned.

Contact the University editor at udesk@unc.edu.