Jump to main content

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs believes that, together, we are uniquely situated to remove barriers, create belonging and support student success.

We support you in a co-curricular environment and provide an experience that inspires you academically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. 

With the diversity of our campus community in mind, we use a career readiness approach and social justice framework to foster a culture and climate of care. With equity-minded practices at our core we strengthen your learning experience and provide a transformative education experience.  

Gunter Hall on Central Campus

The Bear Experience

Student learning outside the classroom

  • Self-Awareness
    Self-awareness is one’s ability to describe themselves to others in terms of their strengths, values, interests, and identities. Becoming self-aware is an ongoing process that includes a commitment to reflection, continued learning, making informed decisions, and acting not only in self-interest, but in a manner that creates awareness of others. Self-awareness includes an ability to engage in challenging discourse and make decisions that foster understanding, growth, problem-solving, and mutual respect.
  • Well-Being
    Well-Being is a state of human flourishing and/or thriving that includes physical, mental, and emotional, and financial health, social and spiritual connection, and having a sense of purpose. Equitable well-being is a concept that all must be included in society for everyone to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
  • Equity
    Equity means recognizing and identifying social inequities, communicating for the needs of those who are oppressed, and engaging in dialogue that fosters equity. Equity is an understanding and ability to describe bias and positions of privilege, an understanding of individual social identity, recognition of positionality in relation to other social identities, identification of barriers to social equity, and the ability to have tools to address equity at a systemic level. Equity includes the ability to acknowledge privileged and minoritized identities, communicate effectively (articulate and listen) about a variety of topics related to social equity. Equity is not a status that is achieved but rather an ongoing process of life experience and advocacy that must be revisited, redefined, and improved upon.
  • Career Readiness
    Career readiness is a process that supports students as they develop a better understanding of themselves, discover careers, and participate in career-specific learning. Career readiness is the development of career relevant competencies to leverage them in an ever-changing world of work. Transferrable competencies include self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity/inclusion/cultural fluency, leadership, work ethic, teamwork, and technology are achieved. Career management skills are interviewing, resume writing, personal statements, cover letters, salary negotiation, and networking. The process of career readiness is ongoing throughout our lives.
  • Interpersonal Engagement
    Interpersonal engagement is the ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with others. Relationship skills include mutual respect, cultural humility, engaging in healthy conflict management and resolution, dialogue, listening, and an understanding of our interconnectedness with others around us. This includes the ability to positively engage in communities, understand impact, and create a sense of belonging for others.
  • Leadership
    Leadership is the ability to cultivate an individualized philosophy that serves as a framework for effective collaboration with diverse individuals to foster meaningful change. This framework is derived from personal, moral, ethical, and intellectual foundations, and supports engagement in principled dissent. Leaders practice civic responsibility and identify and advocate for areas of change. Leaders possess the ability to assess challenges and opportunities and have the capacity to inspire, guide, and transform others toward the completion of dynamic goals. Being a leader requires continuing innovation, resiliency, and optimism to motivate change.

Our Guiding Principles

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to supporting students and their families in their transition to UNC and in their personal and academic success. As educators, we know students thrive when they know they matter and when they are both challenged and supported as they learn and encounter new experiences.

Because we want our students to thrive, we provide resources, tools, and opportunities to create a student experience focused on learning, by:

  • Creating a strong sense of belonging and campus connection
  • Promoting diverse, equitable and inclusive environments
  • Developing career readiness
  • Supporting wellness and healthy options
  • Getting involved, giving back, and developing leadership talent

Mission

We believe that every student has a right to full and equal participation in the university community. We identify and collaboratively eliminate institutional barriers to success and cultivate a student-centered co-curricular experience. We intentionally educate our students on self-awareness, well-being, equity, career readiness, interpersonal engagement, and leadership. We seek to understand who our students are and who they want to become. We shape supportive environments for students to grow and belong as they navigate higher education and beyond.

Vision

The Division of Student Affairs will provide a transformative student experience that positively impacts student access, academic success, persistence, and graduation.  

Core Values

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to creating a Community of Bears where students are empowered to develop as leaders, embrace social equity, and become life-long contributors in an increasingly diverse society. Our core values are:

  • Community
  • Being Student-Centered
  • Accountability
  • Integrity
  • Intentionality
  • Social Equity

Featured Resources & Support

Here are just a few services you might find helpful or check out our student services.

Student Engagement 

Engage your interest, start a club or make a community impact. Just remember, whatever you chose, be sure to get involved!

Office of Student Engagement

Constructive Dialogue

UNC partners with the Constructive Dialogue Institute to help members of our community learn more about navigating conflict and dialogue through difference. 

Email Student Affairs to learn more

Mental Health Crisis Support

The stress of life challenges or unforeseen circumstances is sometimes more than any one of us can manage on our own.

Mental Health Crisis Support

Go on an Adventure

The Recreation Center provides a supportive environment and opportunities for you to go on an adventure with Outdoor Pursuits.

Campus Recreation

Talk to Someone

UNC offers support and services you need whether it's academic or personal. It's important for you to the best the best Bear you can be, it's a way of being. 

Counseling Center

Be a Part of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Interested in joining a fraternity or sorority letter organization? UNC has 26 fraternities and sororities you can join. 

Fraternity and Sorority Life