Now that
you've Begun
Professional Development
University Career Center
The University Career Center offers a large portfolio of services and tools to prepare you for the competitive global job market!
Several workshops especially for grad students are offered every month on topics such as networking, searching for an internship, building a LinkedIn profile, and interviewing skills. In addition, you can schedule or drop in for individual appointments.
They also operate a professional clothing closet where students can select professional attire, and have professional headshots taken free of charge!
“Once you are part of the family, you are always part of the family…and we help family.”
-Dr. Patrick Madsen, Executive Director, University Career Center
Center for Graduate Life and Learning - Professional Development Programming
Career preparation is a major focus of the Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL). It may seem premature to begin planning for your job search and early career, but it takes time to build a professional network and to develop and hone important skills, so now is a perfect time to get started!
Writing Support
Academic writing is a genre that takes time to master, and grad students typically need to generate a lot of written material. This is why the Graduate & Postdoctoral Writing Center offers writing support that is especially geared toward meeting the unique needs of graduate students.
Read on to learn about the resources available to you!
Assistant Teaching Professor of Writing - Dr. Lisa Russell-Pinson develops and delivers support programming for graduate-level writers at the University. This programming consists of organizing multi-day writing retreats, providing individualized dissertation writing support, and creating writing-related workshops, presentations, and resources. Her current research focuses on doctoral students’ experiences in the dissertation process, especially factors that impede dissertation-writing progress and interventions that help writers succeed.
One-on-One Tutoring - Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can book 1 appointment per week by choosing the "Graduate & Postdoctoral Writing Center" schedule.
Weekend Write - The Weekend Write is held every other Saturday and provides two hours of structured writing time. Set your goal for the session, write synchronously with other graduate students, and then meet for a final check-in to congratulate each other on your work! These sessions are offered virtually and will appear on our calendar at the beginning of the semester!
Formatting Support - Michelle Hypki conducts virtual formatting workshops approximately every two weeks, during which doctoral and master's students can learn about the defense and submission process and ask any questions they may have about fulfilling thesis or dissertation requirements.
If you're planning on a career in academia, the CGLL runs workshops on such topics as developing a research pitch, promoting your research through social media, applying for external grants, and preparing teaching philosophy and diversity statements. You might also consider taking one of the CGLL's GRAD credit-bearing elective courses such as Teaching at the University Level.
For graduate students headed to the private sector, the CGLL offers workshops on skills such as leadership, public speaking, and innovative thinking, and GRAD elective courses on Entrepreneurship, Data Presentation, and Building Your Personal Brand.
There is also a 12-credit Certificate in Workplace Competencies program which will help you build the fundamental workplace skills employers seek such as project management, negotiation, and the ability to work on diverse teams.
Health and Wellness
Beyond the Student Health Center and Center for Wellness Promotion, UNC Charlotte has many resources for supporting your physical and mental well-being. We encourage you to explore ways to stay happy and healthy while in grad school!
Check out our Health and Wellness page to learn about the on and off-campus additional off-campus health and wellness resources.
On Campus
The brand-new UREC building is now open. Visit the UREC Facility Hours page to see this week's UREC hours.
Follow UREC's Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter so you never miss out.
Graduate school can be a challenging and isolating time. If you're feeling down or anxious, or if you have other issues you'd like to discuss confidentially, Counseling and Psychological Services is here to support you. Appointments, all of which are free of charge, can be made by calling 704-687-0311. CAPS also provides a variety of crisis assistance and support if you are in immediate need.
Venture offers adventure trips and team-building exercises to students, faculty, and staff, regardless of skill level. Need a break from the lab and the library?
Check out their workshops, classes, and adventure trips, including whitewater kayaking and canoeing, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, sea kayaking, and rafting.
For additional resources, see Niner Needs. There you will find information on where to go for help if you are experiencing food or housing insecurity, if you need financial assistance, if you need someone to talk to, and more. UNC Charlotte hopes that by providing these services, basic needs will not be overlooked at the expense of a degree.
Jamil Niner Student Pantry
The Jamil Niner Student Pantry provides assistance to graduate students experiencing food insecurity by distributing a variety of nutritious foods.
You can contact them for further info at 704-687-5323.
off campus
Charlotte-Area
The Mecklenburg County Health Department provides information on public health services and resources for individuals, families, and the community.
Find the closest recreation center on the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation website and access programming and community events. Click here to browse the current programs and opportunities offered at the centers and click here to access their list of outdoor activities.
The Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network (MeckMIN) offers community programs that encourage interfaith collaboration, such as mediation groups, service projects, and a book club.
YWCA Central Carolinas offers programming focused on youth, housing, racial justice and advocacy, a social justice book club, and a co-ed fitness center.
North Carolina
NC 211 is an online tool that allows you to access information on community programs and resources within North Carolina. Call 211 or 1-888-892-1162 to connect with a specialist who will help you use the database.
NC DOA’s Women & Youth Programs & Services - The N.C. Council for Women and Youth Involvement focuses on domestic violence and sexual assault services.
Nationwide
Grad Crisis Line - The National Grad Crisis-Line (877-GRAD-HLP) is available to supplement on-campus mental health services when unavailable.
National Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call 988 or chat to access mental health crisis services. Visit the website to access identity-specific resources.
National Domestic Violence Hotline - Connect with advocates at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 to receive support and resources.
National Sexual Assault Hotline - Call 1-800-656-4673 to connect with RAINN’s crisis support service. Visit the website to access additional survivor resources.
The Trevor Project - This organization works in “suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ young people.” Connect with a Crisis Counselor through phone (1-866-488-7386), chat or text (START to 678-678).
The Steve Fund - This organization “promotes the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color” with a multitude of resources, such as a blog, podcast, webinars, seminars, student stories, initiatives, and recommended external resources.
Campus Resources
Mr. Scott Deyo
Ombuds
The Ombuds for the Graduate School, Mr. Scott Deyo, helps graduate students navigate and manage academic, financial, and personal issues impacting academic progress. The Ombuds service is an informal, neutral, and in most cases, confidential resource you can consult to raise questions or concerns about any aspect of your graduate experiences. The Ombuds is an advocate for fairness who helps students address challenges, identify resources and manage conflict. If you're facing a problem, it's beneficial to consult with Mr. Deyo sooner, rather than later.
The office is dedicated to the support and success of the military-affiliated student body. From processing GI Bill® benefits to providing the Veteran Student Lounge for study and community, the VSO is the central hub at UNC Charlotte to promote a smooth and seamless transition for those choosing college after or during their service. Contact the office at 704-687-5488 or email veteranservice@charlotte.edu.
The SASS office provides assistance for students who experience documented medical, psychological, or personal crises that negatively impact coursework. SASS may assist students with academic issues such as absence verification and requests for Incomplete grades, as well as financial concerns.
It is also home to the Bias Assessment Resource Team (BART), which provides an avenue for students, faculty, and staff to report instances where bias(es) may inhibit them from experiencing a welcoming community, and to NinerCare, a network designed to bring together information to identify students who have demonstrated concerning behavior.
Office of OneIT
The Office of OneIT is where you can find answers to all of your tech and connectivity questions. Help is provided in a number of formats: submit a ticket, call 704-687-5500 when you need an immediate answer to a question, or browse their FAQs to find your issue.
Individual Department orientations
For more program-specific information, reach out to your department Program Coordinator to attend your department's orientation.