This week, UNC announced its School of Civic Life and Leadership will become its own standalone school within the university starting in August.

With SCiLL’s departure from the College of Arts and Sciences, it will become Carolina’s 15th independent “academic unit,” joining the ranks of the School of Government, Hussman School of Journalism and Media, School of Medicine, Kenan-Flagler Business School, and others.

“Creating a dedicated academic home for SCiLL strengthens our ability to integrate civic learning into the broader educational experience,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Magnus Egerstedt said in a May 13 release. “It enables innovation in teaching and research while reinforcing our mission to prepare students to contribute constructively to society.” 

Established in 2023 and classes beginning fall 2024, the school aims to promote civil discourse and democratic values and encourages students to engage in discussion and debate across differing viewpoints. In the most recent academic year, nearly a thousand students enrolled in the courses, with the number of students declaring a SCiLL minor increased by 90%, according to the announcement. 

According to University Chancellor Lee Roberts, the transition to independent school status will support the school’s continued development and broaden its reach across the university. 

“This is an important step in strengthening Carolina’s commitment to preparing students for thoughtful engagement in civic life,” Roberts said. “By establishing SCiLL as an independent unit, we are ensuring it has the focus and support needed to continue expanding its impact.” 

The news follows the UNC Faculty Executive Committee’s passage of resolutions calling for clarity around the school’s creation and a subsequent seven-month-long investigation into SCiLL. The investigation began over allegations of skewed hiring practices and public discontent after several faculty resigned within the first two years of it offering courses. While SCiLL was created as a way to offer a degree built on teaching students how to discuss challenging issues in thoughtful manners, it has also been widely deemed as a way to improve free speech and provide space for conservative viewpoints some feel are quashed by campus culture.

Featured image via Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill

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