Office of the Chancellor
Talking Points
In addition to contacting you regarding specific issues, we’ll keep this page up-to-date with UNCG’s priorities and the latest legislative requests affecting the university. If you have a question or would like more information about a particular talking point, please contact Sharlene O’Neil at sroneil@uncg.edu or (336) 334-5266.
Current Legislative Requests
NCA&T and UNCG Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
NCA&T and UNCG request operating funds to continue establishing the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) at the Gateway University Research Park. The JSNN builds on the existing strengths of the two universities in order to offer innovative cross-disciplinary graduate programs. When fully operational, the JSNN will train scientists in nanotechnology areas including nanobioengineering and nanobiosciences, drug design and delivery, genetic screening, biosensors, biotechnology, surface engineering, energy, environmental improvement, agricultural enhancement, and toxicology. A Graduate School in Nanoscience and Nanoengineering would supply the personnel needed by existing companies and help attract new companies to the Piedmont Triad. The global market for nanotechnology products and services is predicted to increase by 18 to 28 percent annually for the next several years (BCC Research, Inc.) and is expected to reach $2.6 Trillion by 2014 (Lux Research).
To build public understanding of and support for nanoscience, the JSNN will also devote resources to outreach and public education and to collaborations with social scientists on both campuses to study the social and economic impacts of nanoscience and nanoenginnering. Funds of $190,000 are also requested for the initial staff support needed for the start-up of the Joint Primary Data Center, also located on the Joint Millennial Campus.
Joint Primary Data Center (with NCA&T) - $22,225,000
This joint center, to be located on the South Campus of the Gateway University Research Park (NCA&T/UNCG Joint Millennial Campus), would provide these two campuses with primary data center services in a secure facility that offers 100 percent uptime. The 50,680-square-foot, disaster-resistant building would include a 10,000-square-foot raised floor space built to Tier III specifications, conditioned power, and mechanical and electrical systems designed to provide high levels of reliability. Internet and campus connectivity would be provided to the data center via connections to NCREN. Planning funds totaling $926,008 were appropriated by the 2008 General Assembly. The total cost of this project is $46,300,400.