(CNN) -- The University of North Carolina has brought on a former U.S. attorney to conduct an independent investigation of academic irregularities at the Chapel Hill campus. Kenneth L. Wainstein, a 19-year veteran of the U.S. Justice Department, will have access to "new information that may become available," UNC system President Tom Ross and UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol L. Folt said in a joint announcement Friday. The appointment of Wainstein by the university system comes amid increased national scrutiny on the matter. The institution has been under the microscope for two years, ever since the revelation that students -- mostly athletes -- were taking classes where little or no work was required.
@highlight
University hires independent counsel to look into irregularities
@highlight
Wainstein worked for Justice Department for two decades
@highlight
CNN highlighted ongoing problems with student-athlete literacy
The @placeholder statement said Wainstein's finding will be made public.