GREENSBORO, N.C. — Colleges and universities across the country are facing financial challenges stemming from the pandemic. 

UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University and Duke University are just a few institutions to announce furloughs connected to the pandemic. Leaders at UNCG say they haven’t experienced the same financial stress as some of its sister schools, but it has still faced some challenges.

Students choosing to stay at home and live off-campus are impacting the university. Those fixed costs cannot be curved.

“When you’re making these decisions, you’re asking what are our priorities. Protect our people, protect our community and protect our students, and make sure the students can make progress,” says Dean of Undergraduate Studies Andrew Hamilton.

The industries that college students typically work in have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as the service industry. Job loss as well as responsibilities at home can shake students’ focus.

“It’s really hard sometimes in that environment to give your studies what is really needed,” he says. “Especially when you don’t have the rhythm of showing up on campus, going to a class, facing an instructor, being called on. We all need that kind of motivation.”

UNCG has added a few options to offer flexibility for students. The majority of students split between online classes and in-person classes. The remaining students chose hybrid classes.

The university is offering academic relief, offering some leeway in class scheduling, grade replacement and pass-fail courses. Hamilton says UNCG prioritizes students’ progress in their studies.

The university hasn’t seen any large-scale furloughs, but says the athletic department took a hit due to lost revenue from cancellations and closures.