Order of the Bell Tower

We are looking for current first years, sophomores and juniors to join Order of the Bell Tower (OBT), and become one of Carolina’s official student ambassadors and tradition keepers.

Applications Are Now Open

We’re holding two interest meetings, you pick: Tuesday, Sept. 12 and Wednesday, Sept. 20, both at 6:30 p.m. at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center located on Stadium Drive, pizza and drinks included. Applications due Friday, Sept. 29. 

Current OBT members will attest to the fact that serving the University through OBT is a very rewarding experience and allows for a more hands-on appreciation of Carolina pride and tradition.

Apply Today

OBT partners with On Campus Marketing LLC to provide its care packages for current students. All orders are received and processed by On Campus Marketing LLC.

Care package program information

Since its inception, Order of the Bell Tower (OBT) has been fueled by outstanding student leaders. This group of committed undergraduate students serve as the official student ambassadors and tradition keepers to the University.

View current ambassadors.

New Student Convocation

OBT works with Orientation Leaders and the Senior Marshals to welcome first year students to the University and unveil their official class logo at Convocation in Carmichael Arena.

Bell Tower Relighting

To signal the official start of the academic year, OBT holds their signature event where students gather around the Bell Tower to see it illuminated in blue and sing Hark the Sound together. This event is held immediately after Sunset Serenade.

Home Football Games

On home football game days, you can find OBT members hosting the Bell Tower Climb beginning 3 hours before kickoff to give Tar Heels the opportunity to climb to the top before the game.

True Blue Trek/Trivia

In celebration of Homecoming Week, OBT organizes an Amazing Race style activity where teams of two follow clues to historic spots on campus, racing against other teams to win prizes. Don’t miss True Blue Trivia, our spin on the annual Trek that will test your knowledge of Carolina trivia.

Days of Tradition

OBT hosts events throughout the year to engage past, present and future Tar Heels in maintaining Carolina traditions. This is an opportunity to purchase True Blue: Official Carolina Traditions book or get your traditions stamped.

University Day

University Day is the annual celebration of the day that the cornerstone of the University was laid, Oct. 12, 1877. OBT participates in the official ceremony in Memorial Hall and organizes Waffles at Wilson to distribute free waffles in front of Wilson Library.

OBT and the GAA are proud to support high school juniors in their college exploration process. OBT invites high school juniors to participate in a unique campus visitation and exploration program called Shadow Day.

This annual program was created in 2000 by OBT to provide high-achieving and motivated high school juniors the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Carolina student. The Shadow Day planning committee attempts to match participants with current OBT members, and the entire Shadow Day experience is presented at no cost to participants.

Shadow Day attendees will:

• Attend classes with their Shadow Day OBT mentor
• Eat lunch on campus with fellow Shadow Day attendees and OBT mentors
• Attend information sessions (admissions, scholarships/student aid and student life, to name a few)
• Participate in some of Carolina’s oldest traditions

There also will be a separate program track for parents who are required to attend.

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