Policy on Gifts Affecting the Curriculum

Title

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on Gifts Affecting the Curriculum

Introduction

Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill adopted guidelines in 2006 on donations and curriculum development. The purpose of these guidelines is to promote early consultation with faculty about potential donations that have a material effect on the curriculum. Donations affecting the curriculum may originate within the university development office or within academic units. In most cases, faculty members will be unified in their desire to accept a proposed donation affecting the curriculum. In rare cases, however, donations affecting the curriculum may not coincide with or further the priorities or mission of the affected unit, or may be controversial because of the source or proposed use of the funding. The University recognizes the need to involve faculty early in the process when potential donations affect the curriculum, and to provide faculty with as much information as possible throughout the process. Broad consultation is not required, however, in cases where a proposal has minimal effect on the curriculum or where the faculty members and units primarily affected agree on the desirability of accepting the donation.

The University community endorses and adheres to these guidelines, which convey deep appreciation for private gifts and emphasize that UNC Chapel Hill faculty determine the design, content, and staffing of whatever position or program is being funded. The guidelines call for affected faculty, programs, and departments to be involved in the process of designing and designating the gift as early as possible. The guidelines complement the University’s Policy on Gifts, Contributions, and Solicitations, which state: “The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees believes that establishing clear and consistent policies about gifts, contributions, and solicitations encourages stronger relationships among representatives of the University, donors, and advisors” (p. 1).

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how your gift may enhance the stature of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Scope of Applicability

The factors identified in this policy should be considered by those involved in negotiating with potential donors and by those who are consulted during the process.

Policy

Policy Statement

1. Any unit of the University shall be consulted at the earliest possible time with regard to the details of any gift that may affect its curriculum. For purposes of this policy:
   1. A donation affects the curriculum if it would have a material effect on faculty positions, faculty assignments, the creation or content of a course or program, class size or learning resources.
   2. A unit of the University includes a college, school, department, program, curriculum, center, or institute.
2. Priority in negotiating with potential donors shall be given to securing gifts that will be used to support needs identified by affected units of the University. The University representative working with a potential donor on a gift that affects the curriculum shall consult with the head(s) of any affected unit(s) at the earliest possible stage to determine whether the proposed donation meets the needs and priorities of the unit(s). The head of an affected unit shall consult with the administrative board of the unit, other appropriate committees within the unit, and individual faculty members, as deemed appropriate by the unit head, in order to ensure that the proposed donation is consistent with the needs and priorities of the unit. The unit head should bear in mind that one purpose of these consultations is to ensure that faculty are informed of the potential donation.
3. The following factors shall be considered in determining whether a gift affecting the curriculum should be accepted and in determining the final form of accepted gifts:
   1. Whether any curricular changes to be brought about by the proposed donation are consistent with the goals, mission and values of the University and the affected units;
   2. The effects of any curricular changes that may occur as a result of the proposed donation on the overall curricular plan of any affected unit;
   3. Whether the proposed donation contains contingencies or conditions and the nature of the contingencies or conditions;
   4. Any effects that the proposed donation may have on academic freedom;
   5. Whether the University's acceptance of a proposed donation would reflect
      poorly on the University's reputation or would conflict with the mission and values of the University and the affected units; and
   6. Whether donors' names should be attached to professorships, programs, or courses.
4. If individual faculty members or units of the University disagree with or have concerns about a decision to accept or reject a proposed donation affecting the curriculum, they shall address those concerns to the University administration according to these guidelines. Individual faculty members shall first address concerns to the head of their unit. Faculty members who continue to have concerns and units of the University (represented by the unit head) shall raise their concerns with the Provost. The Chancellor will make the final decision based upon consultation with the Provost, the unit head, the Vice Chancellor for Development, the Vice Chancellor for Research, and concerned faculty.

Exceptions

None.

Related Requirements

External Regulations and Consequences

• UNC System Office, Policy Manual: Chapter 600 - Financial Matters, Real Property, Endowment, and Trust Funds

University Policies, Standards, and Procedures

• Gift Acceptance Policy

Contact Information

Policy Contacts

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
104 South Building
CB #3000
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3000
Telephone: 919-962-2198
Fax: 919-962-1593

Office of the Provost, Academic Finance and Academic Personnel
218 South Building
CB #8000
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8000
Telephone: 919-962-1091
Fax: 919-962-2437