In 1930, North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner proposed bringing together the state-sponsored institutions at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Greensboro into a consolidated university system, sharing a single president and board of trustees. The 1931 legislature passed the consolidation bill, and the University of North Carolina as a consolidated system was born. With consolidation, the North Carolina College for Women saw its name change to the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina.

To promote unity among the students at the three institutions, a Consolidated University Council was created in 1948 to “act as a liaison among the three campuses and to represent the opinions, interests, and welfare of the students.” The Council consisted initially of 11 members, with meetings held quarterly. Membership grew to 13 in the mid-1950s. The Council was also responsible for managing special events that aimed at uniting the three student bodies.

Consolidated University Day was first held in April 1953 at WC’s new student union building – Elliott Hall. Hundreds of Chapel Hill and State students traveled to Greensboro to a day of activities, including bowling and “other light sports,” “a spirited talent show,” and “a dance that lasted until midnight.” Megaphones like this one were used to rally students at these types of events.

Supplemental Materials

Spartan Story about university consolidation