FAQs

Is parking available near the Alumni Center? Where else can I park on campus?

Yes. Rams Head Deck, located on Ridge Road behind the Alumni Center, is open to visitors. Cost for parking is $1.75 per hour, and visitors may pay with cash, Visa or MasterCard (overnight parking is not permitted). The third floor of the parking deck provides the easiest access to the Alumni Center.

Visitor parking on Stadium Drive is not available. If you are attending a function at the Alumni Center and require handicapped parking, you may wish to arrive early to use one of the handicapped spaces located in the front driveway of the center. Handicapped spaces also are available in the Rams Head Deck.

There are four additional visitor parking areas on campus: the Dogwood Deck, on Manning Drive across from UNC Health Care; the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Lot, on Franklin Street; the N.C. 54 Lot, diagonally across from the School of Government; and the Ambulatory Care Lot, on Mason Farm Road, next to Columbia Street.

Access to the George Watts Hill Alumni Center by vehicle with GPS:

To reach the circular drive in front of Hill Alumni Center:

• Enter 150 Stadium Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

To reach the Rams Head Deck:

• Enter 104 Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

What about park-and-ride shuttle buses?

Call the UNC Department of Transportation and Parking at (919) 962-3951 or consult the Visitors’ Center website for details about traveling to campus and parking.

Where is handicapped parking available for home football and basketball games?

Disabled parking and shuttles are provided by the UNC Department of Public Safety. The specially designed lots can change from season to season so check Public Safety’s website for details.

The University has developed a powerful, 3D interactive mapping solution for the campus. The new map can be accessed at maps.unc.edu.

The George Watts Hill Alumni Center is located just east of Kenan Stadium right in the center of campus.

I’d like to view a campus map.

The Department of Public Safety maintains a current campus map online.

Eating on campus?
Try one of the campus dining halls — Lenoir Dining Hall is directly across the Pit from Student Stores; Rams Head Dining Hall is atop a three-level parking deck next to the Alumni Center. Also, Carolina Crossroads, the restaurant in The Carolina Inn, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I lost my wallet somewhere on campus. Is there a lost and found I can contact?
Yes. Contact Department of Public Safety at (919) 962-8100 to report your loss and to inquire if it’s been found.

I understand the Morehead Planetarium has wonderful programs. Does it have a mailing list? Is it open every day?
The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has a brochure of upcoming shows that you can request by calling (919) 962-1236. Join the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and you will receive this brochure on a regular basis along with other material. Membership information is in the brochure with the program listing. Call (919) 549-6863 to hear a recording of current shows and times. The center is open daily except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Where can I get tickets for athletic events? 

The athletics ticket office handles all tickets for football, men’s basketball and nonrevenue sporting events, which the University calls Olympic sports. Call the office at (919) 962-2296 to buy tickets or for information about ticket availability. Also, for concerts scheduled for the Smith Center, tickets can be bought online or by phone at (800) 722-HEEL.

Will membership in the GAA improve my athletic-event ticket assignments?
No. The GAA encourages members to support Carolina athletics, but it is not involved with ticket distribution or assignments. The GAA does sponsor pre- and postgame events. For details, call the GAA at (919) 962-3576 or send an email to gameparty@unc.edu.

When is Homecoming, and what events are planned?
The UNC Athletic Department chooses when Homecoming will be held. Traditional events include the Alumni Milestone Mixer, Postgame Party, Bell Tower Climb, tailgate parties and a variety of class-based and affinity gatherings. Various schools and academic units often host events as part of Homecoming. 

Where is handicapped parking available for home football and basketball games? Disabled parking and shuttles are provided by the UNC Department of Public Safety. The lots can change from season to season so check Public Safety’s website for details.

I’ve heard about the park-and-ride shuttle buses that provide round-trip transportation from off-campus parking lots to athletic and other events. Who do I call to get the details?
Call the UNC Department of Public Safety at (919) 962-3951 or consult the UNC Visitors’ Center website for details about traveling to campus and parking.

How can I get a copy of my transcript?

You can request a transcript online, in person, via mail or fax from the University Registrar’s Office. The fee for online ordering of transcripts is $9.25, payable by credit card. (This includes $7 to UNC for the transcript and $2.25 processing fee to the National Student Clearinghouse.) Processing time for transcripts takes an average of six to seven business days.

Replacement diplomas?
To order a replacement diploma, contact the UNC Registrar’s Office (Suite 3100, SASB North, CB#2100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-2100). Give your name as it appeared on your original diploma, your degree, your Social Security number or UNC PID number and the date of your graduation. (Your replacement will include the signatures of the officials who signed your original diploma.) Enclose $25. Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery.

Beyond these basics about Carolina’s admissions process, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, visit the office’s website or call (919) 966-3621.

What classes are needed for admission to Carolina?
Admitted students typically exceed minimum requirements and take the most challenging courses offered at their school. This includes:

• Four units of English
• Four units of college preparatory mathematics (two algebras; one geometry, and a higher level mathematics course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite)
• at least two units of single foreign language
• Three units in science, including at least one unit in a life or biological science
• at least one unit in a physical science
• at least one laboratory course
• Two units of social science, including U.S. history
• and enough electives in traditional academic areas (English, math, science, social sciences and foreign languages) for a total of 16 units.

What is the current cost of attending Carolina?
For the 2014-15 academic year, the total cost of full-time attendance for undergraduates is estimated to be $24,120 for North Carolina residents and $50,938 for out-of-state residents. This cost includes tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies, travel, health insurance, and a personal spending allowance.

Tuition and fees increase over time, with notable increases across the U.S. since 2000. Even so, Carolina remains one of the best values among public universities. For more, contact the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid or the University Cashier’s Office.

Do children of alumni have an advantage in the admissions process?
Yes. Here’s a more detailed answer, from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions:

“Because the University maintains close ties with our alumni and values their commitment, we welcome the chance to talk with alumni families about admission to UNC and about college admissions more generally, whether through events organized by the General Alumni Association or in our day-to-day work in the admissions office.

“We do ask about alumni ties on our application for admission. For nonresident students, the University’s admissions policy allows that, in the course of our comprehensive, holistic, and competitive evaluation of each candidate, ‘preference for admission may be given to nonresident applicants who are children of alumni of the institution.’ Because we assign no fixed weights or points to any specific admissions criterion and do not use a formula to evaluate candidates, it is hard to quantify the difference that this preference makes. Admission remains competitive, and on average, the grades, courses of study and test scores of admitted nonresident children of alumni are virtually identical to those of other admitted nonresident students.

“As a public institution, given the significant and appropriate consideration that we provide to residents of North Carolina, there is no formal preference for resident applicants who are children of alumni. In the course of evaluating such an applicant, depending on the whole of the student’s circumstance, we may see this family connection as one part of the student’s larger story. But resident children of alumni tend to fare well in admission to Carolina because they’re generally well-prepared to thrive in college.”

Will a relative’s chances of being admitted to Carolina improve if I make a contribution to the University?
No. Admission decisions are based on the strength of a student’s application.

Are interviews a part of Carolina’s application process?
While all applicants are welcome to visit campus,  interviews are not a part of application evaluation process.  Decisions are made based on the materials submitted by the applicant.

What majors and minors does Carolina offer?
Carolina offers a quality learning experience within a full-range of top-rated academic programs, from liberal arts to the sciences. UNC offers more than 70 majors in all fields within nine professional schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences and schools for business, education, journalism and mass communication, information and library science, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. The University also offers numerous academic minors in certain departments, programs and curricula.

How can I order Carolina merchandise?
Chapel Hill-based retailer Johnny T-Shirt is the GAA’s official supplier of Carolina merchandise, and Carolina Alumni members receive a discount on all Johnny T-shirt purchases. The GAA also offers several items in our online Alumni Store.  Merchandise advertisers also appear in the Carolina Alumni Review. UNC vanity license plates are available in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Maryland.

Can I subscribe to The Daily Tar Heel?
Yes. Call The DTH office at (919) 962-1163. Also, the DTH can be accessed online.

I never bought a Carolina class ring, but I would like to buy one now. Can I still get one?
Balfour is the University’s official class ring supplier. Visit www.balfour.com to place your order.

Yes. Membership is open to all graduates, former students, current students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of UNC.  For more information about Carolina Alumni membership, call (800) 962-0742, send email an to membership@unc.edu or join online.

You can view a map of where alumni are located around the world.

The GAA’s mission is to inform and involve alumni, and there are dozens of GAA-sponsored programs and activities that work toward that goal; many depend on alumni volunteers.

• Participate in and help lead a Carolina Club in your area. Local clubs sponsor a variety of activities, including guest speakers, social and business networking evenets, athletics activities, community service projects and student receptions.
• Volunteer to serve as in the Alumni Advisor Network and help Carolina alumni explore career options, gain information about careers and generate networking leads.
• Help plan a reunion for your student group or class.
• Keep learning by participating in one of the GAA’s lifelong learning programs, seminars and tours.
• Represent alumni by serving on the GAA Board of Directors.
• Participate in student programs and admissions activities.

For more information contact the GAA at (919) 962-3581 or send an email to alumni@unc.edu.

Carolina Alumni members may place an online order or call (800) 962-0742.

Yes. If your spouse is an annual member of the GAA, you can become a member for only $10. If your spouse is a life member of the GAA, you  also can become a life member for only $300. Just select the add your spouse option on the membership form.

Many couples sign up for a joint membership to show extra support for GAA programs. Also certain benefits, including the complimentary session with the GAA’s certified career coach, program discounts and library card eligibility, are nontransferrable and can be redeemed only by members.

Yes. You may use your credit card to join the GAA online using our secure form. You may fax registrations for all GAA programs to our secure fax line, (919) 843-4144, and include your card number and expiration date. Additionally, many GAA programs offer secure online registration.

Request an application by calling Bank of America at (800) 932-2775 or apply online.

The GAA, founded in 1843, is a not-for-profit, self-governed membership organization that supports the University, fosters alumni fellowship and provides information and activities. Alumni programs, communications and services are not a line item in the University budget but are funded primarily by Carolina Alumni member dues.

The Rams Club, a membership organization created in 1938, offers financial aid to student-athletes at The University of North Carolina and supports University programs by providing services and funds for the construction of athletic facilities and purchase of equipment.

The Office of University Development was created in 1952 to handle Universitywide fundraising for academics.

No. We are grateful that you are a generous supporter of the University. Joining other organizations associated with or part of the University, however, does not include membership in the alumni association. Membership in the GAA is open to all alumni and friends of the University. Join the GAA online or call (800) 962-0742.

No. The athletics ticket office handles all tickets for revenue and nonrevenue sporting events. Call the office at (919) 962-2296 to buy tickets or to get information concerning ticket availability. Also, for concerts scheduled for the Smith Center, you can buy tickets two ways: in person at the University ticket office, located in the Koury Natatorium next to the Smith Center; or by phone by calling TicketMaster at (919) 834-4000.

All costs for building and furnishing the Alumni Center were met with private funds — the gifts of 14,500 UNC alumni and friends. No portion of alumni membership dues was spent on construction or furnishing of the center. Construction cost $12.5 million in 1993.

All alumni and University visitors are welcome at the Alumni Center, regardless of whether they are Carolina Alumni members. The Carolina Club is a member-supported dining club housed in the center. Club members pay an initiation fee and monthly dues, and membership is open to all Carolina Alumni members. The club has two dining rooms; members also can host catered functions in private dining rooms or in the Alumni Hall, which seats up to 500. Generally, The Carolina Club is open Monday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., but club hours can vary seasonally.

Yes. The George Watts Hill Alumni Center is the home on campus for all alumni. The Alumni Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; weekend hours vary seasonally. Call (919) 962-1208 for details. Rooms in the Alumni Center generally are open and available for anyone’s use on an informal basis. You can enjoy a conversation in the Johnston Trust Room or hold a private discussion in one of the interview rooms. Visitors can schedule tours by calling (919) 962-1208. All food and beverages served in the Alumni Center are provided by The Carolina Club. Call the club at (919) 962-1101 for membership and catering information. (There may be a fee for using rooms that are in The Carolina Club portion of the Alumni Center. All public-use rooms are subject to availability.)

Chapel Hill-based retailer Johnny T-shirt is the GAA’s official supplier of Carolina merchandise. If you’re not coming to Chapel Hill, orders can be placed by phone and online, and Carolina Alumni members receive a discount on all Johnny T-shirt purchases. The GAA also offers items in our online shop.

As of October 2023, there are more than 361,000 living UNC alumni.

Alumni live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 140 foreign countries, with about half residing in North Carolina. You can view a map of where alumni live around the world.

All the way to the beginning. Our first alumni folder is that of Hinton James, the first student to arrive at the nation’s first public university in 1795.

Among other things, your folder may contain the matriculation card, application for graduation and news accounts, such as wedding announcements, job changes and promotions. Some folders contain old photographs, and many folders contain correspondence – some dating back more than 50 years – between alumni and the GAA. Also, your alumni folder includes information you submitted over the years when you returned reunion questionnaires. The GAA does not have access to your grades or transcripts.

Generally, the GAA does not maintain information about non-alumni UNC faculty members, although we do publish articles about faculty in the Carolina Alumni Review, and we have photographs of some faculty members on file. You can check with the Review at (919) 962-7056, but your best bet is University News Services at (919) 962-2091, which has news clippings and other material on UNC faculty.

No. For information about alumni from other institutions, you should contact those campuses.

No. The online directory is available to Carolina Alumni members. The 2007 printed and CD ROM directory was available for sale only to UNC alumni, Carolina Alumni members and UNC faculty and staff. Use of directory information for any commercial, political or solicitation purpose is expressly prohibited. If you suspect that your information was misused please let us know by sending an e-mail to gaa-online@unc.edu or by calling us toll-free (877) 377-7125.