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UNC system sees record enrollment despite COVID-19 pandemic

By The Associated Press

WSOC Classroom colleges university County health leaders concerned as more universities report COVID-19 cases, clusters

By The Associated Press

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Schools in the University of North Carolina system enrolled more students than ever before this fall.

Local news outlets reported Thursday that half of the campuses reported record-breaking numbers of students.

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It’s the system’s third year in a row for record-high enrollment. More than 242,000 students are at its universities. There was an overall increase of 1% for the total number of undergraduate and graduate students.

The news came at the system’s Board of Governors meeting on Thursday. UNC System President Peter Hans said the enrollment numbers are remarkable given the coronavirus pandemic.

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Hans said he believes that schools re-opening with in-person classes and campus housing helped with the enrollment growth.

Thirteen of the 17 UNC System institutions are offering in-person learning for undergraduate students.

UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State University and East Carolina University have transitioned online. UNC Charlotte delayed the start of in-person classes to October and is evaluating its situation.

Cox Media Group

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