The demographics of students who go to college is changing. It is predicted that by 2027 the majority of college students in the United Students will represent historically minoritized populations. The programs we present, the language we use, the climate we set, the mindset we have to engage with students and the staff we hire must match this inevitability. More importantly, treating students, and all the identities they bring with them, with care and respect is paramount.
In the Division of Student Affairs, our goal is Inclusive Excellence: to champion a climate of respect that celebrates our differences and similarities. This includes, but is not limited to, ability/disability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socio-economic status.
Every department in our division impacts the lives of our students and our broader University. That is why our collective commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion makes a difference in the way ALL members of our community experience Niner Nation.
Below are some of the many ways in which Student Affairs supports and leads diversity efforts on campus. Our work aligns with University-wide initiatives, particularly those identified in the UNC Charlotte Plan for Diversity, Access and Inclusion. We hope you will return to visit this page as it expands.
Programs Community & Spaces Departments Student Organizations
UNC Charlotte's first designated meditation and reflection space opened in Fall 2017. This space started as a student-driven initiative, led by Interfaith Niners, a combination of student organizations, including the Muslim Student Association. These students advocated for and submitted a proposal to Chancellor Dubois requesting a designated space for students to pray, meditate, and use for spiritual purposes.
Location
Peace Haven is located in Cone 366.
The Lavender Lounge opened in the Spring of 2019. It is a student-centered space that is open to LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. A blend of the traditionally gender-identified colors pink and blue, the color lavender blurs the lines and challenges gender norms. The lounge is a place where students can be their authentic selves; a space where they don’t have to worry about the world's norms.
Location
The Lavender Lounge is located in Cone 172.
The Global Gateways Program, a residential-based programming model with an international emphasis, expands upon our partnership with the Office of International Programs. It provides an opportunity for both domestic and international students to experience, appreciate, and learn about new and different cultures in a fun, engaging environment.
Location
The Gateways House (upper-class female students) is located in Greek Village. The International House (male and female students) is located in Witherspoon Hall.
The recently renovated lounge provides a safe space for UNC Charlotte veteran students to gather to study, relax, and participate in group discussions. Upgrades such as a printer and other supplies will help veteran students work more effectively in a collaborative space.
Location
Veterans Student Lounge is located in Barnard 103.
Through a collaboration with UNC Charlotte's Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC, the ROTC Living Community launched in Fall 2019.
Student members of the Flying Niners and the 49er Battalion will be able to indicate their interest in the ROTC Living Community on their housing application.
Location
This living community can choose from suites, single or double rooms in Holshouser Hall.
If you see an “All Gender Restroom” sign, it means the restroom is a single-stall restroom that is for use by anyone on campus, across gender identity, and can be locked to prevent anyone else from entering. Some of these restrooms also have a changing station for individuals caring for infants and children. The presence of a changing station is denoted by an additional sign.
Location
To view a list of all All Gender Restrooms on campus, please visit our map.
CAPS has a passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. CAPS aspires to create an affirming, accessible, and safe environment that celebrates human diversity. We understand diversity to include but not be limited to: race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, sex, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, nationality, and language. We are dedicated to social justice through increased awareness of the effects of oppression, prejudice, and discrimination. CAPS aspires to promote optimal well-being by providing psychological services to the University community with a staff that is multidisciplinary and reflective of the diverse student body.
Visit CAPS for more information on:
- Multicultural Women Empowerment Group
- The Empowered Black Woman
- The Empowered Black Man
- Veterans' Group
- True Selves: A Gender & Sexuality Spectrum Group
The Dean of Students Office provides advocacy, support, and guidance to students and families throughout their Niner Nation journey. Engagement in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives plays an integral role in our mission to maximize opportunities for students to fully participate in and authentically contribute to the University experience. Each unit under the umbrella of the Dean of Students Office actively contributes to interpersonal and programmatic efforts to honor, cultivate, and enhance an environment of inclusion.
Visit the DSO for more information on:
- New Student and Family Services
- Student Assistance Support Services
- Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
- Veteran Services
The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), a program within the Center for Wellness Promotion on campus, supports students in their substance use recovery journey.
Visit CRC for more information on:
- Joining a community of sober students in social, educational, and volunteer opportunities.
- To schedule a tour of the CRC space and learn more about the program.
- To join the monthly newsletter to stay up to date on the sober events on campus.
- Information on campus/local sober support meetings.
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is home to the fraternity and sorority experience at UNC Charlotte. Scholarship, service, leadership and sisterhood/brotherhood are at the core of our guiding values and we pride ourselves on diversity of chapters and fraternal experiences. Among the total 43 chapters are 7 African-American fraternities and sororities, 10 Latinx, multicultural, and Asian fraternities and sororities, and a Christian faith-based fraternity and sorority.
Visit OFSL for more information on:
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) - Yard Show and Homecoming Stroll Competition
- Diversified Greek Council (DGC) - Picnic
- New Member Presentations
The mission of the Bonnie E. Cone University Center is to enrich the University and community experience by providing quality services and spaces in a welcoming environment that supports student learning. The Cone Center offers various services and spaces that support all members of the campus community. UNC Charlotte has a TTY (TeleTYpewriter) located in Cone's After Hours for use by individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired or need to communicate with an individual using a TTY. In addition, through their employment and participation in the student employee program, Cone University Center students will develop a sense of civic responsibility and the ability to appreciate, value, respect, and learn from the diversity in people and ideas.
Visit Cone University Center for more information on:
- Lavender Lounge
- Meeting and event spaces
- All Gender Restrooms
- Peace Haven
The mission of the Popp Martin Student Union is to cultivate a welcoming place that enhances the student experience through services and programs and serves as the center of campus life. The Student Union offers various services and spaces that support all members of the campus community. Located in the Student Union on the mezzanine level is a videophone to assist deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired individuals with their communication needs. In addition, through their employment and participation in the student employee program, Popp Martin Student Union students will develop a sense of civic responsibility and the ability to appreciate, value, respect, and learn from the diversity in people and ideas.
Visit Popp Martin Student Union for more information on:
- All Gender Restrooms
- Meeting and Event Spaces
- Art Gallery
- Student Employment
The mission of Housing and Residence Life is to create communities in partnership with residential students that are inclusive, safe, well-maintained, and intentionally developed to facilitate their academic, personal, and professional growth. Housing and Residence Life utilizes a curricular approach to student learning in the residence halls that we call "Niner Blueprint." One of the learning goals our team of professional educators focuses on in Niner Blueprint is Intercultural Competence. Culturally-prepared residential students develop the skills necessary to effectively contribute and collaborate within a rapidly evolving global society. Students will be provided opportunities within their residential communities, and the greater Charlotte community, to reflect and make meaning of their identities and experiences while increasing their knowledge and understanding of others.
Visit HRL for more information.
The Student Involvement Office helps students find a sense of belonging and create community through campus involvement - joining or creating a student organization, attending or planning one of the many CAB events, or connecting through campus traditions like Homecoming.
Visit Student Involvement for more information
The Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement is here to educate, develop, and engage students regarding their various intersecting identities (gender identity, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, etc). Their mission is to provide students an affirming and equitable environment committed to fostering a campus community that celebrates and supports expansion of identities.
Visit IEE for more information on:
- Activiate!
- #onmymind
- Heritage month celebrations
- LGBTQ+ programs and services
- SAFE programming
University Recreation attempts to provide facilities, equipment, and programs to engage students of all identifies, accessibilities, and cultural backgrounds in healthy and balanced lifestyles. With our foundations of inclusion and equity, we aim to foster a welcoming, respectful, and diverse environment, where we create fairness, openness, and opportunities for everyone to successfully participate in recreation.
Visit the UREC for more information on:
- Facilities/Operations - Zero Depth Entry into UREC Indoor/Outdoor Pool, ADA access for CORE
- Intramurals - Special Olympics
- Fitness - Breaking Barriers, Women in the Weightroom, Equipment for Students w/ Accessibilities.
- Student Development - Equity Training for Student Employees
The mission of Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) is to assist, support and advocate for students experiencing a broad range of issues, concerns or challenges interfering with a student’s ability to be successful academically or personally.
The Bias Assessment Resource Team (BART) at UNC Charlotte provides an avenue for students and faculty/staff to report instances where bias(es) may inhibit them from experiencing such a community. Students and faculty/staff who have experienced a bias-related incident, or who have witnessed a bias-related incident, may REPORT the incident to BART. BART provides support to students and faculty/staff adversely impacted by those experiences and connects them to resources on campus.
The Student Health Center provides comprehensive high quality healthcare, outreach and health education to students. We strive to create a welcoming environment in which the uniqueness of each person is recognized and celebrated, and where everyone is treated with compassion and respect. Our mission to provide our students with quality healthcare is demonstrated through our services, practices and health policies.
Through ongoing professional development, our staff refine their awareness and competency of bias and inclusion as they pertain to our work. We are accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) which provides standards that support our response of our patient’s individual needs (communication, patient-centered, cultural competency, staff training and quality improvement).
SHC offers:
- Language interpretation service during medical visits
- Option to add Preferred Name in medical software
- Safe Zone trained staff
Visit Student Health Center for more information
Veteran Services Office is dedicated to the support and success of our military-affiliated student body. From processing GI Bill® benefits to providing the Veterans Lounge for study and community, the VSO is the central hub at UNC Charlotte to promote a smooth and seamless transition for those choosing college after or during their service.
Visit Veteran Services Office for more information on:
- Veterans Park
- Yellow Ribbon Program
- Military Tuition Assistance