UNC Faces Budget Cuts, Sports Shakeups, and Leadership Changes as Fall Semester Begins

Good afternoon, Tar Heels! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and here's your latest campus news. Currently, it's sunny and 81 degrees in Chapel Hill. Expect temperatures to rise to the upper 80s this afternoon, with a chance of thunderstorms around 2 PM. Evening temperatures will cool to the mid-70s. As students return for the fall semester, UNC-Chapel Hill is implementing a $70 million budget reduction due to federal funding cuts and state budget uncertainties. Chancellor Lee Roberts announced that the cuts will affect nonresident financial aid and may lead to layoffs. The university is also reviewing centers and institutes for potential reductions. In response to these financial challenges, UNC has increased its federal lobbying efforts, spending $315,000 in the first half of 2025 to advocate for research funding and student aid. Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, now leading the Tar Heels football team, will not make weekly appearances on the "Carolina Football Live" radio show. He will participate in the season's first episode on August 27, ahead of the opener against TCU on September 1. The show will feature general manager Michael Lombardi, assistant coaches, and players. Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady expressed support for Belichick's transition to college football, noting the challenges of coaching younger athletes but emphasizing Belichick's preparedness and work ethic. Looking ahead, the Tar Heels will open the 2026 football season against TCU in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Fans can visit TarHeels2Ireland.com for ticket updates and travel packages. In men's soccer, the team, under head coach Carlos Somoano, has released its 2025 schedule, featuring 16 regular-season matches, including home games against top-ranked teams like SMU and Wake Forest. The season kicks off on August 21 against UCF at Dorrance Field. UNC has announced a leadership transition in its athletic department. Bubba Cunningham will mentor his successor, Steve Newmark, through the upcoming academic year before becoming a senior advisor in 2026. Newmark, currently president of RFK Racing and a Chapel Hill native, will assume the role of executive associate athletic director on August 15. UNC-Chapel Hill is collaborating with 22 counties through the "Our State, Our Homes" program to address affordable housing needs in North Carolina. The initiative aims to improve access to affordable housing by providing communities with tools and resources for effective decision-making. For a comprehensive list of upcoming events, including lectures, workshops, and performances, visit the university's events calendar at calendar.unc.edu. That's all for today's update. Stay safe, and as always, Go Heels!