The Dean of Students Office The Dean of Students Office is a department within the Division of Student Affairs and serves as a key link between students and other areas of campus life. The mission of the Dean of Students Office is to enhance student learning and interpersonal growth by serving as a resource for students and families navigating the Niner Nation journey. Each program unit within the Dean of Students Office has a specific mission, but one common goal: to provide education, outreach, and support that maximizes opportunities to fully participate in and authentically contribute to the University experience. Program areas housed within the Dean of Students Office include: Identity, Equity, and Engagement; Niner Finances; Student Assistance and Support Services; Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution; Student Transition and Support; and Veteran Services. The Dean of Students Office, along with its programs and services, is the central point of contact when individuals want to get involved, need to resolve a conflict, have questions about policies and procedures, or are trying to identify campus resources and information that will put them on the path to success. Through dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable staff, the Dean of Students Office provides guidance and advocacy for students, empowers independent thinking and problem solving skills, exposes students to diverse perspectives, encourages personal accountability, and cultivates civility and global citizenship.
The main Dean of Students Office suite is located in King 217. For more information, visit dso.charlotte.edu.
Identity, Equity, and Engagement
The mission of the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement is to support students who hold historically minoritized identities in an effort to enhance a university culture that embraces inclusive excellence. IEE strives to champion efforts for students from historically minoritized communities to be seen and celebrated through programs rooted in cultural and social equity. IEE aims to provide affirming and transformative spaces for students to engage, show up as their authentic selves, and form a sense of belonging at UNC Charlotte. The office promotes interaction with the University and Charlotte community through identity development of students by offering peer mentoring, leadership opportunities, and ongoing education, programming, and training which explore the many facets of diversity, equity, and social justice.
The Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement coordinates programming and support for students, including cultural heritage celebrations, diversity education and leadership training, LGBTQ+ outreach and education; and opportunities for engagement with 100+ identity-based student organizations. Visit the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement for more information.
LGBTQ+ Programs and Services
The Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement (IEE) provides multiple programs and services that serve and support LGBTQ+ students and advocates. First-year LGBTQ+ students can engage in Queer Year 1, a cohort-based program aimed to connect first year LGBTQ+ students together and to resources on campus. Students can engage and connect with fellow students through monthly LGBTQIA+ Community Chats and For Us: A QTBIPOC Student Space. The IEE also oversees the Lavender Lounge, which is a space for LGBTQ+ students and advocates to connect and build community. The IEE works collaboratively with various offices/departments on campus to provide programs and resources such as LGBTQ+ History Month, the Preferred First Name process, and Gender Affirming Housing. For more information, visit the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement.
Students who are interested in learning how to be an advocate for their LGBTQ+ peers can attend Friendly Peer Training throughout their time here at UNC Charlotte. Students can also attend a variety of educational events regarding LGBTQ+ identities throughout the academic year outside of Friendly Peer Training.
Students Achieving First-Year Excellence (SAFE)
SAFE is a peer mentoring program designed to assist students’ academic and social transition through their first year of college. The SAFE program connects new students with upper-class mentors who serve as role models during the first year of college while providing academic and student development programming to address needs in a holistic manner. SAFE is open to all first-year students, but has a unique emphasis on students from historically minoritized backgrounds (students of color, first generation students, low socioeconomic status, etc.).
Additionally, the office assists in the holistic development of UNC Charlotte students by providing avenues to explore socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, as well as sexual, gender, religious, and spiritual identity and expression. The office serves as an equity and justice resource for both University and community support sources. Staff in the office also provide feedback and guidance to University administrators regarding best practices for inclusive institutional practices, policies, and procedures. Visit visit the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement or the office in the Popp Martin Student Union for more information.
Transition & Success Initiatives
Gold Rush
Gold Rush is the official welcome week program taking place in August and January each year. Welcoming both new and returning students to campus, Gold Rush is a University-wide effort to assist students in successfully transitioning to campus each year. Gold Rush aims to instill a sense of Niner Pride, teach campus traditions, and expose students to campus resources and opportunities for involvement. A full schedule of Gold Rush activities is available online at the Transitions and Success Initiatives page.
Niner Nation Family
Niner Nation Family is intended to engage UNC Charlotte parents, family members, and student supporters through quality services and programs. These services and programs facilitate positive relationship-building, enhance communication between families and the University, and create an inclusive and comfortable environment. Our team believes that when families and supporters are informed and engaged, students benefit. Each of our programs and services strives to keep families and supports up-to-date on Niner Nation and connected to our community. Various levels of involvement are available to all parents, family members, and supporters of current students. Join us by visiting the Transitions and Success Initiatives page.
Niner Finances
Niner Finances was created to provide UNC Charlotte with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and sound financial decisions. Niner Finances also understands and embraces the fact that knowledge and skills alone do not guarantee financial well-being or security. Our office staff takes on an individualized approach to working with people to understand their emotions, attitudes, motivations, and lived experiences pertaining to their personal finances. By providing education, resources, coaching, and services that align knowledge with personal orientation, Niner Finances helps to ensure long-term financial security of the individuals we serve. Visit online at Niner Finances.
Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS)
Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) advocates for students experiencing a broad range of issues, concerns, or challenges interfering with a student’s ability to be successful academically or personally at UNC Charlotte. SASS can advocate for students who may have missed classes due to medical appointments, personal or family emergencies, military orders or certain court orders, but do not have the authority to grant specific academic accommodations within the classroom setting. SASS can provide verification of these types of absences via an online request form and official supporting documentation. Faculty have full authority to provide academic accommodations and are encouraged to work with students directly. The SASS office also oversees both the partial and full withdrawal with extenuating circumstances processes during the current academic term. These academic options assist students who may need to reduce their course load or take a full break from academic work in a given semester. Extenuating circumstances may include medical or mental health concerns, personal emergencies, or military orders.
Students can seek out support directly in the SASS office or may be referred to the office by faculty, staff, or other community members. Professionals within the office also provide consultation to faculty and staff needing guidance regarding a student issue or concerning student behavior, and guidance and support to parents and family members seeking help on behalf of their students. To learn more about these services, along with the additional services provided by SASS, visit Student Assistance and Support Services.
Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution
The mission of Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution is to uphold academic and community standards, encourage personal accountability and responsible decision making; promote student learning; and reduce and prevent behavior that undermines student success and community safety. We are committed to providing a fair, impartial, and efficient process facilitated through compassionate conversations in which students are heard, respected, and treated with dignity.
As part of their individual responsibility to the University community, all UNC Charlotte students are expected to be familiar with University Policy 406, the Code of Student Responsibility, and University Policy 407, the Code of Student Academic Integrity. Any person may report an alleged violation(s) of the Code of Student Responsibility or Code of Student Academic Integrity online at the Reporting an Incident page. Individuals may report crimes or incidents involving imminent threat of harm to Police and Public Safety at 704-687-2200. Visit Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution for more details.
Veteran Services
Veteran Services coordinates support services for military veteran and dependent students such as assistance with University administrative support, veteran-friendly employment, peer mentoring, and veteran service organizations. In addition, the Office of Veteran Services is responsible for administering and certifying veterans benefits through the Veterans Administration Office. The Veteran Services office also plans events on campus in honor of our nation’s servicemen and servicewomen. Visit online at Veteran Services.
