Part-time Faculty Handbook

UNC Charlotte endorses and supports the principles of academic freedom and responsibility of Faculty, as set forth in Sections 601 and 602 of The Code in the UNC Policy Manual.  UNC Charlotte will support and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication for all members of its Faculty, to the end that they may responsibly pursue the transmission and advancement of knowledge and understanding free from internal or external restraints that would unreasonably restrict academic endeavors.  The University will protect Faculty Members in the responsible exercise of the freedom to teach, to learn, and otherwise to seek and speak the truth, and will not penalize or discipline members because of the exercise of academic freedom in the lawful pursuit of their respective areas of scholarly and professional interest and responsibility.

Faculty Members will share in the responsibility for maintaining an environment in which academic freedom flourishes and in which the rights of each member of the academic community are respected.  They are expected to recognize that accuracy, forthrightness and dignity befit their association with the University, and should not represent themselves, without authorization, as spokespersons for the University of North Carolina or any of its constituent institutions.

For more information, refer to University Policy 102.13, Tenure Policies, Regulations, and Procedures.  

“Academic Year” and its beginning and end means the academic year as shown on the official University academic calendar published by the Office of Academic Affairs. The nine-month academic year consists of two regular semesters.  The Fall semester begins in August and ends in December, and the Spring semester begins in January and ends in May.  Summer terms are sessions are offered in two five-week sessions and one ten-week session.   

The University calendar is prepared annually by the Office of Academic Affairs in consultation with the Faculty Council and the other divisions of the University.  After approval by the Chancellor, the calendar is published on the Office of the Registrar website.

Assignment of Advisors

Each student entering a degree program at UNC Charlotte is assigned an academic advisor or advisory committee in his or her major field.  At UNC Charlotte, undergraduate academic advising is decentralized.  Students are assigned advisors in the college of the student’s major.  In the case of multiple majors, students are assigned multiple advisors.  Undeclared students, and students in transition between majors, are advised by the University Advising Center of University College.  Freshmen and transfer students participating in SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) may or may not continue with the same advisor who worked with them in the summer.  Non-degree students do not have assigned advisors.   If the student is a member of a special population, she or he may be assigned a “secondary” advisor from a related office.  For example, the Office of Adult Students and Evening Services is available to assist adult and nontraditional students in developing and implementing individual plans for achieving their academic and career goals.  

Student Responsibility in the Advising Process

Each student is responsible for the proper completion of his or her academic program, for familiarity with the UNC Charlotte Undergraduate and/or Graduate Catalog, for maintaining the grade point average required, and for meeting all other degree requirements.  Students assume academic and financial responsibility for the courses in which they enroll and are relieved of these responsibilities only by formally terminating enrollment.  The advisor will counsel, but the final responsibility remains that of the student.  New undergraduate students are provided an Advising Essentials folder which outlines the full list of student and advisor responsibilities.  The central Advising website is an extensive resource for undergraduate students and their advisors.

Faculty Advisor’s Responsibilities in the Advising Process

Research demonstrates that strong academic advising can have a significantly positive impact on students, primarily improved retention and progression at both the undergraduate and graduate level. On the other hand, poor advising has been found to be a definitive reason for students leaving an institution.  By establishing a relationship with students, encouraging them to become involved in the University and their department, and referring them to various services (e.g., tutoring, writing center, career services), academic advisors will enhance the students’ experience.

Faculty and staff advisors have the responsibility to:

• Provide accurate and timely information about degree and career-related requirements.
• Be available during publicized office hours.
• Respond to students’ inquiries within two business days.
• Empower each student to make independent and informed decisions.
• Be knowledgeable about policies and procedures.
• Serve as a guide, teacher, facilitator, coach, and counselor.
• Make appropriate referrals.
• Encourage active engagement in the curriculum-based advising process by using the CAPP degree audit.
• Advise from an integrated perspective of general education, major(s), minor(s), experiential learning, study abroad.
• Ensure smooth transition for students declaring and changing majors.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date advising records in Niner Advisor.
• Provide realistic options for students’ decision making and encourage reasonable time to degree.
• Be resourceful, utilizing web-based resources, advising tools and professional development opportunities.

The advisor has the responsibility to talk periodically with advisees, especially at times to enable students to prepare themselves to plan their academic career and register for courses.  The advisor should be available throughout the academic year and should schedule routine appointments with students to discuss their academic progress.

Students rely upon advisors to provide accurate information about academic regulations and procedures, course prerequisites, and graduation requirements and to provide signatures on forms. The signature may indicate the advisor’s recommendation for such things as exceptions to the course drop deadlines. If the advisor does not recommend an action requested by the student, the signature, with appropriate notation, may be used to indicate that the advisor has discussed with the student the consequences of the requested action.

In addition, the advisor should be available for discussing nonacademic problems as well as academic concerns.  For example, an advisor can assist an advisee in making academic adjustments in a case of serious illness or injury.  The advisor should refer students to support services offered them by the University.  Brief descriptions of these services are located in the Student Resources section of this Handbook.

Students sometimes ask advisors to confirm that they have completed all requirements for their degree.  While the advisor can assist the student to review the requirements and how the student’s coursework corresponds to them, the Office of the Registrar is responsible for the official degree audit and certification that the student has met all University requirements.  The department chair, with assistance of the undergraduate/graduate coordinator, is responsible for certification that departmental requirements are met.

Faculty serving as advisors to undergraduate students are encouraged to: 1) take the Online Tutorial for New Faculty/Staff Advisors; 2) utilize the Advising Manual for All Faculty/Staff Advisors; and 3) familiarize themselves with the central Academic Advising website.  The Tutorial and Manual are available in the Advisor Toolkit.

Guidelines for the Advisor-Advisee Relationship

In an ideal advisor-advisee relationship, the advisor does not make decisions for a student but serves as a listener who assists the student in considering various alternatives and their consequences. The advisor helps the student recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and encourages the student to make maximum use of native ability. An advisor should not attempt to handle cases of emotional disturbances that fall outside normal behavior patterns. Complex mental, physical, personal, financial, employment-related, and other counseling problems can be referred to support services such as the Student Health Center, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Dean of Students Office, or Niner Central.  It is also important that the advisor encourage the advisee to set up an appointment with a staff member in the University Career Center to discuss employment and career goals.

Awards for teaching, mentoring, advising, and community engagement are just some of the awards given to members of the faculty.  For a list of awards, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, visit the Academic Affairs Awards and Honors webpage.  Additional faculty awards may be available in each college and/or department.

The Center for Teaching and Learning enhances the University’s mission of teaching and learning excellence, provides enterprise level instructional technologies, and champions the advancement of scholarly teaching. Major priorities include:

• Providing professional development opportunities to ensure constructive and active learning environments.
• Leveraging the experience and wisdom of faculty leaders to promote teaching excellence.
• Encouraging innovative research and scholarly publication on teaching and learning.
• Identifying, developing, and sustaining enterprise level instructional technology systems.
• Collaborating with campus constituents to assess programs, tools, and services that support their teaching and learning needs.
• Contributing to the development of policies, initiatives, and campus-wide culture that supports excellence in teaching.

Faculty members obtain their class rosters using Banner Self-Service online.  Instructions are available online at the Office of the Registrar’s website.  Faculty are asked to verify their official roster against actual attendance by the end of the first week of classes.  The census date for state funding takes place at the end of the first two weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters (and respective dates in the Summer). Eligible students must be enrolled before that time in order to be counted in the official census which is used for funding. Students who are attending, but do not appear on the roster should be advised to register and that they are not enrolled and will not earn a grade or credit for the course.

During the regular academic year, day classes are scheduled in 50-minute blocks on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday classes are scheduled at one and one-half hour intervals and last 75 minutes. Late afternoon and evening classes meet either twice a week for 75 minutes or once a week for 165 minutes.  Weekend classes and asynchronous online classes are also used to meet the needs of our growing student body.

Prior to the start of registration for a term, the Office of the Registrar works with the colleges and academic departments to develop the class schedule for the term. The academic departments, in consultation with the college deans, are responsible for developing the schedule with a view toward cost effective delivery of approved academic programs and in accordance with UNC Charlotte Academic Procedure: Class Scheduling Guidelines and Classroom Utilization. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for assigning general use classrooms to implement the departmental schedules and working with the college deans to negotiate schedule adjustments required by facilities limitations and University policy.  If a faculty member has specific classroom requirements he or she should make them known to the department chairperson or college dean when the schedule is being developed. If the first class meeting indicates the need for a change of classrooms, the faculty member should notify the department chairperson or college dean immediately so that a change can be requested. Under no circumstances should a faculty member change classrooms without first consulting the department chairperson or college dean who will make arrangements with the Office of the Registrar.  For more information, refer to University Policy 601.6, Scheduling University Facilities.

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for publishing the Schedule of Classes online for the student registration process each term. In addition to a listing of the Schedule of Classes, the Office of the Registrar website contains information about registration policies and procedures and the academic calendar for the term.

Instructional Support Services

Located in Atkins Library, Area 49 offers a number of learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and classes.

Audiovisual Integration and Support for Learning Environments (AISLE)

AISLE provides real-time classroom assistance for instructors experiencing any high-tech or low-tech difficulties, as well as provides maintenance of equipment.    

Both the faculty member and the student should expect the classroom environment to be one that encourages open discussion and is free from rude or disruptive behavior.  The ability to balance openness and rude or disruptive behavior can be difficult. A document prepared by the Office of Legal Affairs titled Civility in the Classroom: Practical Advice for Faculty Members contains a number of useful ideas on how to maintain the level of classroom civility that protects academic freedom while discouraging rude or inappropriate behavior.

The computing and electronic communication resources that UNC Charlotte provides for faculty, staff, and students are essential to carrying out the University's primary missions of instruction, research, and public service. Protecting and preserving University computing and electronic communication resources is a cooperative effort that requires each member of the University community to act responsibly and guard against abuses. The Standard for Responsible Use sets forth standards of responsible use, which demonstrate respect for unobstructed access, intellectual property rights, truth in communication, ownership of data, system security and integrity, and individuals' rights. Responsible use includes, but is not limited to, respecting the rights of other users, sustaining the integrity of systems and related physical resources, and observing all relevant policies, laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

The transmission and advancement of knowledge and understanding flourishes in an environment in which the broadest range of ideas may be presented, examined, and debated. Individuals and groups often sponsor events where speakers from within or outside the University present their views and ideas. In order to carry out its responsibility to promote free expression and the robust exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of mutual respect for the rights of those who wish to speak, those who wish to hear, and those who wish to protest against the ideas expressed, the University has developed standards for conduct at speech events. 

For more information, refer to University Policy 802, Conduct at Speech Events.

Courses and instruction are assessed through student evaluations using a standardized online survey that has been developed at UNC Charlotte.  Each college or department designee will distribute specific instructions to each faculty member on the administration and collection of the student evaluations.  The results of evaluations are used to provide feedback to instructors and to assist with assessment of teaching during considerations for merit raises, reappointment, promotion, tenure, and scheduling and revision of courses.

It is required at the beginning of each course that faculty provide a course syllabus in paper or electronic format to each student that explains exactly what will be expected of them in the course; this applies to all forms of instruction.  The syllabus should include at a minimum the expected student learning outcomes, number of credit hours, grading information, and scheduled meeting times.  If students have advance knowledge of policies regarding class attendance, grading, academic integrity and assignments, there is less likelihood that problems will arise later in the semester stemming from a student’s claim that he or she did not know what was expected. Suggested wording on academic integrity can be found in the Academic Regulations and Procedures section of this handbook under "Academic Integrity."  Please note that some colleges may have a preferred standard syllabus format.  For more information, see the UNC Charlotte Academic Procedure: Guidelines for Independent Study.  

See also Suggested Syllabus Policies on the Office of Legal Affairs website.

As articulated in the University's Mission and Vision Statements (see the "Institutional Planning" section under the "History and Governance of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte" heading in this handbook), UNC Charlotte is committed to excellence in its teaching, research, and service programs and the relationships that support and are supported by them. Emphasis is placed on creating a campus environment that encourages the active involvement of students in their personal and intellectual development and that promotes responsible citizenship.

The policies and practices of the University are designed to promote for each of its members:

• attitudes and opportunities for creative, critical, and independent inquiry;
• high standards for the acquisition of knowledge and the achievement of intellectual understanding;
• freedom from the limitations of ignorance, prejudice and intolerance;
• self-knowledge and an understanding of the relationships of the individual to society; and,
• knowledge of and experience with cultures and circumstances that differ from the familiar in location, time, or values.

UNC Charlotte is committed to ensuring an environment for all students and employees which is fair, humane, and respectful – an environment that supports and rewards student and employee performance on the basis of relevant considerations such as ability and effort.

The University does not offer a separate program to serve students who can attend only in the evening. However, the academic program is offered through class periods scheduled from 8:00 in the morning through 9:30 in the evening.  Faculty members can be assigned to teach in the evening.  The Office of Adult Students and Evening Services provides support for those completing degrees primarily during the evening and on weekends.

Consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the University shall operate its programs, activities, and services to ensure that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination solely by reason of his/her disability. University Policy 501.1, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability Regulation, defines the policy of the University regarding compliance with the applicable standards of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability as described in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, hereinafter referred to as "the Acts,” and outlines the procedures by which those individuals alleging discrimination under the provisions of the Acts may seek redress.

For more information, refer to University Policy 501.1, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability Regulation, and the University’s Accessibility website.

Members of the University community should be aware of and sensitive to legal definitions of “obscenity” in the state and local community that may differ from those in other parts of the country. Students under the age of 18 are minors and are protected by laws that prohibit them from viewing material that depicts sexually explicit nudity or sexual activity that violates contemporary community standards.  While faculty are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject.  (See AAUP Statement on Academic Freedom.)  Additionally, events open to the public that may be attended by those under the age of 18 require special procedures. Current laws are particularly strict when minors are involved in productions or activities that may be judged to be obscene. Consult the Office of Legal Affairs for information about the most recent laws. In North Carolina, applicable obscenity laws are set forth in NCGS Chapter 26, § 14-190.1 through 14-190.15.

Faculty members are expected to schedule sufficient office hours for consultation with students in their classes, with advisees, and colleagues.  Provision should be made to accommodate student schedules.  It is helpful if office hours and locations are included in your syllabus and filed in the department or college office.

Most departments keep a list of office hours for use in assisting people trying to contact faculty members. Just prior to advance registration and during other peak advising periods, faculty may need to schedule additional office hours.

Faculty members are reminded that “Copyright” is legal protection for creative intellectual works, which is broadly interpreted to cover any tangible expression of an idea. Text (including email and internet content), graphics, art, photographs, music, movies, and software are examples of types of works protected by copyright. The creator of the work, or sometimes the person who hired the creator, is usually the copyright owner.

“Use” of a work means copying, distributing, making derivative works, publicly displaying, or publicly performing the work, and includes downloading and uploading content on the internet. You may “use” all or part of a copyrighted work only if (a) you have the copyright owner’s permission, or (b) you qualify for a legal exception.

The Office of Legal Affairs can provide advice on specific copyright questions related to University work.  Additional information about copyright law and fair use in the educational setting is available online from The Essential Copyright webpage hosted by Atkins Library and from the Copyright Law Resources webpage hosted by the Office of Legal Affairs.  In addition, the Office of Legal Affairs issues an annual reminder to faculty and staff about compliance with Copyright Law.

The baccalaureate degrees require the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit including all requirements for a major field of study and general education requirements to achieve the goals of a UNC Charlotte education. Specific requirements for each major are specified under the college and departmental section of the Undergraduate Catalog.  An overall cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required, as well as a minimum 2.0 grade point average in the major or minor.  Some programs may require a higher grade point average. 

General Education at UNC Charlotte

The purpose of the General Education Program is to provide undergraduate students, regardless of their majors, with the foundations of a liberal education.  The program is designed to address four areas of liberal education. First, it helps students develop the foundational skills necessary for obtaining the full benefits of a college education: basic college-level writing, basic use of information technology, and basic college-level mathematical and logical skills.  Second, it helps provide students with an understanding of the methods of scientific inquiry and the ways that knowledge is acquired and accredited in the life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.  Third, the General Education Program addresses major themes related to living as a liberally educated person in the twenty-first century. Students take four liberal studies courses designed especially for the General Education Program. Fourth, it helps students develop more specialized communication skills for disciplinary writing and oral presentations.

Exceptions to the general education requirements must be approved by the dean of University College.   The dean is responsible for considering requests to meet requirements with transfer courses for which there are no UNC Charlotte equivalents or for which the UNC Charlotte equivalents have not been approved to meet the requirements

The graduate degree requirements differ from undergraduate requirements and are outlined in the Graduate Catalog.

The academic integrity standards for students at UNC Charlotte are the subject of the Code of Student Academic Integrity. Descriptions of each form of academic integrity violation are provided as well as the potential educational outcomes, procedures for handling cases, and appeal procedures. Students and faculty members are expected to be familiar with the provisions of this policy.  

The University recognizes that academic misconduct detracts from the value of a UNC Charlotte degree and has influence beyond the University community, including relationships with employers, other educational institutions, the business community, the UNC system, and the community at large.

The purpose of the Code of Student Academic Integrity is to:

1. support and promote an ethical learning environment;
2. create consistent standards for all members of the academic community;
3. assist Students in learning responsibility for one’s own academic work;
4. protect the academic environment of the University community; and
5. clarify Student values and how they relate to the behavior in question.

The current version of University Policy 407, Code of Student Academic Integrity is available online at https://legal.uncc.edu/policies/up-407.

Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution staff are available to consult on or answer questions related to academic misconduct concerns. Throughout the academic term, an instructor may discover or receive information that a violation of academic integrity may have occurred. If the instructor determines there is sufficient information to proceed with an allegation, they must contact Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution to determine  which resolution options are available.

If the student has no prior violation for academic misconduct, the instructor can offer an Informal Resolution. When considering this, the instructor should know:

• The most severe sanction that can be offered is an "F" in the course for an undergraduate student and a “U” in the course for a graduate student.
• If this is a severe first offense, second or subsequent offense, the student declines an Informal Resolution, or a more severe penalty is deemed appropriate, the instructor must refer the case to Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution. To do this, please complete the Academic Integrity Charge Form.

Academic Program Development Procedures   

The policies and procedures for planning and establishing new academic degree programs are described in Academic Program Development Procedures published by the President of the University of North Carolina. This document identifies the types of instructional development (e.g., new degree programs and new degree program tracks) that require approval beyond the campus level and provides formats for preparation of proposals and instructions for their submission.

Course and Curriculum Development Procedures

The faculty has policy-making responsibility and authority for "establishing curricula and developing and reviewing proposed new programs" (Article III, Section 3A of the Constitution of the Faculty). The procedures for review and approval of course and curriculum proposals beyond the department and college levels are described in the Standing Rules of the Faculty Council.  Undergraduate course and curriculum proposals are considered by the Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee, and graduate courses and curriculum proposals are reviewed by the Graduate Council.  The Faculty Council for University College is responsible for the General Education Program.  This committee sets policy and is responsible for maintaining the academic standards of the program, for assessing its effectiveness, and for making recommendations for changes to improve the program.  Procedures and forms for Course and Curriculum Proposals are available on the Faculty Governance website. 

Application for an undergraduate degree is made through Banner Self Service.  Instructions are available on the Office of the Registrar website.  The application must be made no later than the filing dates specified in the current UNC Charlotte academic calendar.  Upon submission of the application, students are billed the appropriate fee through Student Accounts.  Degrees are conferred at commencement exercises held in December (for Summer and Fall graduates) and May (for Spring graduates). Degrees are posted and diplomas mailed during the month after the end of the term of graduation. The student’s academic transcript will indicate the graduation date as the last day of the semester in which all degree requirements were met.

Students

Each instructor determines the classroom policies (including attendance regulations) for his or her courses.  In general, students are expected to attend punctually all scheduled sessions in the courses for which they are registered, to demonstrate civil behavior while in class, and to complete all of the course requirements.  Instructors may outline additional and more specific standards in the course syllabus, especially when attendance is part of the grading criteria for the class.  For online synchronous classes, instructors can choose to take attendance with any technology available to them.  Absences from class may be excused by the instructor for such reasons as personal illness or participating as an authorized University representative in an out-of-town event.  Whenever possible, students are expected to seek the permission of the instructor prior to absences.  Absences for religious holidays fall under University Policy 409, Religious Accommodation for Students.

See the UNC Charlotte Academic Policy: Classroom Attendance for the most current information.

Faculty

Faculty members are expected to meet their regularly scheduled classes.  In the case of illness or emergency, if a faculty member is unable to meet a class, the department chairperson or dean should be notified immediately so that appropriate arrangements to cover the class can be made.  In the case of anticipated absences, faculty members should make their own appropriate arrangements for their classes and should inform the department chairperson or dean of the arrangements.

Students Reporting Deaths of Immediate Family Members

In the event a student informs a faculty member that he/she will miss or has missed class due to a death in the family, you are encouraged to refer the student to the Dean of Students Office for assistance.  The Dean of Students Office will make every effort to determine the validity of the student’s absence and inform faculty members in writing once the appropriate documentation has been obtained from the student.

Students referred to the Dean of Students Office will be asked to provide credible documentation to support their absence from class.  This documentation may include:

• A copy of a death certificate of the immediate family member OR
• The obituary of the deceased which includes the student’s name in the listing of surviving family members OR
• A memorial service or funeral program which includes the date and location of the service and the student’s name in the listing of surviving family members.
• Any other information that would confirm the death of an immediate family member.

Upon review of documentation, the Dean of Students or designee will provide written notification to all of the student’s faculty members including the date and location of the memorial service. 

An important mission of the University is to provide intellectual leadership to the state of North Carolina and the Southeast by sponsoring conferences, seminars, institutes and workshops on important issues and topics. Departments are encouraged to initiate these activities in collaboration with Conference, Reservations, and Event Services and the School of Professional Studies, which can provide logistical and administrative support. These activities, including administrative services provided by the University through the School of Professional Studies, are funded entirely from participant fees, grants and contracts. Faculty members interested in planning conferences, seminars, institutes and workshops should first receive the endorsement of their department chairpersons or deans, and then contact the School of Professional Studies.  For more information, refer to University Policy 201, University Continuing Education Activities and University Policy 604.1, Operation of Vehicles on University Business.

The UNC Board of Governors and UNC Charlotte have issued policies and regulations regarding external professional activities for pay. For more information, refer to University Policy 102.1, External Professional Activities of Faculty and Other Professional Staff Exempt from the State Human Resources Act. Activities subject to the policy include external consultation and other external services for pay.

Board of Governors’ Regulation 300.2.2.1[R] (supplemental to Board of Governors' Policy 300.2.2, Section II.A) in the UNC Policy Manual permits such activities provided they do not create conflicts of interest or conflicts of commitment that interfere with obligations to the University, and requires advance review and approval of activities which may create such conflicts.  For more information, refer to the Board of Governors’ Regulation 300.2.2.1[R] in the UNC Policy Manual.  The Notice of Intent to Engage in External Professional Activities for Pay form for advance reporting of such activities is completed online through the Activities, Interests and Authorships (“AIR”) system.

When the death of a student occurs, it is the responsibility of the University to respond in a sensitive and appropriate manner, recognizing that individuals respond in different ways to different circumstances that may surround a death. The University recognizes that the death of a student affects the entire University community, as well as the family and friends of the deceased.

University Policy 404, Death of a Student establishes procedures that support an orderly, effective, and caring response in the unfortunate event of a student death.  Considering the very sensitive and unpredictable nature of a death, no policy or protocol can describe in complete detail all the steps that must be taken by the University. This Policy sets forth guidelines to support communications and notifications in the event of a student death. Those responsible for implementing this Policy should be guided by the essential communication needs required in these situations, as well as by empathy, sensitivity, and support for the bereaved and the need to preserve important evidence in some instances.

While University Policy 404, Death of a Student, pertains particularly to currently enrolled, degree-seeking students, it is also desirable to include under it distance learning students, students who have dropped out of the University, and English Language Training Institute (ELTI) students.  In the event of the death of an ELTI or an international student, the Office of International Programs should be notified as soon as possible.  While alumni are not technically students, it is desirable that the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association be notified in the case of a death of an alumnus.

An undergraduate student may change the degree program, major, area of academic concentration, or minor in which he/she is enrolled and may enroll in a new program of study provided that space is available and that he/she meets the prerequisites for admission to the new program, and submit an approved "Change of Major/Minor" form through the relevant department to the Office of the Registrar.  Changes in major, particularly those made after a student has earned 60 credit hours, may delay graduation.  Additional information can be found under the "Declaring Majors and Minors" heading in the "Degree Requirements and Academic Policies" section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has long honored the right of free discussion and expression, peaceful picketing and demonstrations, the right to petition and peaceably to assemble.  That these rights are a part of the fabric of this institution is not questioned.  They must remain secure. It is equally clear, however, that in a community of learning willful disruption of the educational process, destruction of property, and interference with the rights of other members of the community cannot be tolerated.  Accordingly, it shall be policy of this University to deal with any such disruption, destruction or interference promptly and effectively, but also fairly and impartially without regard to

• race;
• color;
• religion, including belief and non-belief;
• sex, including but not limited to
  • pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, and
  • parenting;
• sexual orientation;
• actual or perceived gender identity, including but not limited to
  • gender expression,
  • transition status (including but not limited to physical transition),
  • transgender status, and
  • gender nonconformity;
• age;
• national origin;
• physical or mental disability;
• political affiliation;
• veteran status; and
• genetic information.

Students are subject to the University Policy 406, Code of Student Responsibility, which prohibits certain disruptive conduct and establishes discipline and penalties.  Charges of violations of the Code of Student Responsibility should be brought to the attention of the Office of the Dean of Students.  If an emergency arises involving a disruption, faculty members should call the Campus Police.  For more information, refer to University Policy 601.13, Interference with University Operations.

UNC Charlotte is dedicated to the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity in its pursuit of research and creative activity.  The University is committed to intellectual honesty and will not tolerate misconduct in any aspect of research or scholarly endeavor. It is the policy of UNC Charlotte that the research and creative activities carried out by its faculty, postdoctoral fellows, staff and students be characterized by the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. Each member of the University community will be held personally responsible for implementing University Policy 309, Ethical Conduct in Research, Scholarship, and Educational Activities in relation to his or her own scholarly work, as well as the work of any associates. UNC Charlotte considers Research Misconduct, as defined in University Policy 309, to be a betrayal of the fundamental principles of scholarship, and the University will deal promptly with all such allegations.

University Policy 309 and its supplemental procedures will normally be followed when an allegation of possible Research Misconduct is received by an institutional official. Particular circumstances in an individual case may dictate variation from the normal procedure deemed in the best interests of UNC Charlotte. Any change from normal procedures also must ensure fair treatment to the subject of the inquiry or investigation. Any significant variation should be approved in advance by the Vice Chancellor for Research.

For more information, refer to University Policy 309, Ethical Conduct in Research, Scholarship, and Educational Activities.

The normal expectation is that the completion of a course will include a final examination; classes must meet during this time period, although it may be used for oral presentations, discussion, lecture, or whatever is appropriate.

If an examination is given, the responsibility of administering it at the assigned period rests with the instructor. A departure from the published schedule may be made only with the consent of the students concerned.  Approved changes are to be communicated to the Office of the Registrar without delay.  The Office of the Registrar publishes the official final examination schedule each semester.  For more information, refer to University Policy 202, Final Examinations. 

Procedure for Rescheduling Final Examinations

Students

It is the policy of UNC Charlotte that students having three examinations on the same day should be allowed to reschedule the middle examination.  Students with two examinations scheduled at the same time on the same day should be allowed to reschedule one of the examinations by completing the Final Examination Conflict Form.  

Faculty

Examinations may be given at other than the prescribed times only with the consent of all students involved and by notifying the Office of the Registrar.  See University Policy 202, Final Examinations. 

Letter grades are used to designate the quality of work completed.  There are separate systems of grading for undergraduate and graduate students.  Final course grades should be submitted within three days of the officially scheduled final exam day.  Comprehensive information on grades can be found under the "Grading and Related Policies" heading in the "Degree Requirements and Academic Policies" section of the  Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs .   

University Policy 410, Policy and Procedure for Student Appeals of Final Course Grades, establishes a uniform and clear procedure for mediating and settling cases involving contested final grades assigned in undergraduate and graduate courses. This Policy and Procedure seeks to articulate and to protect both the rights of students for fair and impartial evaluation of their academic performance and the responsibilities of faculty members as the determiners of student grades.

Patents

1. The University has an interest in inventions made by faculty, staff, or students that are conceived as a part of or as a result of University research or involve the use of University time, facilities, staff, or materials. Faculty, staff, and students must disclose their inventions to the University and avoid making private agreements that conflict with their University-related patent obligations. Public disclosure of inventions is limited to protect patent rights, and prompt notification to the appropriate officials is necessary if publication or public use is planned. Inventors may request waiver of University rights in an invention. Otherwise, the University shares revenues from patents or inventions with the inventors, exclusive of royalties. The University Patent Committee is charged to make decisions including whether to seek patents on University inventions. Rights to copyrightable material are the property of the creator, except in the case of computer software, audiovisual material, or where a sponsored agreement requires otherwise.

For more information, refer to University Policy 301, Patent Policy.

Copyrights

University Policy 315, Copyright Policy, (1) establishes the Faculty Copyright Education and Policy Committee, which provides an educational resource to faculty and staff members and gives faculty members the opportunity to advise the Chancellor on implementation of the Copyright Policy; (2) vests ownership of “Traditional Works or Non-Directed Works” in faculty members or EHRA non-faculty creators, with the University’s retention of only a limited license in such works for the University’s own non-commercial educational or research use; (3) requires department chairs or heads of administrative units to inform a faculty member in writing before University resources are allocated if such use is “exceptional,” in order for the University to claim ownership rights in the resulting work; (4) establishes a mechanism for the University to release or transfer ownership rights in a Traditional Work or Non-Directed Work created through exceptional use of University resources to the work’s creator through an appropriate written agreement; (5) requires department chairs and heads of administrative units to affirmatively establish that a work is a “Directed Work” prior to its creation in order for the University to claim ownership rights in that work; and (6) establishes a mechanism for the University to release or transfer ownership rights in a Directed Work to the work’s creator through an appropriate written agreement.

The Faculty Copyright Education and Policy Committee, together with the Office of Legal Affairs, shall issue and as necessary revise guidelines to assist University faculty, staff, and students in making fair use evaluations.  Faculty, staff or students who require assistance with fair use questions should consult the Office of Legal Affairs. For more information, refer to University Policy 315, Copyright Policy.

The primary purpose of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or “FERPA,” is to protect the privacy of student "education records," as that term is defined in FERPA. 

Faculty, staff, and administrative officers at UNC Charlotte are required by FERPA to treat education records confidentially, unless a legal exception applies, or the student provides written consent to disclose.  Students also have the right to inspect and review their education records and to request that their records be amended.

Faculty members are advised not to disclose information from student records, including grades and other evaluations, to third parties, including parents, without the written permission of the student. Faculty members and staff should consult with the Registrar or the Office of Legal Affairs with questions about disclosure of students’ education records.  For more information, refer to University Policy 402, Student Records.  In addition, a FERPA tutorial that explains the importance of protecting student records is available online for faculty and staff.  All faculty and staff are encouraged to review the tutorial, as well as other information and resources about FERPA on the Office of Legal Affairs website.

For more information, refer to the Regulations implementing FERPA and the Office of Legal Affairs FERPA Resource page.

Registration

See the Academic Policy on Registration. 

Withdrawal and Cancellation of Enrollment

See the Academic Policy on Withdrawal and Cancellation of Enrollment.

The University has developed a procedure for students who request to be reinstated to UNC Charlotte after an academic suspension.  These procedures can be found under the "Readmission of Former Students" heading in the "Degree Requirements and Academic Policies" section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

The University has developed a number of requirements for continued enrollment at UNC Charlotte.  These requirements can be found under the "Requirements for Continued Enrollment" heading in the "Degree Requirements and Academic Policies" section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

The experimental use of laboratory animals plays an essential role in University research and education efforts. The University recognizes and accepts its legal and ethical obligations for the humane treatment of animals used in its classrooms and laboratories. To meet these obligations, the University has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC, appointed by the Director of Research, is recognized as the principal point of communication about laboratory animal and use issues for the University.

For more information, refer to University Policy 310, Laboratory Animals Used for Teaching and Research.

Federal law and University policy require that faculty and student research utilizing human beings as subjects be conducted in accordance with accepted ethical and professional standards.  Generally, the faculty or student investigator is required to submit a description of the proposed research to the University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Research with Human Subjects and obtain its approval before conducting the research.  The IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove any research involving human subjects conducted under UNC Charlotte auspices.  Implementation procedures are described in the Guidelines for Research, which is updated periodically by the Office of Research Compliance.  The Division of Research will facilitate contact with the IRB.

For more information, refer to University Policy 306, Research Utilizing Human Subjects.

The University supports collaborative effort with private industry. However, the academic goal of free distribution of knowledge sometimes conflicts with the proprietary and competitive interests of private industry. The Chancellor must approve any agreement to guard the confidentiality of proprietary information. No agreement, however, may interfere with the publication or oral defense of research theses and dissertations of graduate students. For more information, refer to University Policy 308, Research Relations with Private Enterprise and Publication of Research Findings, and University Policy 203, Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements to Finance Sponsored Programs, which outlines the steps involved to submit an application to establish an agreement between the University or a faculty member and an external agency.

To graduate, a student must earn at least 25% of baccalaureate degree requirements at UNC Charlotte, including the last 12 credit hours of work in the major field and at least 6 credit hours of any minor field of study.  Exceptions to these hour provisions may be made upon the recommendation of the student's major department and with the approval of the dean of the college of the student's major.  (Please note:  earning 25% of the degree at UNC Charlotte cannot be waived due to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation standards.)  Coursework taken in residence shall be construed to mean work offered by UNC Charlotte.

Adverse Weather or other Emergency Events

In the event of adverse weather or other emergency events, students and faculty are expected to observe normal schedules unless the Chancellor (or designee) publicly announces a change in operating status.  For more information, refer to University Policy 701, Adverse Weather and Emergency Events.  Notification of a change in the status of University operations will be available through the University website and designated media outlets.

If the University is in Operational Status 1 (Normal Schedule), but a faculty member or student determines that they cannot reach campus due to a potentially hazardous travel condition, then,  

• Students may be allowed to make up the absences, at the discretion of the instructor
• Faculty members shall immediately notify the department chairperson so that arrangements may be made to meet their scheduled activities and shall make arrangements to complete all interrupted activities
• All employees who accrue leave credits, subject to the approval of the employee’s immediate supervisor, shall account for time not worked with existing compensatory time then vacation/bonus leave. Leave without pay may be used at the employee’s request and supervisor’s approval.

When unplanned university closures result in UNC Charlotte falling below the minimum number of class days required by North Carolina law, the University will institute a makeup day. This makeup day will be used to make up the most recent day of cancelled class and will be held on the Tuesday of fall recess (Fall Semester) or the Friday of spring recess (Spring Semester).

Religious Accommodation

UNC Charlotte is committed to diversity, nondiscrimination and inclusiveness, and to supporting its students, regardless of religious affiliation or non-affiliation, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.  As part of this commitment, the University makes good faith efforts to accommodate a student’s religious practice or belief, unless such accommodation would create undue hardship.  Students and faculty may refer to University Policy 409, Religious Accommodation for Students, for information regarding accommodations due to religious observance. 

Courses undertaken by UNC Charlotte undergraduate degree students at a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body may be transferred to the University subject to the following regulations:

1. The University is not obligated to accept any credit from another institution unless the student has obtained the prior approval of the dean of the college in which he/she is enrolled. A “Permit for Transient Study” form should be completed and filed in the UNC Charlotte Office of the Registrar prior to enrollment at another institution.
2. No credit will be accepted for courses below C level for undergraduate students.
3. The student must request that an official transcript be sent to the UNC Charlotte Office of the Registrar upon completion of the course.  A form for this purpose is available in the Office of the Registrar at the institution where the course is taken.
4. Students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and students in the University College are not permitted to take courses at another educational institution in the Fall or Spring semester if they are enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) at UNC Charlotte in the same semester, unless it is a course not offered at UNC Charlotte (e.g., American Sign Language).
5. Grades do not transfer.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located throughout campus.  See https://aux.uncc.edu/vendingatm/atm-locations for details.

UNC Charlotte employees are eligible to become members of the State Employees Credit Union (SECU).  A branch of the State Employees’ Credit Union is located adjacent to the University on University City Boulevard.

A select group of faculty and administrators serve on the Campus Behavior Intervention Team to monitor student behaviors that are of serious concern.  Individuals who observe a student that appears to be a threat to themselves or others should immediately contact the Campus Police at 704-687-2200.  To report behaviors that are of concern and not of immediate danger, faculty should use the NinerCare online reporting system or call Student Assistance and Support Services, a function of the Dean of Students Office.  For details, visit the NinerCare site.

A campus directory is available online.  Faculty are responsible for updating their own directory information online in My UNC Charlotte.  This is also the contact information that Human Resources, the Benefits Office, and Payroll will use.   

Campus mail is any piece of mail that is to be delivered from one Campus Department/Representative to another Campus Department/Representative.  These pieces can either be placed in an inter-departmental envelope or may be sent in an envelope of your choosing.  If the mail piece is not sent in an inter-departmental envelope, the mail piece must be distinguished as campus mail by placing the words "CAMPUS MAIL" in the upper right hand corner where postage would be applied. 

Members of the UNC Charlotte campus community are eligible to purchase a CATS All-Access Transit Pass, which includes unlimited use of the CATS LYNX light rail, streetcar, Special Transportation Service, local and express CATS buses.  For details, visit the Parking and Transportation Services website.

The Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) is the portal for business-university partnerships at UNC Charlotte.  Regionally, CRI works with the community and the campus to accelerate technology commercialization and the growth of entrepreneurial ventures.  Globally, CRI develops intellectual capital through collaborations with industry, government and academia.  New business and research ventures, university partnerships with regional and national enterprises, and CRI spin-off companies all draw research and businesses to the region and spur economic growth.

UNC Charlotte has a pay-for-print system in Atkins Library.  A 49er Account is required to pay for print jobs in these areas. 

REPROS offers printing and copying services across campus on conveniently-located printers and multifunction devices. REPROS Copy Center also offers copy, faxing and scanning as well as more extensive print production services for online ordering and pick up in the lower level of the Prospector building.

The Optional Dining Account is a dining plan for all students, faculty, and staff.  It is an account set up on your 49er ID card for purchasing food/items at all campus restaurants and convenience stores.  You do not have to carry cash and you can make deposits anytime during the year.  For more information about this and other dining services, visit the Auxiliary Services website.  UNC Charlotte offers a variety of meal locations on campus for all faculty, staff, and students.  

Recognizing that learning must be a lifelong activity, the University provides opportunities for adults to pursue their continuing education through degree-related studies and special non-credit programs.  With staff dedicated to Workforce Development as well as Corporate Training, the School of Professional Studies responds to the current and emerging workforce needs of companies, organizations, and industries in the region.

Non-credit short courses, seminars, and workshops for adults are offered through Continuing Education.  Specific programs are provided each year for the continuing professional education of accountants, managers and project managers in the public and private sectors, business analysts, engineers, human resource professionals, training and development specialists, paralegals, fire and rescue professionals, emergency medical specialists, and medical office and coding administrators.  The Office offers a variety courses to prepare individuals to sit for various exams, including the SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT.  The Office’s Corporate Training staff design and deliver programs in-house to serve the employees of specific companies and organizations.  The Office also offers academic enrichment camps for youth during the summer.  Continuing Education staff are located at UNC Charlotte’s Center City Building.

Through Distance Education/Extension, courses for academic credit are offered at off-campus sites and via the Internet to serve citizens who live beyond easy commuting distance of the campus. Options for delivery include sending a UNC Charlotte faculty member to an off-campus location to teach a course in person, using one of two state-wide interactive video networks to link a UNC Charlotte faculty member on the campus in Charlotte with students attending class at remote locations throughout the state, and delivering courses online via the Internet.  The Office also has responsibility for offering Summer School, which includes courses offered on the campus, at off-campus sites, and online. 

Part-time faculty are encouraged to participate in the programs provided by the Center for Teaching and Learning. 

In the event of an accident or illness that occurs in a classroom, laboratory, or other campus facility, the following instructions apply:

1. CALL CAMPUS POLICE AND SAFETY AT 911. Campus Police will contact the Student Health Center, if appropriate.

2. BE CALM! Take the time to give as much information as possible, including:

   1. Your name, location, extension number.

   2. Location and number of persons in need of assistance.

   3. Type of emergency (car wreck, lab accident, etc.).

   4. Description of injury or condition, and its severity.

   5. If the victim is conscious, information you have been able to obtain regarding medications he or she may have taken, allergies or any other information that may be helpful.

3. Assistance will be provided as indicated by the degree of severity of injury or illness.

   1. Campus police will dispatch an officer to the scene.

   2. Persons able to be moved will be transported to the Student Health Center.

   3. For persons unable to be moved, emergency procedures, including calling an ambulance, shall be initiated by the Student Health Center, if open, and/or the Campus Police.

For further information, see University Policy 712, Medical Services.

On July 1, 2010, the N.C. Office of State Personnel approved a Lactation Support Policy designed to assist working mothers’ return to the workplace after the birth of a child.  Under this policy, all state agencies and public universities are required to provide space, privacy, and time for nursing mothers to express milk.  See University Policy 101.20, Lactation Policy for more information and on-campus locations.

The J. Murrey Atkins Library, the largest academic research library in the Southern Piedmont region and a member of ASERL (the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries), is the center of intellectual life at UNC Charlotte.  The Library’s mission is to advance the scholarly and creative endeavors of the University and the greater Charlotte community by providing exceptional collections, spaces, services, and technologies.  It inspires innovation, supports research, and cultivates scholarship.

Research

In addition to holding over 3.8 million physical items, including almost 13,000 rare books, the Library continuously develops its digital collections and currently provides access to over 85,000 electronic journals, 600 databases, and 1.2 million electronic books.  Expert subject/liaison librarians offer a variety of research services: course assignment, project, and research paper help; citation management assistance; information literacy classes; support within Canvas courses, and much more.  Students get assistance from a subject librarian through live chat, email, phone, in person at the desk on the 1st floor, and one-on-one consultations for deeper, subject-related research guidance.  Students and classes conduct research with rare materials and archives in Special Collections and University Archives on the 10th floor.

Services

Ask Atkins assists students, faculty, and staff at three service desks and via live chat, email, phone, and text.  Atkins peer assistants offer point-of-need help with equipment, printing, and using library spaces and resources.  The Circulation Desk on the 1st floor is the main service point for locating, lending, renewing, and returning library material including laptops, Interlibrary Loan items, and Course Reserves material.  Document delivery, book retrieval, and Interlibrary Loan are available to students, faculty, and staff to facilitate access to library collections and research material.  Research services include face-to-face and online assistance with all stages of the research process, research instruction sessions and workshops, and data research services.  “Atkins kiosks” throughout the building enable users to check out their own library materials, chat with staff, and schedule/check-in for study rooms.  The Office of OneIT maintains its walk-up help desk in Room 140C, while the University Speaking Center advises students in Room G33, and the Writing Resources Center offers some of its hours in G31.  Tutorial Services conducts some tutoring sessions on the ground floor.

Facilities

The Library features study and collaboration spaces for all needs including 57 reservable group study rooms, Graduate and Silent Study rooms, and collaborative tables, seating areas, and enclosures throughout the building.  The entire building features wireless access as well as more than 400 computers (Macs and PCs).  Library computers feature a variety of adaptive software supplemented by a dedicated room with assistive technologies next to the Circulation Desk.  Students check out calculators, chargers, and laptops for 24 hours from the Circulation Desk. Atkins offers 137 loaner laptops, both PCs and Macs, at the Circulation Desk and another 30 in a laptop vending machine at the College of Health and Human Services building.  Students can experiment with new technologies (3D printers, cameras, etc.) from the Technology Support Desk, which supports the Visualization Lab, MakerSpace, Gaming Lab, EZ Video Studio, and other specialized spaces on the 2nd floor.  A Photogrammetry Lab was recently added on the 1st Floor near the Circulation Desk.  Other features include device-charging stations and fit/alternative study equipment.  Vending machines offer office supplies, coffee/beverages, and other food to supplement the offerings of the Library Café on the ground floor.  Students may bring their own beverages and food; microwaves are available. 

The Charles C. Hight Architecture Library is located on the 2nd Floor of the Storrs building, which houses the College of Arts + Architecture.  The Hight Library collection includes: books, audiovisuals, periodicals, graduate thesis documents, drawings, and plans.

Atkins Library is open 24/5 (Sunday from 11 a.m. until Friday at 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) during the regular semester, and 24/7 during finals.  For more information, visit library.charlotte.edu.

Lost and Found is located on the first floor of the Facilities Management/Police and Public Safety Building.  Contact Police and Public Safety if you have questions about items you’ve lost or need to report a lost item you found.  

There are a number of volunteer notaries at UNC Charlotte and a list may be found on the Office of Legal Affairs’ website.

Parking and Transportation Services (PaTS) is charged with the responsibility of providing parking and transportation service for UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Parking Permits

The PaTS office is located in the Facilities Operations/Parking Services Building.  All campus parking requires the purchase of a University parking permit or payment at meters or in the visitor decks.  Parking permits may be purchased online at pats.charlotte.edu.  Permits do not guarantee proximity parking, nor do they reserve a specific parking space in any lot or deck.  Complete permit information including prices, permit types, and where each permit allows you to park; parking rules and regulations; and a PDF of the Campus Parking Information Guide are available online at pats.charlotte.edu.

UNC Charlotte Police & Public Safety is a fully authorized state police agency, providing both police and security services to a campus of 30,000 students, faculty and staff. The Department is comprised of two divisions--Patrol and Support Services--with a special emphasis on community oriented policing. The UNC Charlotte Police Department collaborates regularly with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Force and other regional law enforcement agencies.

Mail and Package Services is a fully operational Postal Contract Station located in Prospector, capable of services equivalent to that of a U.S. Post Office.  Packages are shipped and received through the United States Postal Service. 

Union Station in the Student Union offers USPS, DHL, and FedEx shipping options. Union Station has also been certified as a Passport Acceptance Facility to process U.S. Passports and submit them for Department of State approval.

University Communications is the University's agent for communicating with the campus community and with off-campus publics through the mass media. Members of the University community are cautioned against representing themselves as speaking for the institution when approached for information by the media. University Communications provides assistance when responding to mass media inquiries.  For more information, refer to University Policy 605.1, Dissemination of News.

University Recreation

Venture Program

Venture offers a variety of outdoor adventure and experiential learning trips, programs and workshops.  Activities include day trips as well as weekend trips in a variety of outdoor endeavors from backpacking to rock climbing to kayaking (to name only a few).  Venture also hosts and facilitates many programs on its on-campus Team Challenge Course, High Team Challenge Course, and indoor climbing wall. Venture programs are modeled on the Outward Bound philosophy and are designed to facilitate individual growth through physical challenge, group interaction, and personal reflection - all while having fun.  Venture also houses a resource library to help individuals plan their own adventure trips.  Outdoor camping gear can be rented. 

Campus Activities Board

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is the largest student programming organization and is responsible for planning diverse, quality events for the University community. CAB was founded early on in the history of UNC Charlotte, and maintains a vital role in fostering 49er spirit and traditions such as Union TakeOvers, TBT Lunch and Movies, and the Homecoming concert.

Research Services and Outreach provides services for the review and submission of proposals to funding agencies, including the interpretation of guidelines, preparation of budgets, and mailing and tracking of proposals.  This office coordinates research-support efforts with college research officers.

Athletic Events

Faculty members may purchase individual and season tickets to UNC Charlotte sporting events at a discount for themselves and members of their immediate families. For ticket information, visit the Charlotte 49ers website.

Movies, Plays, and Concerts

The Departments of Dance, Music, and Theatre present performances in dance, music, and theater.  For many of these performances there is no charge.  Faculty members receive a discount on tickets to theater productions.  Announcements of performances appear on the Inside UNC Charlotte or College of Arts + Architecture websites.

The University Program Board sponsors films, concerts, and entertainment on campus, and faculty members are welcome at any and all such events.  

The Student Union offers current and classic movies at discounted rates. 

The Office of University Development coordinates efforts to secure financial support from the private sector to meet needs not provided for through state appropriations. Although advance approval for gift solicitation is required from the Development Office, all administrative units and all members of the University community are encouraged to identify and to assist in soliciting gifts from prospective donors.  In order to ensure that solicitations are made in a manner that will best serve the interests of the University as a whole and will not conflict with other solicitations being conducted or planned by the University, the Development Office must review all plans for gift solicitations prior to implementation and acceptance.

For more information, refer to University Policy 602.2, Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts.

The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute is a nonpartisan, applied research and community outreach center at UNC Charlotte. Founded in 1969, it provides services including technical assistance and training in operations and data management; public opinion surveys; and research and analysis around economic, environmental, and social issues affecting the Charlotte region.

The Office of Adult Students and Evening Services (OASES) serves as a principal resource for nontraditional students, and offers extended hours to serve these students.   OASES works collaboratively with academic units to provide advising, educational and social programming, honor society recognition, readmission services, scholarship opportunities, and the 49er Finish Program. Visit oases.charlotte.edu for detailed information, including office hours. 

The Charlotte 49ers Athletic Academic Center provides assistance to all 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, a life skills program, and academic recognition. 

The Counseling Center at UNC Charlotte supports the academic, personal, and interpersonal development of UNC Charlotte students by providing short-term individual and group counseling; consultation for faculty, staff, parents, and students; and educational programs to the campus community.  Consistent with the academic mission of the University, the Center also serves as a training site for graduate students in psychology and counseling and encourages scholarly activity and professional development of staff.

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; New Student and Family Services; Student Assistance and Support Services; Student Conduct and Academic Integrity; 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 Office of Disability Services works with departments across UNC Charlotte to ensure that educational programs and campus facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations must provide documentation from their healthcare provider to Disability Services.  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 Office recognizes that services and accommodations can be different in college than in high school, and can even vary from college to college.  Students are encouraged to contact Disability Services with questions they might have about eligibility, services, and accommodations.

For more informaiton, see University Policy 501.1, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability Regulation.

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. 

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.

The University Honors Program

The University Honors Program (UHP) in the Honors College offers a unique, interdisciplinary undergraduate experience. The program centers around honors coursework, community engagement, and leadership opportunities. In addition to academic and professional development, UHP offers a supportive community of students and faculty who mutually invest to help members develop to their fullest potential as scholar citizens. Students are encouraged to participate in varied enrichment activities, internships, research, and Education Abroad programs with the goal of broadening perspectives.

Academic Department and College Honors Programs

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.

University towers, suites, and apartments offer students a variety of living arrangements.  Students who plan to live on campus should apply as soon as possible, as assignments are made according to a combination of factors including: date of completed application, community preferences, roommate requests, space availability, class year, and building/room preferences.  Application for housing may be made online at housing.charlotte.edu following the student’s admission to the University. 

The Office of International Programs (OIP) strives to strengthen international education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as in the Charlotte community.  On campus, it seeks to make international understanding and global awareness a fundamental part of the curriculum and an integral part of campus programming.

UNC Charlotte’s Learning Community 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 2 or 3 of the same courses and in many cases live together in the same residence hall.  Through the year-long 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 designed for freshmen; some are specifically designed for new transfer students.

For more information, visit the Learning Communities website.

The Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion, 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.

Academic Diversity and Inclusion consists of a variety of distinct programs collaborating to reach a singular objective: to provide academic support services that foster the recruitment, retention, and graduation of students, especially underrepresented students at UNC Charlotte. Services rendered include, but are not limited to: academic advising, academic issues workshops, peer counseling and tutoring, and personal counseling. Moreover, the office serves as a clearinghouse for information and referrals to other University resources and academic support services.

The Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement educates, develops, and engages 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.  For more information, visit the website.

The University offers a comprehensive program of student financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment) to assist both graduate and undergraduate students in meeting educational expenses. Reasonable educational expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, and expenses related to maintenance of a student's dependents.   Students facing financial difficulty that may interfere with their progress at the University should be referred to Niner Central.

The Student Health Center’s mission is to promote healthy students by providing health care, education and outreach services.  It provides primary medical care, disease prevention, health education, wellness promotion, and various specialty services; including allergy injections, immunizations, gynecology, physical therapy, and HIV screening to all enrolled UNC Charlotte students.  The Student Health Center is staffed by a team of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.  The Student Health Center also provides a full-time psychiatrist and a registered dietician.  The pharmacy fills prescriptions from outside physicians as well as the Center’s own providers.

For more information, visit studenthealth.uncc.edu.

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.  Through transition programs, learning communities, support for student-athletes, academic advising, career services, experiential learning, honors education, disability services, tutorial programs, and initiatives for underrepresented students, the Office of Undergraduate Education cultivates life skills critical to successful graduation and global citizenship.  Advocating for the needs of a diverse student population, the Office of Undergraduate Education utilizes an integrated student-centered approach which reinforces rigorous academic expectations and encourages student engagement from the time of enrollment through graduation.

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. 

For more information, visit career.charlotte.edu. 

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.  All services are free to enrolled UNC Charlotte students.  UCAE offers the following programs and services. 

For more information, visit ucae.charlotte.edu.

Academic Integrity Case Referrals

Swift resolution of suspected Academic Misconduct cases is highly desirable for both the institution and the accused Student. To this end, Faculty Members and Referring Parties are responsible for timely communication with the appropriate University officials involved in the Academic Misconduct process.

1. Faculty Members responsible for assigning final grades in an academic exercise or course may acquire information of suspected Academic Misconduct either directly or through information supplied by others. After collecting the information available, the Faculty Member or Referring Party determines whether the case warrants an adjudication.

2. If the Faculty Member or Referring Party determines that the information is sufficient to warrant an adjudication, they should contact the Director as soon as reasonably practicable. Failure by the Faculty Member or Referring Party to cooperate in the process or to notify the Director promptly may, at the discretion of the Director, result in the case no longer being pursued through the Academic Misconduct process.

3. The Director will inform the Faculty Member or Referring Party which resolution option is available. The Faculty Member or Referring Party should not take any further steps until hearing from the Director.

4. Once the Director has notified the Faculty Member or Referring Party about the appropriate resolution options, Faculty Members or Referring Parties are encouraged to notify the Students immediately that they are suspected of Academic Misconduct and the resolution process available.

5. Extraordinary circumstances may require that these guidelines be adjusted on a case-by-case basis by the Chair or the Director.

6. In cases where the Academic Misconduct adjudication process is not complete by the time course grades are due, the Faculty Member must assign the grade of “I” in the course (if the conduct is in the context of a course) pending the final resolution of the case.

Academic Misconduct may be addressed through Informal Resolution, Facilitated Resolution, In Absentia Resolution, or Formal Resolution procedures. See Procedures for Adjudication of Academic Misconduct Cases at https://legal.charlotte.edu/procedures-adjudication-academic-misconduct-cases. 

Informal Resolution Procedures

1. The Faculty Member should meet with the Student, present the information of Academic Misconduct, and request an explanation from the Student.

2. After considering the Student’s explanation, if the Faculty Member determines that Academic Misconduct has occurred, the Faculty Member should propose an Informal Resolution by filling out and signing the Informal Resolution form, noting the sanction to be applied and should then give the form to the Student.

3. The Student has three Days to consider and seek advice on whether to accept responsibility and the sanctions proposed by the Faculty Member.

4. If the Student accepts the Informal Resolution, the Student must again meet with the Faculty Member and sign the Informal Resolution in the presence of the Faculty Member or designee. The Faculty Member should then implement the sanction(s).

5. The Faculty Member must forward the Student’s completed Informal Resolution form to the Director within three Days after the Student has signed the form.

6. The Student may not appeal an Informal Resolution.

7. If the Student declines an Informal Resolution, the Director may refer the case to a Facilitated Resolution or Formal Resolution for adjudication.

For information on Facilitated Resolution and Formal Resolution procedures, see: https://legal.charlotte.edu/procedures-adjudication-academic-misconduct-cases

Instructions for Adjudication of Academic Integrity Cases through Informal Resolution:

If the student has no prior academic misconduct, the instructor responsible for assigning the final grade for the course can offer an Informal Resolution. If the allegation is a (1) severe first offense, (2) second or subsequent offense, (3) the student declines an Informal Resolution, or (4) a more severe penalty is deemed appropriate, a Facilitated Resolution or Formal Resolution (Hearing) may be necessary.  If you would like to discuss resolution options, please contact our office.

Please submit all completed Informal Resolutions via the Submission Form by the corresponding deadlines indicated here. If you need to submit an Academic Integrity Charge Form for a student who is not eligible for an Informal Resolution or you have been unable to get into contact with the student, please also submit those by the corresponding deadlines. If you have questions or concerns regarding these deadlines, please email accountability@uncc.edu.

For detailed steps, see Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution’s Informal Resolution Procedures.

For further information and resources see SACR’s Academic Integrity site.

The UNC Charlotte website offers a comprehensive list of University resources.

• Faculty and Staff Directory
• Student Directory
• Office and Department Directory

• UNC Charlotte Faculty Constitution

• Standing Rules of the UNC Charlotte Faculty Council

• Bylaws of the UNC Charlotte Graduate Faculty

• Academic Integrity

• Academic Personnel Procedures Handbook

• Academic Policies and Procedures

• The Code of the Board of Governors – The University of North Carolina

• UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity (University Policy 407)

• UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility (University Policy 406)

• UNC Charlotte Tenure Policies, Regulations, and Procedures (University Policy 102.13)

• UNC Charlotte University Policies

• University of North Carolina Code and Policy Manual

• Academic Advising 
• Academic Budget and Personnel
• Academic Calendar
• Accessibility
• Benefits Office 
• Campus Maps
• Catalogs, Undergraduate and Graduate
• Human Resources
• Library
• My UNC Charlotte
• Niner Central
• Office of Academic Affairs
• Office of the Registrar