The Office of Undergraduate Education at UNC Charlotte enriches the academic community by offering a broad range of initiatives promoting student success, ensuring access, and enhancing the educational experience of all students. Broadly speaking, the Office of Undergraduate Education’s responsibilities fall in two areas: (1) curriculum and integrated learning, and (2) advising and graduation. Through transition programs, learning communities, support for student-athletes, career services, experiential learning, honors education, disability services, initiatives for underrepresented students, tutorial programs and other success services, the Office of Undergraduate Education supports students in cultivating life skills critical to successful graduation and global citizenship. In addition, through its faculty development programs, curriculum improvement and innovation initiatives, leadership on advising, and community outreach, the Office of Undergraduate Education engages the University’s academic units, faculty, and staff in efforts to enhance and improve both the quality and effectiveness of our academic programs. Working with students and stakeholders to address the needs of a diverse student population, the Office of Undergraduate Education utilizes an integrated student-centered approach that reinforces rigorous academic expectations and encourages student engagement from the time of enrollment through graduation.
The Office of Undergraduate Education consists of the following:
Advising Systems
The Advising Systems Team works with the campus community in supporting student success by utilizing academic software systems for early alerts, appointments, notifications, notes, and student progression/performance tracking. These systems include CONNECT, Guide, and DegreeWorks. Faculty in 1000- and 2000-level courses report early alerts by the fourth week in the semester using CONNECT. An early alert triggers an email sent to a student’s UNC Charlotte email account. This email contains information related to missing assignments, missing classes, or demonstrating poor performance. Students are able to make appointments with academic advisors and other academic support services, such as tutoring and academic consultations, to improve performance in their courses. Guide is a mobile app that allows students to be able to keep track of university deadlines, provides tips to success, and links to CONNECT for appointments. DegreeWorks, managed by the Office of the Registrar, is the official degree audit system to track progress towards degree completion.
Athletic Academic Center
The Charlotte 49ers Athletic Academic Center provides assistance to all UNC Charlotte varsity student-athletes to achieve academic and personal success at the University by providing support services designed to meet their unique needs and ensuring the student athlete’s compliance with all National Collegiate Athletic Association, Conference, and University regulations. Academic advisors provide academic advising services, priority registration, tutorial services, supervised study sessions, a computer lab, résumé writing assistance, and academic recognition.
Communication Across the Curriculum
The Communication Across the Curriculum (CxC) program works with faculty, academic partners, administration, and students to engage, support, and celebrate the use of communication to enhance teaching and learning. CxC is a faculty-driven program committed to improving the communication competencies of all UNC Charlotte students. CxC pursues this mission by promoting communication in student learning, supporting departments, programs, and individual faculty as they integrate communication into and across their curricula, and enhancing student learning directly through peer mentors (Student Communication Consultants). Faculty and students are encouraged to contact CxC for support in integrating communication into courses and programs.
Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services works with departments across UNC Charlotte to help ensure that educational programs and campus facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations need to submit appropriate disability documentation to Disability Services for review. Most students will need their treating healthcare provider to complete the Disability Services Documentation Form, located on the Disability Services website. Students with learning disabilities will need to submit their most recent full-scale psycho-educational documentation supporting their diagnosis. After a determination of eligibility is made, students schedule a registration appointment with a Disability Services counselor to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Disability Services offers a wide range of accommodations based on specific, documented disability needs.
It is the mission of the Office of Disability Services to provide access to education and campus life and to support a culturally rich, inclusive, and accessible campus environment. The staff of Disability Services recognizes there are often differences in services and accommodations between high school and college, and services can even vary from university to university. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Services with questions they might have about eligibility, services, and accommodations at UNC Charlotte.
First-Year Experience
Recognizing the importance of the first year in shaping a student’s college experience, the First-Year Experience initiative works across the University to develop and coordinate programs that support new students. These include:
Prospect for Success
The Office of Undergraduate Education coordinates the University’s Prospect for Success program. Prospect for Success is a campus-wide academic engagement initiative for all incoming first-year students. It is UNC Charlotte’s commitment to students to ensure that they have the opportunity to graduate, in a timely fashion, with a degree that prepares them for a successful and fulfilling life. Academic engagement is perhaps the most important of the many opportunities students need to be successful as a 49er.
Through carefully designed courses and out-of-class experiences, each incoming first-year student at UNC Charlotte develops their own commitment to success, inquiry skills, and cultural awareness as a participant in Prospect for Success. While this may look different for each student, depending on the coursework and requirements for their particular major or college, the commitment to seeing students thrive at UNC Charlotte remains the same.
Each college at UNC Charlotte has designed a plan to implement Prospect for Success to fit the needs of students in their programs. The Prospect course that all new students take addresses three learning outcomes: commitment to success, inquiry, and cultural awareness. Prospect also provides structured activities that engage students with their advisors, campus resources, and co-curricular opportunities.
Although the courses cover different material, all share common threads of intentionality, curiosity, and awareness. When first-year students come to SOAR and register for classes, advisors help them find the right Prospect course for them.
A list of Prospect for Success courses can be found on the Prospect website at prospect.uncc.edu/courses.
Common Reading Experience
The Common Reading Experience at UNC Charlotte is designed to provide a shared academic experience, which serves to assist all First-Year students in their transition to UNC Charlotte. This program offers unique opportunities for self-reflection, critical thinking, student interaction, and understanding of diverse perspectives. For details, visit the Common Reading Experience webpage at ucol.uncc.edu/CRE.
Learning Communities
UNC Charlotte’s Learning Communities Program is transforming the way students live, learn, and succeed in their academic endeavors. Learning communities help new students transition through academic and social challenges by providing small, supportive living and learning environments. Students interact closely with UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, and peer mentors through areas of common interest, enroll in two or three of the same courses, and – in many cases – live together in the same residence hall. Through the yearlong learning communities, students make friends and develop close relationships.
While most learning communities are residentially based, some do not require living on campus. Most learning communities are designed for first-year students; some are specifically designed for new transfer students.
Whether students are interested in business, communication studies, computing, criminal justice, engineering, English, gender studies, health, history, international relations, leadership, liberal arts and sciences, politics, psychology, teaching, or are not sure yet, they are likely to find a community of interest.
Contact and application information for UNC Charlotte’s Learning Communities can be found online at lc.uncc.edu.
Honors College
The Honors College offers academically talented and highly motivated students opportunities for intellectual breadth, undergraduate research, service learning, and a community feeling within the context of a large public research university. Comprised of several distinct honors programs, each with its own standards for admission and requirements for graduation, the Honors College is a campus hub for undergraduate honors courses, enrichment opportunities, merit scholars programs, honors scholarships, study abroad, community service, faculty lectures, and University-wide advising for pre-health professions and competitive national awards like the Rhodes, Truman, and Goldwater. An honors residence option in Levine Hall is also available for all students in the Honors College.
University Honors Program
Honors Programs in Academic Departments and Colleges
Many academic departments and colleges have honors programs enabling students to graduate with honors distinction in their academic discipline or college. This recognition will appear on students’ official academic transcripts.
Honors programs in colleges include:
Honors programs in academic departments and interdisciplinary programs include:
- Africana Studies, Honors Program
- Anthropology, Honors Program
- Art History, Honors Program
- Biology, Honors Program
- Chemistry, Honors Program
- Communication Studies, Honors Program
- Criminal Justice, Honors Program
- English, Honors Program
- Geography, Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Meteorology, Honors Program
- Health Systems Management, Honors Program
- History, Honors Program
- Kinesiology, Honors Program
- Latin American Studies, Honors Program
- Mathematics, Honors Program
- Philosophy, Honors Program
- Physics, Honors Program
- Political Science, Honors Program
- Psychology, Honors Program
- Religious Studies, Honors Program
- Sociology, Honors Program
- Social Work, Honors Program
- Spanish, Honors Program
Information on how to apply and graduate with honors from a college or a specific academic discipline can be found in this Catalog under each academic discipline with an honors program.
Preparation for Professional Schools
Pre-Health Professions and Pre-Medical School Advising
UNC Charlotte offers pre-professional preparation for undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, physician assistant, physical therapy, podiatry, and related healthcare careers. Opportunities and services available to students include:
- Strong academic preparation in the required prerequisite core of science and math courses
- Broad selection of recommended non-science courses
- Pre-Health Professions Advising for academic and nonacademic requirements for professional school admission
- Assistance with the application process, including essay preparation and interviews
- Pre-Professional Faculty Evaluation Committee that prepares composite recommendation letters on the student’s behalf
- Opportunities to participate in research
- Student clubs that offer guest speakers, community service, and peer support
Like most universities, UNC Charlotte does not offer a formal pre-health major, minor, or program. Students must select a major and are responsible for completing the prerequisites for their chosen professional school in addition to courses for their major. There is no requirement to major in science, but strong preparation in science and math must be demonstrated, regardless of the major. A Pre-Health Advisor will assist the student with identifying the appropriate pre-professional courses and formulating a timeline for their completion.
All pre-health students are encouraged to consult with a Pre-Health Advisor to plan and review their course of study and other requirements necessary for admission into professional schools. Additional information may be found on the Honors College website at honorscollege.uncc.edu, including prerequisite course lists for various professions.
For health-related student organizations, visit studentorgs.uncc.edu.
Prerequisite Core Courses
The basic minimum requirements for entrance to most health professions schools are as follows:
| Subjects |
Credit Hours |
| Biology (with labs) |
8 |
| General Chemistry (with labs) |
8 |
| Organic Chemistry (with labs) |
8 |
| Physics (with labs) |
8 |
| English |
6 |
Note: These are the common minimum requirements; additional courses may be required at the discretion of the professional school. Most students will need additional coursework and healthcare-related extracurricular activities to be competitive for admission. Community service is also highly desirable.
Faculty Evaluation Committee for Pre-Health Professions
The UNC Charlotte Pre-Health Professions Faculty Evaluation Committee consists of faculty members from the University and serves as the main recommending body for UNC Charlotte students seeking entrance to medical, dental, veterinary, and optometry schools. Students must have competitive credentials to qualify for a committee letter. In order to obtain a recommendation from the committee, the student must schedule an appointment with the Pre-Health Professions Advising Office during the year in which applications are being submitted.
Pre-Law Advising
Admission to law school is determined mainly by undergraduate grade point average and the score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation and a recitation of extracurricular activities, and personal statement, but those items are secondary to the GPA and LSAT. There is no defined program of pre-law courses, and law schools do not favor or require a specific major. Law schools look for students who have taken courses that are academically rigorous, including writing intensive and research oriented courses.
To learn more about law school, please visit the UNC Charlotte Pre-Law Society website at unccprelaw.com or contact the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology. For law-related student organizations, please visit the Student Organizations website at studentorgs.uncc.edu.
Scholarships for Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Study
The Honors College, working with the Office of International Programs and the Levine Scholars Program, supports applications and nominations for many national and international scholarships for advanced undergraduate and graduate study. These scholarships, from a number of foundations and national organizations including Rhodes, Marshall, James Madison, Barry M. Goldwater, Jack Kent Cooke, Phi Kappa Phi, and National Science Foundation, require extensive application procedures and are awarded only to the most outstanding applicants. Students with exemplary academic records-combined with service and leadership-may be nominated for these highly selective graduate and, in some cases, advanced undergraduate awards. Most also require an on-campus review and institutional endorsement of completed applications.
The Honors College also coordinates UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Scholarships, which preference students in honors programs, as well as scholarships for honors students: the Narron Scholarship and Travel Award, and the Al Maisto Honors College Scholarship.
Multicultural Academic Services
The Office of Multicultural Academic Services, while open to all students, emphasizes academic support to students from the following populations: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, Native American, multi-racial, LGBTQ, first generation, students from rural communities, and students who have a reported disability.
Services, for individuals and groups, include: secondary academic advising; tutoring in math, science and engineering; weekly study halls; mentoring; workshops; monitoring of academic progress; recognition of academic achievement; personal, cultural and leadership development; resources and referrals for students, faculty and staff; academic support for undergraduate and graduate students. Programs include:
University Transition Opportunities Program (UTOP)
UTOP is a summer academic bridge program designed to facilitate the transition from high school for first-time freshmen. In UTOP, a limited number of incoming freshmen participate in a structured collegiate experience prior to fall semester enrollment. Seven hours of credit are awarded for the successful completion of UTOP coursework, which consists of English Composition, Supplemental English, Liberal Studies, Introduction to Chemistry, Geography, or a subject-specific Freshman Seminar. Participants also have the option of participating in a one-year Learning Community in which students are engaged in coursework and activities that emphasize growth and development in liberal arts education, diversity, and campus connections. Learning Community participants continue to enroll in courses together and share living/learning environments during the fall and spring semesters. UTOP is designed to help build a solid foundation for students from traditionally underrepresented populations and first generation college students.
Student Advising For Freshman Excellence (SAFE)
Co-sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, SAFE is a peer-mentoring program designed to facilitate the transition from high school to college for all incoming freshmen. SAFE combines academic support with personal development programming to encourage academic achievement, positive self-concept, and increased personal growth. SAFE is structured on three pillars of success: mentoring, academic support, and social networking. The SAFE program has proven to be highly beneficial for students from traditionally underrepresented populations and first generation college students.
UNCC-North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (UNCC-NC-LSAMP)
UNC Charlotte is one of the eight schools in the University of North Carolina system participating in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) National Science Foundation Grant to: (1) improve the quality of the learning environment for underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics STEM), engineering and engineering technology; (2) increase the number of underrepresented students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and (3) develop and implement effective techniques of attracting talented underrepresented students who would otherwise not choose science or engineering as a career. Participants receive faculty and peer mentoring, peer tutoring, and opportunities to attend professional meetings and conferences, participate in academic research, internships, and scholarships.
Building Better Brothers (B3)
B3 is an academic and social support program designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of male students from traditionally underrepresented populations. B3 assists program participants in becoming graduates with high academic achievement and preparedness for post-graduation life. Students complete an application of interest and select a variety of educational and social programs in which to participate throughout the year.
Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is dedicated to creating and supporting undergraduate research experiences for students at all levels and in all majors. Specifically, OUR seeks to engage undergraduate students in research, scholarship, and creative performance and to enhance the visibility of undergraduate research on campus and throughout the state. OUR also works with faculty, departments and colleges to identify funding opportunities that support undergraduate research. Finally, OUR coordinates UNC Charlotte’s undergraduate research conference, as well as the University’s summer undergraduate research programs (Charlotte Research Scholars, Charlotte Community Scholars, and Summer Program to Increase Diversity in Undergraduate Research).
The goals of the Office for Undergraduate Research are to continue to expand the opportunities for undergraduates to engage in authentic research, mentored scholarship, and creative performance at UNC Charlotte. Inquiry and research are distinctive features of the undergraduate educational experience for all students. The activities of this office help prepare undergraduates for post-graduate fellowships. More broadly, the OUR prepares students to address future unsolved problems with confidence and embrace their roles as enlightened citizens and leaders in a complex society.
University Advising Center
The University Advising Center (UAC) provides academic advising services to undeclared students (including undeclared transfer students), and students transitioning between majors.
At the University Advising Center, students receive structured assessment and planning about possible majors and related careers. Advisors in the UAC work in conjunction with both faculty and full-time advisors in each of the Colleges to assist students in making decisions about major areas of study and to ensure smooth transitions to and from majors. Working collaboratively, the full-time advisors of the Center consult with academic departments to provide new and creative opportunities for students to explore majors and careers that align with their abilities, interests, and strengths. The UAC works closely with other services within the Office of Undergraduate Education to ensure consistent and frequent referrals to academic enrichment and support services.
University Career Center
The University Career Center (UCC) offers comprehensive career services designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students in all stages of career development. Each student has a specific career advisor (based on the student’s major and including undeclared majors). Career advisors assist students with exploring majors and careers, gaining experience, conducting job and internship searches, and transitioning after graduation. In addition to individual appointments and group workshops, the UCC hosts career fairs and events throughout the year and provides a host of resources online at career.uncc.edu. UCC staff collaborate with academic colleges to coordinate experiential learning, and career advisors teach career-related sections of freshman and transfer seminars. The UCC offers the following programs.
Preparation for Professional Schools
An education at UNC Charlotte can prepare students for a number of professional careers. Students who plan to enter a professional school are advised to plan their program of study so that general requirements for their degree are met in addition to the requirements for the professional program being considered. This can begin with a discussion with an academic advisor as soon as a student starts to explore professional schools. Students should become familiar with the requirements of the professional schools of interest. That school, not UNC Charlotte, will determine which UNC Charlotte credits will be accepted.
Professional school entrance requires an extensive commitment and focused career choice. Certain careers require an advanced degree, and the University Career Center (UCC) can help students identify what kind of graduate study will best prepare them for the specific career of interest. In addition, the career resource collection in the UCC contains information on preparing for professional school exams, select fellowships and grants, and in-depth career information. Hire-A-Niner, the UCC’s online job and internship database, includes relevant job shadowing, internship, and work opportunities. Résumé critique sessions, application essay reviews, and mock interviews offered by the UCC can be geared toward professional school admissions, based on student need. Professional programs recruit on campus career fairs that happen throughout the academic year.
It is important to note that there are more application requirements for professional programs than for undergraduate programs. Application is often an extensive and in-depth process. The UCC can help students plan the application and career development processes, which includes career exploration through job shadowing, self-assessment, career research, and internships.
Part-Time Employment Off-Campus
The UCC’s Job Location and Development (JLD) Program assists students in obtaining off-campus jobs including part-time, summer, temporary/seasonal, and full-time (non-degree). Job listings may be viewed online in Hire-A-Niner and often include career-related positions in various fields.
Experiential Learning Programs
The majority of UNC Charlotte students (over 90%) are expected to and do participate in University-sanctioned experiential learning programs. Opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students to receive course credit, or other recognition for supervised experiences in public and private agencies within the community, nationally, and internationally. These opportunities are offered through experiential learning programs including over 670 courses involving clinical rotations, cooperative education, internships, and practicums. For full description of related courses, see the Course Descriptions section of this Catalog.
Cooperative Education
This career-related professional program is available to students in the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, Computing & Informatics, and Engineering. Participants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and complete course requirements specified by their department. Transfer students must complete 12 hours at UNC Charlotte before applying to the program. Co-op students work two to three semesters either part-time or full-time (depending on college requirements) with an employer in a paid work experience. Participants receive transcript notation, not academic credit.
Academic Internships
Some academic departments award students credit for completing relevant internships. Students are encouraged to check with their academic department for further information and academic eligibility requirements.
University Professional Internship Program
The University Professional Internship Program (UPIP) offers paid on-campus internships to full-time sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Internships are designed to provide professional knowledge and skill development consistent with the student’s major/career goals. Students work through their home academic department for approval of academic credit for their internship. UNC Charlotte faculty and administrators serve as mentors to interns, with each internship paying $10 per hour for 10-15 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters.
University Center for Academic Excellence
Designed to improve academic performance and foster meaningful learning experiences, the University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE) provides services, programs, and resources to help students develop and refine critical thinking skills, utilize self-management skills, and learn course material more efficiently while earning higher grades. UCAE collaborates with various colleges and programs on campus to promote the success of undergraduate and graduate students, including teaching the Academic Success Seminar (UCOL 1300 ). All services are free to enrolled UNC Charlotte students. For additional information on any of the programs and services offered by the UCAE, visit ucae.uncc.edu. UCAE offers the following programs and services:
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons is a place students can come to study in a welcoming environment with academic support help only a few steps away. They can make use of computers and pay-for-print services, as well as a library of resources including books, study guides, and printed handouts outlining successful study/learning strategies.
Personal Academic Consultations (PACs)
PACs are one-on-one meetings tailored to the academic needs of the student. They are designed to help students discover more about themselves and develop personalized strategies for comprehensive collegiate success. Assessments of study habits/attitudes can also be administered and interpreted during PACs. Students may sign up for one-time or ongoing appointments to address their academic success goals.
Tutorial Services
Serving all UNC Charlotte undergraduate students, Tutorial Services provides free tutoring by appointment-based scheduling and drop-in sessions. Tutoring is offered for courses in various subjects including mathematics, science, business, engineering, health and human services, and foreign languages. Peer tutors emphasize content mastery and learning skill development. UCAE Tutors are selected based on expertise in their area of discipline, faculty endorsements, and interpersonal skills. Along with tutor professional development and tutee academic tutelage, Tutorial Services progressively updates its practices and policies as a nationally certified Level III program through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
Supplemental Instruction and Peer-Assisted Learning
The Supplemental Instruction and Peer Assisted Learning programs assist students in historically difficult courses, among which are biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, business, and the social sciences. In weekly scheduled group study sessions, trained peer leaders help students refine the unique skills necessary for doing well in the target course. Peer leaders are embedded in classes and collaborate with faculty members to offer additional support to students. Data show that students regularly participating in supplemental instruction and peer-assisted learning sessions average significantly higher final cour
Students Obtaining Success (SOS)
SOS is a peer-mentoring program for students on academic probation at UNC Charlotte. SOS is designed to help students identify strengths, develop academic and personal strategies to be successful, and connect with appropriate campus resources. Any student on academic probation is eligible to register for SOS, though priority is given to students participating in 49er Rebound. Each participant is assigned a well-trained undergraduate peer mentor for support and guidance. Participants must commit to meeting weekly with their assigned mentor. The program lasts for one semester and is tailored to help students identify their unique challenges and develop an action plan to improve academic performance and return to good academic standing. The SOS program has been nationally certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) at Level II, Advanced Mentor.
Academic Skill Development
A wide variety of workshops and classroom presentations are offered each semester on topics that help students achieve academic success. These interactive workshops are led by staff and graduate students on-site and across campus. Topics include: Test Prep, Time Management, Goal Setting, Effective Note Taking, Motivation, Learning Styles, and more.
University College
General Education Program
University College serves all undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte through the General Education Program, which it coordinates on behalf of and with the support of all of the academic colleges that make up the campus community. This curriculum reflects this university’s commitment to the principles of a liberal arts education, a broad training that develops analytic, problem solving, and communications skills and also awareness of bodies of knowledge and new perspectives that prepare students for success in their careers and communities in the 21st century.
University College serves as the academic home for all undergraduate students who are exploring their options before choosing a major. Before students declare a major, they are advised in the University Advising Center. The professional advisors in the center are specially trained to work with students to assess their interest and likelihood of success in possible majors. University Advising Center staff are also able to refer students to a variety of support offices available to assist students.
See the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of this Catalog for details on the General Education Program at UNC Charlotte.
Exploratory and Transitioning Majors (UCOL and HPEX)
University College is the academic home to all students who are exploring their choice of major or are transitioning between majors. These students are identified with the major codes of UCOL (for University College) and HPEX (for Health Professions Exploration).
University Transfer Center
The University Transfer Center takes a lead in ensuring that UNC Charlotte provides the best possible experience for transfer students across the University. It provides a range of advising, programming, and outreach services to that end as well as working with other campus stakeholders serving the transfer population. In addition, the Transfer Center provides similar leadership and services to students who are transitioning between majors. The Transfer Center provides primary advising services to transfer students in University College and secondary advising to transfer students in other colleges. All advising is based on a developmental model that assists transfer students in academic exploration, learning registration and degree audit skills, and negotiating academic policies and resources.
