UNC announces merger of Data Science and Information Science schools to create new AI-focused institution

• UNC announcement: The School of Data Science and Society (SDSS) and the School of Information and Library Science (SILS) will merge into a new school focused on artificial intelligence.

• Faculty notification: Both schools’ faculty were informed at separate meetings on Wednesday; the public announcement followed via email Thursday at 1:04 p.m. from Chancellor Lee Roberts and Interim Provost Jim Dean.

• Timeline: A formal timeline for the consolidation is not yet set, but no changes are expected before the end of the 2025–26 academic year.

• Purpose and vision:

  • Combine technical expertise, humanistic inquiry, and understanding of the societal impacts of emerging technologies.

  • Enhance research and scholarship, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand opportunities to address modern challenges.

  
  

Disclaimer: This article provides a summary of a news originally published by Daneen Khan on September 22, 2025, via The Daily Tar Heel. All rights to the original content are retained by the respective authors and publisher. This summary is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be viewed as a substitute for professional legal advice or a full reading of the original article. The summarizer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. For the full and original article, please visit: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/university-breaking-school-of-ai-20251009