UNCG's response to the Board of Governors' UNC Tomorrow project envisions four major initiatives to respond to North Carolina's long-term economic needs.

The first phase of UNCG's response to the system's strategic planning initiative has been submitted to President Erskine Bowles. The university's strategy was to concentrate on a small number of bold initiatives that clearly meet the priorities in the UNC Tomorrow report and fit clearly within UNCG's areas of strength.

It includes these programs:

• The creation of a new School of Pharmacy to help meet the state's acute shortage of pharmacists. The school would have a natural connection to both the School of Nursing and UNCG's new doctoral program in medicinal biochemistry.
• The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. Already approved by the Board of Governors, this joint venture with N.C. A&T will train students to conduct basic and applied research in nanoscience and nanoengineering. It also will provide training for scientists and engineers already in the work force.
• A program to meet the work force needs for registered nurses. The plan includes increasing enrollment in the School of Nursing, which would require additional facilities and faculty, and establishing an accelerated degree program.
• The Institute for Community and Economic Engagement. Already approved by the UNCG Board of Trustees, the Institute will promote and coordinate the university's work in community and economic development. As envisioned under the UNCG Tomorrow plan, the Institute will include a new Center for Entrepreneurship and other major new initiatives.

Details on the proposals are at http://uncgtomorrow.uncg.edu/.

UNC Tomorrow is a strategic planning process designed to produce a more proactively responsive university system, focused on meeting the challenges of the state over the next 20 years. The UNC Tomorrow report and details on the process are at http://www.nctomorrow.org/.