Purpose and University Role
Carolina Housing works to provide convenient housing that is safe, inclusive, and supportive. We strive for students to experience a welcoming home in our on-campus communities, build life-long friendships, and develop skills for their current and future success as they journey through their Carolina education.
Brief History
Since our founding, Carolina has been a residential campus. Old East opened as a residence hall in 1795 and remains a popular housing option for upper-class students. In the years that have followed, our department has changed countless times, with a variety of organizational structures. Today, Carolina Housing provides a residential college experience to approximately 8,600 students, which places the department within the largest 10% of schools nationally and among the top of our in-state peers and the ACC. In total, Carolina Housing accommodates 41% of UNC undergraduates, an unusually high percentage for a large, public campus. Carolina Housing is seen as a national leader and our staff routinely serve in our professional organizations’ leadership positions, present at conferences, host events, and publish.
Audiences Served
Our key audience is students and, by extension, their families. Undergraduates occupy the vast majority of beds in our 46 on-campus residence halls and apartment buildings. The Baity Hill apartment community hosts a small percentage of the graduate student population, as well as students with families. All first-year undergraduate students (non-transfer) are required to live on campus. Additionally, we provide guest and summer conference housing that serves University departments and programs (interns, new student orientees, summer bridge students, etc.) and off-campus/community groups (IDTech, Kenny Smith Basketball, etc.).
Key Departmental Goals
- Promote belonging and equitable access through the implementation of initiatives that foster safe and respectful environments for all students.
- Provide educational experiences that foster a sense of belonging, student success, personal growth, and community engagement.
- Employ flexible and equitable systems and services within the university framework in order to meet student and staff needs.
- Offer high-quality facilities that balance the sustainability needs of residential buildings with the evolving demands of innovative and world-class students.
- Commit to the development of all staff to maintain the quality of services we offer and enhance the overall student experience in the residence halls.