Students at UNC Charlotte are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. The Student Government Association, the Campus Activities Board, and Student Media are a few of the available activities that can play a significant role in each student's development and total education. Participation in activities, ranging in type from service and religious to athletic and social, and from creative arts and crafts to wilderness experiences, increases a student's opportunities to acquire leadership skills, to experience the responsibilities involved in functioning within a self‑governmental process, and to develop personal talents and interests. 

      Athletics.  The Charlotte 49ers Department of Athletics provides competition in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports for men and women.  Each sport competes under the governing powers of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level, which is the highest competitive level for collegiate varsity sports.  Scholarships are available for all varsity sports, male and female. 

Male student-athletes compete in eight sports: baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.  Female student-athletes also compete in eight sports: basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field. 

The Charlotte 49ers recently joined the Atlantic 10 Conference with play in the league beginning in 2005-06.  The Atlantic 10 sponsors championships in each of the 49ers' 16 sports.  The Atlantic 10 is made up of 14 schools: Charlotte, University of Dayton, Duquesne University, Fordham University, George Washington University, La Salle University, University of Massachusetts, University of Rhode Island, University of Richmond, St. Bonaventure University, Saint Joseph's University, Saint Louis University, Temple University and Xavier University.  Atlantic 10 tournament champions in baseball, men's and women's basketball, golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis and volleyball receive automatic bids to the NCAA post-season tournaments. 

Each of the 49ers teams, except golf and cross-country, competes on campus in home competition.  The basketball and volleyball teams compete in Halton Arena, the soccer and track and field programs compete at the Irwin Belk Center, while the baseball, softball and tennis teams compete at the D.L. Phillips Athletic Complex. 

      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.  Various programs are sponsored by the Dean of Students Office to promote opportunities for learning and growth during a student's college experience.  The staff is responsible for advising and promoting the following programs: student government, fraternities and sororities, minority student support services, new student orientation, off-campus student services, women's programs, judicial programs and volunteer services. 

      The Dean of Students Office welcomes all students.  The staff of student development professionals provides support for any student who has a grievance or concern about the University.  The office also coordinates and assists with the settlement of academic and social misconduct charges against individuals and student organizations. 

      Each of the above services provides excellent opportunities for students to incorporate classroom knowledge into practical situations.  Students often find themselves learning new skills and abilities that will  help them become more productive and more responsible citizens. The Dean of Students Office is located in 217 King Building. For information, call 704-687-2375. 

      Greek Life at UNC Charlotte consists of 23 fraternities and sororities and involves many of our campus community.  Achieving excellence is the primary focus of a college education, and since 1776, Greek-letter organizations have been an integral part of that mission at colleges and universities across the country.  Founded upon the principles of scholarship, leadership, community service and the formation of lifelong friendships, fraternities and sororities today uphold these fundamental values in their pursuit of collegiate excellence, enabling all members to achieve their personal best.  The experience the student gains from organizing and motivating people, planning and implementing projects and learning to give back what one has received can be an invaluable part of a college education.  Membership recruitment for a fraternity or sorority primarily begins with each new semester.  However, some organizations hold recruitment meetings throughout the year. 

      The Student Advising for Freshman Excellence (SAFE) program is one of the University's most successful retention efforts.  SAFE connects new students with an upper-class mentor who acts as a behavior and academic role model during the freshman year.  Together with academic and student development programming, SAFE addresses student's needs in a holistic manner.  Research shows that SAFE's efforts go a long way toward easing the transition from high school to college.  SAFE is geared to minority students but is open to any student interested in success at UNC Charlotte. 

      Women's Programs offered in the Dean of Students Office include the Women of the Year Awards, Women's Leadership Conference and the Take Back the Night Rally to protest violence against women and children.  Women's Programs also works closely with the Women's Studies Program to provide services and awareness of women's issues. 

       Off-Campus Student Services in the Dean of Students Office supports students by providing informational resources about off-campus living and by working with campus departments to encourage University-wide support systems for off-campus students. 

      Volunteer Services helps students find community service opportunities through a clearinghouse containing listings of local non-profit agencies.  A wide diversity of service activities is available, and the Volunteer Services staff can help students find an opportunity that matches their interests and skills.  Volunteer Services also has a number of issue-based programs that focus on topics like hunger, education, homelessness, literacy, and mentoring in which all UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff may participate.  Volunteer Services also sponsors special events such as Relay for Life, Alternative Spring Break, and 49er Plunge. 

New Student Orientation Programs help freshmen and transfer students learn more about UNC Charlotte.  SOAR and WOW! are two orientation and transition programs offered to new students. 

      SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration) occurs during the summer and immediately prior to the fall and spring semesters.  This program provides the opportunity for new freshmen and transfer students to begin their transition to UNC Charlotte.  Orientation workshops, testing, academic advising, and first semester course registration occur during SOAR. 

      WOW! (Week Of Welcome) is a weeklong event welcoming both new and returning students to campus.  This program is a University-wide effort to welcome new students to campus and acclimate them to the many programs and services offered by the University.  All students are invited to participate in WOW! activities which include a block party, movies, prizes, cookouts, and other fun events. 

      Intramural & Recreational Services develops and conducts programs that provide opportunities for University students and faculty/staff members to participate in recreational activities.  Four major program areas offer a variety of structures in which members of the University community may pursue recreational interests.  Intramural tournaments and events are scheduled throughout the year for individual, dual, and team participation.  The tournaments and events are organized to provide separate competition among coeducational, men's, and women's teams.  Sport Clubs provide an opportunity to participate in a single sport on a continuing basis.  Approximately thirty clubs, ranging from martial arts to lacrosse to paintball, are active each semester.  Fitness and Wellness opportunities include group fitness, mind/body classes and personal training.  In addition to structured sports programs, the division promotes the concept of informal recreational use of athletic facilities through the Open Recreation Program. 

The Belk Gymnasium features basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, an indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, a weight room, and lockers for students, faculty, and staff.  It also houses classrooms and an auditorium for audiovisual presentations. 

The James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC) is a multi-purpose facility designed to meet the diverse social, cultural, and recreational needs of students at UNC Charlotte.  The 9,000 seat arena is a first-class setting for athletic events, as well as for conferences, lectures, entertainment, and other university functions.  Retractable seating folds back to reveal four recreational courts that may be used for recreational play, sports camps, or additional space for job fairs, etc.  Other recreational opportunities are available daily via the state of the art weight room, aerobics studio, indoor track, and the indoor climbing wall. While physical fitness opportunities can be enjoyed in these areas, two other areas of the building emphasize relaxation and socializing.  The first floor of the SAC is home to a spacious food court offering three fast food restaurants and a fourth which features a Japanese style menu.  Overlooking the food court is the 7,000 square foot game room located on the second floor.  There, one will find billiards, table tennis, foosball, air hockey, game tables and a video arcade.  The third and top floor of the SAC is comprised of a large and gracious hospitality area that can be sub-divided into five separate meeting salons.  The campus catering kitchen is located adjoins the hospitality area.

      Live Entertainment – brings entertainment ranging from comedy, live music, variety acts and other entertainment trends.  On at least one Friday night each month, this committee brings a wide variety of diverse acts to campus. 

      Special Programs – Stand up local comedy, open mic, poetry slams, improve, dance…you name it and this committee works to bring it to the Thursday night series, presented every other week.   

      Talks and Topics – Sometimes serious, sometimes fun, or a little of both!  In an effort to complement the academic mission and offer a marketplace of various opinions and ideas, this committee works to provide forums, lectures, and debates on a variety of issues and topics.  

      Cone Connections – Anything from campus brown bag forums, to live performances – this committee works to bring life into the Cone University Center during the daytime and over the lunch hour.  Presented on Wednesdays. The main focus includes lunch time series in After Hours, a popular eating place in Cone University Center.  

      Feature Films – You can see it all here!  Every other week all year, this committee merges a combination of blockbusters, classics, independents, visual media and new “sneak peak” screenings on Sunday evenings and Monday lunchtime.  This film series strives to create an educational as well as entertainment value appeal for a variety of students.  

      The Student Media Board is the governing body for Student Media.  It is comprised of students and administrative staff members, as well as representatives of the various student media.   

      The University Times is the campus newspaper, published every Tuesday and Thursday, and offers campus news and journalism experience for students.  The newspaper provides a vital service to the entire University community by keeping readers informed of issues of common concern and interest.  Family members may keep informed with the University's news by calling (704) 687-2663 and ordering a subscription to The University Times. 

 Media Marketing is the sales and promotions branch of Student Media.  The department solicits advertising and coordinates promotion for UNC Charlotte's student publications.  Media Marketing offers real world experience and internship opportunities for business, marketing, and communication careers.  

      Sanskrit is the nationally recognized literary magazine published by students interested in the arts.  Original work in writing, drawing, photography, and other arts is welcomed by the editor.  Submissions are professionally juried and selections are published in the annual edition of the magazine.  

Internships are available in Student Media.  Interns can earn academic credit and receive "hands on" media experience in writing, design, photography, advertising, desktop publishing, and management. 

For more information about how to get involved with the student media, contact the office at (704) 687-2663, 175 Cone Center, or visit them online. 

      The UNC Charlotte Center for Leadership Development provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and abilities and provides the University and student organizations more effective leadership. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and diverse program of leadership development activities for current student leaders and potential leaders. 

The program consists of both group and self-paced leadership components, retreats and conferences, as well as academic courses.  Individual and group consultation is also available. 

LeaderShape Institute—Leadership program for established leaders; focus is on vision and leading with integrity

Leadership Resource Area—Information on a variety of leadership topics for individuals and organizations

Leadership Fellows—Fall semester group leadership experience for upper classmen (applications available Spring semester)

Emerging Leaders—Group leadership experience for freshmen (applications available Fall semester)

Leadership, Communication, and Group Dynamics—A 3-hour leadership theory course in communication studies

Individual and Group Consultation—Assistance with applications, interviewing, leadership issues and programmatic needs

Conferences—Co-sponsorship of leadership conferences for Greeks, women, and members of multicultural organizations

Leadership, Service and Ethics—A 3-hour course in communication studies for students interested in developing a leadership framework and obtaining academic credit

PILOT (Programs in Leadership and Organizational Training)—individualized leadership program that provides an opportunity for leadership certification in a self-paced program

LEAD Team—Students trained as presenters available to make presentations on a wide variety of leadership topics

Leadership Website—Provides information, events calendar, and leadership resources

Leadership Learning Community—One-year residential program for first-year students who have an interest in developing or building leadership skills and abilities

Academic Certificate in Leadership Studies—An 18-credit hour concentration in inter-disciplinary leadership studies leading to an academic certificate awarded at graduation from the institution 

      The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) offers opportunities for students, faculty and staff to learn about a diversity of issues relating to global differences while providing an environment for specific populations to meet and socialize with others. In addition, the staff support the efforts of students to establish organizations that build awareness of and celebrate diversity and building community.  

      The MRC provides the University community with non-mainstream diversity resources including books, newspapers, journals, videos, magazines, training materials, and games. The Center also provides a resource area, with conference room, computer stations and internet access to aid multicultural organizations without dedicated office or meeting space. 

      Special programs supported by the MRC include the annual International Festival, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Cultural Heritage Celebration Weeks, as well as other special events.  Several multi-cultural student organizations are advised out of the MRC, including Black Student Union and Caribbean Connections.  

Black Student Union (BSU) is an organization designed to raise cultural awareness and address issues facing the African-American student community.  Some of its sponsored activities include the annual Halloween Carnival, the annual Step Shows, the Housekeeper's Appreciation Day, and an annual Awards Banquet. 

This organization also produces a student-run publication, "The Black Perspective," for the articulation of the voices of African-American students.  Students interested in these types of events should contact the BSU office at (704) 687-2191.  Membership is open to all students. 

Martin Luther King Celebration Committee is a committee of students, faculty, and staff working together to produce a campus-wide celebration. For information, contact the Multicultural Resource Center at (704) 687-3865. 

Cultural Heritage Weeks are celebrations and education of cultures represented by UNC Charlotte students.  Staff support the efforts of these student organizations to educate the university community about these cultures through a variety of workshops, presentations, displays and celebrations. 

VENTURE offers experiential learning, non-credit courses and workshops in outdoor settings.  Activities include weekend trips in a variety of outdoor sports from backpacking to kayaking, and programs at our on-campus team development course, high ropes team challenge course, and indoor climbing wall.  Venture programs are modeled on Outward Bound and are designed to facilitate individual growth through physical challenge, group interaction, and personal reflection.  VOLTAGE (Venture Outdoor Leadership Training and Group Experience) trains student leaders to instruct Venture Programs.  Venture houses a resource library to help individuals plan their own trips.  Outdoor camping gear can be rented. 

Venture also offers courses for academic credit through the Department of Kinesiology.  Each fall, a four-credit course, Wilderness Experience, offers an adapted Outward Bound experience presenting a series of increasing challenges.  A variety of one-credit outdoor activity courses also is offered.  For additional details, see the descriptions for KNES courses or contact the Venture Program (704-687-2486) in the Cone University Center.

The Student Body Government provides students an early experience in governmental affairs.  Students often find their work in student government a useful background for later public service.  The University encourages student participation in its affairs and has student representatives on many of the faculty and administrative committees.  The leaders of student government are committed to representing the student body and to developing students' awareness of the many facets of life at their University.  All regularly enrolled students, whether on a part‑ or full‑time basis, are eligible to participate in student government.  Student Body Government is comprised of: 

The Executive Branch, made up of the president, the vice president, the four class presidents, and the cabinet, who are appointed by the president. 

The Student Senate, is composed of the President Pro Tempore, residence hall representatives, and representatives from each college who are chosen by the students majoring in the college.  The Vice President of the Student Body conducts all meetings and serves as liaison between the Senate and the president’s office.  The student body treasurer reports to the Student Senate.  

The Judicial Branch is composed of panel members of the Student Court including the Student Attorney General, the Chief Student Counsel, and the Student Defense Office.  Members of Student Court are responsible for hearing cases of alleged violations of the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility and determining appropriate sanctioning if the accused is found responsible for violation of the Code.

 The University has over 225 student organizations that help meet the academic, social, political, and religious needs of UNC Charlotte students.  There are many benefits to joining a student organizations, including making new friends, developing new skills and abilities, working as part of a team, learning to set and achieve goals, sharing your time and talents, as well as having fun.  The Office of Student Activities encourages you to enhance your education at UNC Charlotte by becoming involved and has a staff member who works directly to support student organizations.  Contact the Student Government Office at (704) 687-4606 in the Cone University Center for a listing of the clubs and organizations registered by the Student Government Association.  A listing of all student clubs and organizations is available online.

The following is a list of national/international honor societies that have chapters at UNC Charlotte to recognize achievement in the disciplines indicated.  Further information on each organization is available from the Department or College offering the discipline. 

• Alpha Delta Mu, national social work honor society

• Contact: Department of Social Work

• Alpha Phi Sigma, national honor society for the criminal            justice sciences

• Contact: Department of Criminal Justice

• Alpha Sigma Lambda, national honor society for non-     traditional students

• Contact: Office of Adult Students and Evening Services

• Beta Alpha Psi, national accounting honor society

• Contact: Department of Accounting

• Beta Beta Beta, national biology honor society

• Contact: Department of Biology

• Chi Epsilon, national civil engineering honor society

• Contact: Department of Civil Engineering

• Chi Sigma Iota, international honor society for counselors

• Contact: Department of Special Education and Child Development

• Gamma Theta Upsilon, international geography honor     society

• Contact: Department of Geography and Earth Sciences

• Golden Key, national honor society (all disciplines)

• Contact: Deb Sharer

• Kappa Delta Pi, international honor society in education

• Contact: College of Education

• Lambda Pi Eta, national communication honor society

• Contact: Department of Communication Studies

• National Society of Collegiate Scholars, national honor     society for first and second-year students

• Contact:  Dean of Students Office

• Omicron Delta Kappa, national leadership honorary

• Contact:  Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

• Order of Omega, national Greek honorary

• Contact: Assistant Dean of Greek Life

• Phi Beta Delta, honor society for international scholars

• Contact:  Office of International Programs

• Phi Kappa Phi, national honor society (all disciplines)          

• Contact:  Office of Academic Affairs

• Phi Sigma Tau, international philosophy honor society

• Contact: Department of Philosophy

• Pi Alpha Alpha, national public affairs/public administration honor society (for graduate students)

• Contact: The Graduate School

• Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science honor society

• Contact: Department of Political Science

• Psi Chi, national psychology honor society

• Contact: Department of Psychology

• Sigma Iota Epsilon, national management honor society

• Contact: Department of Management

• Sigma Pi Sigma, national physics honor society

• Contact: Department of Physics

• Sigma Tau Delta, national English honor society

• Contact: Department of English

• Tau Alpha Pi, national engineering technology honor society

• Contact: Department of Engineering Technology

• Tau Beta Pi, national engineering honor society

• Contact: William States Lee College of Engineering

As a tax-supported public institution, UNC Charlotte neither promotes nor recommends and religious orientation.  However, the University recognizes that spiritual discernment and moral appreciation are essential to the development of the whole person and has established the Office of Religious Affairs. 

      The Office of Religious Affairs serves as a liaison for faith related matters within the University community.  ORA assists in directing new and existing registered religious organizations and campus ministers (or equivalent) to University procedures and processes.  

      The Inter-Religious Council (IRC), sponsored by the Office of Religious Affairs, is comprised of any interested persons in the University community and encourages each faith or group to conduct religious activities in its own name, according to its theological principles and practices.  The goal of the IRC is to develop a cooperative and non-threatening environment of understanding, mutual respect, and meaningful interaction between all faith groups on campus.  The IRC holds monthly lunch discussions on faith-related topics that are open to all interested individuals on campus.  In addition, the IRC has at least one activity or event each semester that promotes camaraderie among IRC members, which will benefit the university or the larger community. 

    The Office of Religious Affairs is located in 117 of the King Building.  Contact us at 704-687-2344 or by email.  Please check the website for the most current information about the registered religious groups, upcoming religious events, and the Inter-Religious Council.