Student Affairs provides essential programs and resources that foster learning, academic success, and personal growth for students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs at Carolina. Our programs and resources challenge and encourage students to become compassionate and responsible citizens and leaders on the campus, along with local and global communities by fostering an inclusive, culturally diverse living-and-learning environment. 

The division comprises 17 departments, with more than 300 full and part-time staff and more than 1,300 student staff – and is responsible for nearly 3.5 million gross square feet of space on UNC’s campus.

Initiatives

UNC Students at orientation in Kenan Flagler Stadium.

The Basic Needs Initiative

The Basic Needs Initiative seeks to ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to focus on their education and success at Carolina. Programs within this initiative take a holistic approach to student success, both inside and outside of the classroom, from financial literacy and education, housing and food security, to providing mini grants in times of emergency.

Table for the Food Pantry Network in the Pitt for the Pantry Bowl

The Carolina Food Pantry Network

Provides funding for new and existing food pantries in schools and units across campus to ensure that every member of the Carolina community is food secure and has access to nutritious meals without barriers.

Dean of Students presenting about The Carolina Closet at the UNC Board of Trustees meeting on September 25, 2025.

The Carolina Closet

Fund description TBD

A group of students outside of the Campus Y building

Heels Care Network

The Heels Care Network builds on our culture of compassion and care at Carolina to make mental health resources easier to access for students, faculty, and staff, as well as to help our students’ families and our broader community serve as partners in this effort. 

Parent volunteer high fives a Carolina student.

Carolina Parents Fund

Student Affairs builds connections with Carolina families through engaging events, programs, and activities that help support our students and families and make a big place like UNC, feel a little bit smaller. Your gift to the Carolina Parents Fund will support all students and families at Carolina and help pave the way for new programs and resources that will benefit Tar Heels for years to come. 

Military and Veteran Student Success Center

The Military and Veteran Student Success Center (MVSS) welcomes veterans, active-duty military, National Guard members, reservists, dependents, spouses, and ROTC cadets to study, hang out, and meet other military-connected students. Through signature programs like Boot Print to Heel Print, the center provides resources students need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially throughout their time at Carolina. 

students with a rainbow parachute on campus

LGBTQ Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Center works to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for UNC-Chapel Hill community members of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The LGBTQ Center offers support and advocacy programs and services designed to address identity development, leadership development, and relationship skills development, educational programs that strengthen allyship and on-campus support for LGBTQIA+ folks, and community building through social and cultural events.

Departments

Health and Well-Being

Campus Health
Campus Recreation
CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
Student Wellness
Violence Prevention & Advocacy Services

Student Advocacy

Carolina Housing
Dean of Students
The Carolina Food Pantry Network
The Carolina Closet
Military and Veteran Student Success Center
LGBTQ Center
New Student & Family Programs
Off-Campus Student Life
Student Conduct

Student Engagement

Carolina Union
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Student Life & Leadership
NC Fellows Program
SPARK Program
North Carolina Hillel
North Carolina Study Center
UNC Y
University Career Services