Benefits and Services
On this page:
UNC POSTDOC BENEFITS
CAMPUS SERVICES
- University ID Cards (One Cards)
- UNC Printing Services–Business Cards
- Mail Services
- Center for Faculty Excellence
- Computer Services
- Core Facilities
- Equal Opportunity
- Mediation/Conflict Management
- Housing
- International Services
- Lactation Rooms
- Research Seminars
- Transportation & Parking
- Travel
- Carolina Women’s Center
- Writing Center English Language Support
- Campus Libraries
- Odum Institute
- Institute for the Arts & Humanities
- UNC Statistical Consulting Center
- Bell Tower Toastmasters club
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Credit Programs for Part-time Students (800) 862-5669
Professional Development and Enrichment Programs (800) 845-8640
All postdocs are eligible to take non-credit courses at The William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education as well as register for courses in the classroom or on-line as a Part-Time student. The full range of graduate and undergraduate courses is available. Admission to UNC-Chapel Hill is required for enrollment into the classroom courses. For graduate-level courses, you will need permission from the professor teaching the course to register for the class. Applications for Part-time studies can be found on the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education Website. Postdocs are not eligible for the employee tuition waiver, so the cost will be out of pocket for all courses at the university.
Please visit the William and Ida Friday Center website for more information:
http://fridaycenter.unc.edu/creditprograms/
(Follow the guidelines under For UNC employees)
COUNSELING SERVICES
CAREER COACHING
Due to the current public health issue of Covid-19 and the best practice of social distancing to limit its spread, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs has moved to a remote/virtual work status only. Accordingly, individual career coaching is now available via email and Zoom.
With individual career coaching, we can help you:
- Clarify and define your career goals
- Research and evaluate career options
- Implement an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Identify your strengths and develop an effective self-marketing strategy
- Enhance your job search materials (e.g., CV, resume, cover letter)
- Prepare for upcoming interviews
To schedule an appointment, email Dara Wilson-Grant, Associate Director at dwgrant@email.unc.edu or Alan Farber, Career Counselor at afarber@email.unc.edu.
CONFLICT AND CRISIS INTERVENTION
Individual consultations are available to all postdocs through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The OPA director can provide resources, make referrals, and assist you in resolving a conflict or difficult situation. Appointments are available to discuss:
- Your rights as a postdoc in the workplace
- Conflicts or challenges that may arise in the postdoc/mentor relationship
- Other matters of concern related to your postdoc appointment at UNC
To schedule an appointment, call 919-962-0394 or email joyce_tan@med.unc.edu
PERSONAL COUNSELING
Counseling and Wellness Services at Campus Health
James A. Taylor Student Health Services Bldg, 3rd Floor
919-966-2281
Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) at Campus Health Services offers a variety of counseling, testing, developmental, and informational services.
Psychological/counseling services include:
- Individual, couples, and group therapy
- Urgent consultation and crisis intervention
- Medication evaluation/management
Wellness services provide education and health promotion programs in the areas of:
- Fitness and nutrition
- Alcohol and substance use
- Stress management
- Massage therapy
- Sexual behavior
For all new and first time Counseling appointments at CWS, eligible individuals should walk in to our service between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make an appointment or to contact us for any other reason, call 919-966-2281.
If you are having a psychological crisis, we encourage you to call or come in right away and speak to a CWS therapist for same day crisis intervention.
LEAVE POLICIES
Postdocs are eligible for a specified amount of paid vacation leave, paid sick leave and, when applicable, paid parental leave. Leave is granted based on appointment year (as opposed to calendar year) starting with the Postdoc’s appointment date. Unless otherwise stated, a Postdoc shall receive: (a) twelve (12) days of paid vacation leave per appointment year (in addition to recognized University holidays) and (b) twelve (12) days of paid sick leave per appointment year. Twelve days of vacation and twelve days of sick leave is a required minimum; a greater number of vacation days can be negotiated between the Postdoc and the Mentor. Use of vacation leave is subject to the Mentor’s prior approval. Leave is available in total on the first day of the appointment.
Vacation leave and sick leave cannot be carried over to the next appointment year and will be awarded annually for Postdocs who are appointed for more than one year. In other words, a Postdoc’s compensated leave expires one year from the date of appointment. Leave does not accrue. Tracking of Postdoc leave in TIMs is not required. However, a record of any leave taken by the Postdoc should be kept in the Postdoc’s departmental file.
Unused vacation leave and sick leave will not be paid out when an appointment ends.
Finally, Postdocs are also eligible for six (6) weeks of paid parental leave to care for a new biological, adopted or foster child, which includes exhausting all available paid vacation and sick leave. This leave must be taken within one year of the relevant birth, adoption or foster care placement of the child. Postdocs may also be eligible for Family and Medical Leave if they meet certain eligibility requirements set forth in the University’s Family and Medical Leave Policy. International Postdocs should consult with ISSS to confirm what leave is allowed under their current immigration statuses.
DEPENDENT CARE AND FAMILY LIFE
WORK /LIFE PROGRAMS
UNC Human Resources
Tel. 919-843-2300
The Benefits Services Department of the UNC Office of Human Resources (HR) operates Work-Life programs, at no cost, designed to help meet the needs of students and postdocs who have responsibilities for children and elderly relatives or adults dependent on them for care. The office provides, at no cost, child care information, including an information network of local childcare resources, a directory of family daycare and in-home providers, a childcare assistance program and a summer recreation program. For more information contact Work/Life Programs, 919-962-6008.
Services offered by Benefits Services include:
- Child and Elder Care Resource and Referral: The Work/Life Manager is available to provide individual assistance to families searching for dependent care related providers and information. (Please see Child Care and Elder Care sections below.)
- Helping Heels Child and Elder Care Provider List: Published each semester, the directory lists UNC-Chapel Hill students and employees interested in providing short-term and occasional care for children and the elderly. You can download the most up-to-date version of this searchable list by going to the website and clicking on the “Helping Heels Provider list” link.
- UNC-Chapel Hill Child Care Financial Assistance Program: Limited funds are available to assist eligible students and employees with the costs of state-regulated child care. For more information, call 962-6008
- Lactation/Breastfeeding Resources (see below)
CHILD CARE RESOURCES
HR Website: The Office of Human Resources at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides information on a number of child care programs and resources.
UNC Child Care Scholarship Program
UNC-sponsored child care scholarships are available through Child Care Services Association (CCSA) for full-time UNC-Chapel Hill students and employees who meet maximum annual income guidelines. Click on the following link for more details: https://research.unc.edu/unc-ch-child-care-scholarship-program/
Child Care Services Association, Inc.–offers child care resources and referrals
(919) 967-3272
(Orange County)
Chatham County Partnership for Children
(919) 542-7449
(Chatham County)
Durham Day Care Council
(919) 688-8661
(Durham County)
NC Division of Child Development
Search for Child Care Facility in North Carolina
Kids ROCK!: This program offers free recreational opportunities open to children of UNC faculty, staff and postdocs. Activities are selected to encourage fun interaction between parents and kids. Kids ROCK! also aids in the fight against a national rise in juvenile obesity and diabetes. Basketball, climbing, water sports, and fun runs are among the planned events.
Parents/guardians are asked to RSVP for events at least two days in advance, and are required to stay and participate. Children 5 and up are welcome to attend. For more information and the activity schedule: http://campusrec.unc.edu/special-events.
The Carolina Women’s Center: The Carolina Women’s Center (CWC) is engaged in policy and advocacy work on behalf of all families at UNC. The Center is a member of the Chancellor’s Child Care Advisory Committee, which works to expand access to affordable and convenient child care. They work for equitable parental leave policies without barriers for all University employees. The Center also houses one of the lactation rooms on campus for nursing mothers and is a member of the Faculty Working Group on Infant and Young Child Feeding. For more information, visit the Center’s Family Advocacy webpage: http://womenscenter.unc.edu/index.php?p=advocacy.
CHillKids: CHillKids (short for Chapel Hill Kids) is an online resource for families and kids of all ages in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro and greater Triangle area. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, or can’t remember when your favorite festival or holiday event will take place in the Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, just visit their website www.CHillKids.com.
PARENTING RESOURCES
Positive Parenting: Positive Parenting is dedicated to providing resources and information to help make parenting more rewarding, effective and fun! http://positiveparenting.com
ELDER CARE RESOURCES
HR Elder Care webpage: The Office of Human Resources at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides information on a number of elder care programs and resources. http://hr.unc.edu/benefits/work-life-programs/elder-care-programs/
A Helping Hand: Serves older adults (60 and older), and younger adults who need assistance because of a temporary or permanent disability, accident or injury in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Durham, and surrounding communities. (919-969-7111) http://www.ahelpinghandnc.org/
Orange County, North Carolina
Department on Aging
Tel. 919-968-2087
Orange County Community Resource Guide for Seniors and Their Families
LACTATION/BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
Lactation spaces on campus: If you are a breastfeeding mother attending school or working at the University, you’ll be glad to know about the many on-site lactation stations. The lactation stations provide privacy for mothers who have their own hand- or battery-operated pumps. Some of the lactation spaces also include hospital grade multi-user pumps. The list of lactation spaces can be found at: http://hr.unc.edu/benefits/work-life-and-wellness/parenting/CCM1_028715
Ameda Breast Pump Purchase Program: The Work/Life office in collaboration with Ameda is able to offer the sale of Purely Yours Breast Pumps at a significant discount. For current pumps available in the office or for current pricing contact 962-6008.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
STATE EMPLOYEES’ CREDIT UNION
Postdocs are eligible for membership in the State Employees’ Credit Union. As a Credit Union member, you are eligible for all services, including several different types of loans, disability and credit life insurance, an automated Voice Response system, Funds Transfers, Wire Transfers, Direct Deposit, Payroll Deduction, Taxes Online, and a Debit Card.
WELLS FARGO UNC DEBIT CARD
https://onecard.unc.edu/features/unc-debit-card/
If you are seeking to expand your payment and banking options, Wells Fargo Bank now offers a UNC Visa Debit card as part of its Wells Fargo Campus Card program, available to current students, faculty and staff and accepted anywhere VISA cards are accepted.
Visit the Wells Fargo Service Center on the second floor of Student Stores for an application and more information.
If your Debit Card is lost or stolen, contact Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557
FITNESS/GYM PRIVILEGES
CAMPUS RECREATION
101 Student Recreation Center, CB #8610
http://campusrec.unc.edu/employee-recreation
919-843-PLAY (919-843-7529)
Campus Recreation can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. Find out how you can take advantage of our facilities and programs and stay or get fit and healthy, socialize with colleagues, make new friends, and engage in healthy competition. To participate in Campus Recreation activities, programs, and facilities, Postdocs may purchase Recreation Membership through the UNC One Card Office (UNC Student Stores) which is located on the basement/ground floor of the Daniels Building. Be sure to bring proper identification (UNC One Card) with payment for membership. Memberships can also be purchased for spouse, partner, and/or dependents. For information on Campus Rec Memberships: http://campusrec.unc.edu/recreation-membership. For information on Guest Eligibility: http://campusrec.unc.edu/guest-eligibility-policies.
Campus Recreation offers the following:
- Intramural Sports offers more than 60 programs for men and women at varying levels of competition and skill.
- Fitness Facilities and Group Fitness Classes, housed in the Student Recreation Center and Rams Head Recreation Center, offers many hours of recreational weight training, a variety of group fitness classes, and many special events and motivational programs.
- Pool and gym privileges for postdocs and/or their spouse and dependent children age 18 and under (must be residing in home).
- Walking Maps
- Wellness Resources
MEDICAL INSURANCE AND HEALTH SERVICES
Please visit the Postdoc Health Coverage page at https://research.unc.edu/postdocs/current/policies-benefits/health/
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers access to a variety of resources to support Postdoctoral Scholars’ professional development.
MENTORNET: THE E-MENTORING NETWORK FOR DIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING & SCIENCE
MentorNet is a non-profit e-mentoring network that connects mentors and mentees in engineering, science, and mathematics. MentorNet was created to foster the retention and success of women and underrepresented minorities in particular, but welcomes anyone interested in connecting with peers and experienced professionals in their field. The MentorNet Community offers the One-on-One E-Mentoring Program, which pairs postdocs with professionals in an email based mentoring relationship, the E-Forum for web based discussion of issues like job searches and the work/life balance, as well as resources and a résumé database. To learn more and find a mentor (or become a mentor), visit MentorNet’s website at http://mentornet.net/. Membership is available on an individual basis.
UNC POSTDOCS LISTSERV
Messages are sent out on the listserv to provide information about events pertaining to postdoc career development, which may include seminars, workshops, conferences, internships, awards, and other opportunities. The listserv also informs postdocs of official university business, UNC postdoctoral policies, upcoming social events, and campus resources for postdocs. To subscribe to the listserv, please send an email to opa@unc.edu with “subscribe to postdoc listserv” in the subject line.
FACULTY MENTORS LISTSERV
Messages are sent out on the listserv to inform faculty mentors about official university business, UNC postdoctoral policies, events pertaining to postdoc career development and faculty mentorship, and resources for faculty mentors. To subscribe to the listserv, please send an email to opa@unc.edu with “subscribe to faculty mentors listserv” in the subject line.
STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENT
Education-Related Student Loan Deferment
National Student Loan Program
http://www.nslp.org/borrowers/forms/
Postdoctoral research associates may be eligible for deferment of Stafford, Perkins, and similar student loans because they are engaged in a full-time fellowship program at an institution of higher learning. As a postdoc, you may qualify under the condition of continuing your professional training at this institution. Education-related deferment forms may be obtained at the National Student Loan Program (NSLP) site, above.
Lending agencies may differ in their deferral requirements, and therefore will make the final determination of eligibility. You are, however, responsible for timely payment of any unsubsidized loans. Follow the guidelines on the website and refer to the Deferment Form Guide on the NSLP webpage (link above) to view a list of available deferments and links to other forms.
Who signs the document: Trainee-Director of Training Grant/Department Chair/Respective Dean
Retirement Plan: Enrollment in 403(b) (Tax-Deferred)
https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/plans/retirement/voluntary-403b/
Postdoctoral scholars subject to FICA are eligible to participate in UNC’s voluntary 403(b) retirement program. Postdocs can get additional information and set up a 403(b) supplemental retirement plan at the above link.
SPORTS/ CAROLINA ATHLETICS
SPORTS/ CAROLINA ATHLETICS
(ACC-Atlantic Coast Conference)
Visit goheels.com for all UNC varsity sports information including schedules, and ticket purchases.
At Carolina, we educate and inspire through athletics. Follow our 28 varsity teams, the talented athletes who compete and the inspirational coaches who guide them. Whether it’s wrestling in Carmichael Auditorium or a track meet on the new Irwin Belk track at Fetzer Field, UNC has excellent facilities to partake in your favorite sporting events. Major basketball universities (N.C. State, Wake Forest, and Duke) are just down the road, so things heat up quite a bit during the regular basketball season when the Tar Heels play their local rivals, and sizzle even more during March Madness!
FACULTY & STAFF ATHLETICS PROGRAM
As a member of UNC’s Faculty, be sure to join the UNC Athletics Faculty & Staff Program for various discounts, exclusive special athletics events, and more! The goal of UNC Athletics is to increase UNC faculty and staff knowledge, involvement, and interest in Carolina Athletics, and to do so in the context of informative newsletters and enjoyable family-oriented events.
To take advantage of all of these benefits and stay informed, be sure to join the FANS listserv by sending an email to listmanager@listserv.unc.edu with message “SUBSCRIBE FANS”.
TICKETS FOR SPORTING EVENTS
Before planning to attend sporting events at UNC, become familiar with UNC Faculty and Staff Athletic Ticket Policies: http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=205495131
Postdoc Scholars are not eligible to participate in the student lottery.
UNC Athletic Ticket Office is located in the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center (two buildings to the left of the Dean E. Smith Center on Skipper Bowles Drive), 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
FREE ACCESS SPORTS
UNC employees and postdocs gain free access for themselves and their immediate families to regular season home Olympic Sport* events, regular season home Women’s Basketball games, and regular season home Baseball games by displaying either their complimentary pass, UNC One Card or UNC Hospitals ID at the gate of the sporting facility, based on availability in all instances.
(*Olympic Sports include: Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Lacrosse and Baseball.)
NOTE: UNC One Cards, UNC Hospital IDs and complimentary passes are not valid for post-season ACC and NCAA Championship events.
UNIVERSITY IDENTIFICATION CARDS (ONE CARDS)
UNC ONE CARD OFFICE
UNC Student Stores
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
www.onecard.unc.edu
Tel. 919-962-8024
The UNC One Card is a multipurpose identification and on-line accounts card. You can use it for anything on campus from Chick-Fil-A® to Parking Tickets. It is the official ID card for students, faculty, & staff of UNC. Your One Card provides access to certain facilities & events, and also serves as your UNC Library card. The website includes information about how to obtain your UNC ONE card, add value to your ONE CARD, and report lost or stolen cards.
HOW TO GET A UNC ONE CARD:
The UNC One Card Office is conveniently located on the third floor of UNC Student Stores. Postdocs may obtain a UNC One Card at the One Card office when all information (EPA Web, if paid by University payroll, or Affiliate System, if not paid by University payroll) has been processed by Employee Records. Once you have been issued a PID AND entered into the University’s Human Resources (HRIS) database or the Affiliate System, the One Card Office can issue you a One Card. You may activate your Faculty/Staff Expense account or sign up for Gym privileges at the UNC One Card Office. If you are not sure of the status of your paperwork, contact your HR Facilitator or call the UNC One Card Office at 919-962-8024 to see if you are in the system yet. If you are not sure whether or not you have a PID, you may look it up here:
http://pid.unc.edu/PIDLookup.aspx. All postdocs MUST present a picture ID (valid driver’s license, State ID card, Military ID, or Passport) before their photos can be taken.
UNC PRINTING SERVICES
UNC PRINTING SERVICES
Located at UNC Student Stores
printstop@store.unc.edu
Tel. 919-962-7016
Print Services Include:
- Business Cards
- Departmental Stationery
- Color Copies
- Black and White Copies
- Posters and Banners
- Binding
- Lamination
- FAX Services
- Digital Printing
All postdocs can order standard business cards at a reduced rate by making a print request online. You must have an Onyen to use the online services for ordering your business cards. Payment for the business cards is either by departmental account number or UNC One Card. UNC Printing Services now offers the use of credit card for payment. Delivery time is usually 10 business days from proof approval. However, we will do everything possible to meet much shorter deadlines. If you have questions about online ordering, please call 919-962-7016.
MAIL SERVICES
UNIVERSITY MAIL SERVICES (UMS)
Tel. 919-962-1139
https://aux-services.unc.edu/mail/
UNC Mail offers Campus Mail Services (inter-office/department mail), U.S. Postal Services (International, Express, Certified, etc) and Bulk Mailing for large campus mailings. Be sure you use current accurate information when addressing outgoing mail, be it U.S. or Campus Mail. Use nine-digit ZIP Codes and campus box numbers where appropriate. For more information about UNC Mail Basic Services visit their website: https://aux-services.unc.edu/mail/
RECEIVING MAIL AT HOME
Please visit ConnectCarolina (choose “Self Service,” then “Personal Information”) and make sure that your mailing address is up to date.
PROPER ADDRESSING OF CAMPUS AND U.S. MAIL:
The ZIP Code for the University is 27599-(your campus box number). To ensure delivery, it is essential to include the CB# when addressing campus mail or when sending your address to companies for periodicals or other related mailings to be delivered to your campus address. If you are uncertain of the CB#, consult the University Directory, available online at https://dir.unc.edu/
The following formats can be used when addressing Campus and U.S. Mail:
Inter-office or Campus Mail:
Addressee
Department Name
Campus Box #, Building Name (may use room #)
CAROLINA CAMPUS
U.S. Postal Service Mail:
MR JOHN DOE (USE ALL CAPS)
DEPARTMENT NAME
CAMPUS BOX #1234 KING BUILDING
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
CHAPEL HILL NC 27599-1234
THE CENTER FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE
THE CENTER FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE
316 Wilson Library, CB#3470
http://cfe.unc.edu/
919-966-1289
The Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) is the campus-wide professional development center at UNC, providing faculty members the support they need to achieve excellence as teachers, scholars, mentors, and leaders. The CFE tailors its programs and resources to meet the diverse needs of faculty members throughout all stages of their careers. The Center collaborates with other units across campus to ensure efficient and effective delivery of support services.
The CFE also offers a wide array of programs and resources for postdoctoral students, including:
- Workshops, seminars, and symposia, in teaching, leadership, and research
- Individual consultations for teaching, research, and leadership needs
- A library of resources on teaching, research, mentoring, and academic leadership
For information on teaching resources and course design visit: https://cfe.unc.edu/about/our-services/grad-prof-students-postdocs/
COMPUTER SERVICES
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS)
ITS Response Center (Help Desk)
http://help.unc.edu/
919-962-HELP (4357)
The ITS Response Center (ITRC) strives to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction through effective and professional IT support, in partnership with campus units. There are multiple ways to get technical support and all can be accessed by visiting: http://help.unc.edu/
- Submit a Help Request online
- Call 919-962-HELP (4357)
- Chat online with the Help Desk
- View onsite locations and hours of operation
Visit https://software.sites.unc.edu to view available software for download.
EMAIL ACCOUNTS
“Onyen” = “The only name you’ll ever need”
To create an “Onyen” or username, and password, postdocs can visit https://onyen.unc.edu/.
ITS Computer Labs
The mission of the ITS Computer Labs is to assure access to computing resources for all university faculty, staff, students, and postdocs by providing conveniently located public computer facilities with up-to-date, well-maintained hardware, software, and printing services. For location information, visit https://its.unc.edu/services/ or contact the ITS Response Center.
UNC Medical School Office of Information Systems (OIS)
OIS supports users in the School of Medicine. If you are employed in the School of Medicine, see instructions above for setting up an email account.
There are multiple ways to get technical help from OIS:
- Walk-in support: MacNider Hall, Room 065, 9:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
- Phone support – Call 919-966-1325, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
- Email: help@med.unc.edu
- Website: http://help.med.unc.edu
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND COMPLIANCE OFFICE
THE EOC OFFICE
https://eoc.unc.edu
Phone: (919) 966-3576
eoc@unc.edu
About the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office:
Vision Statement: The Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office seeks to facilitate a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports the right of every member of the Carolina community to learn and work in an atmosphere that promotes fairness, equity and access to its employment and educational programs.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office is to provide leadership and guidance in support of the University’s commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity; effectively partner with leaders and members of the university community to promote equity and fairness in employment, education and university life; and continually advocate for a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment at UNC Chapel Hill.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to providing equal access to our employment environment, and ensures that all employment-related decisions are in accordance with the principles of equal opportunity.
In addition to the services above, this office also serves UNC faculty and staff persons with disabilities of need for accommodations. The University has adopted a policy on Reasonable Accommodations in Employment. Please address your questions to the equal opportunity or your HR facilitator. Visit the websites below for more information.
MEDIATION/CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDS OFFICE
Tel. 919-843-8204
https://ombuds.unc.edu/
The University Ombuds Office is a safe place where all Carolina staff, faculty, and administrators are welcome to come and talk in confidence about any workplace issue, problem, or dispute. Our office supplements, but does not replace, the University’s formal channels, such as the grievance policy. Use of our services is voluntary and free. Visitors will find our office a safe place to discuss their concerns, no matter how large or small. We also welcome suggestions about how to improve the workplace at Carolina, and we invite you to share good news with us.
HOUSING
If you are seeking off-campus housing, rental information is available through the following online search engines:
- Chapel Hill Rent
- Raleigh/Durham/CH Craigslist
- Durham Rent
- Daily Tar Heel Classifieds
- Apartment Advisor Chapel Hill
- ApartmentList.com Chapel Hill
- ApartmentList.com Durham
- ApartmentList.com Raleigh
- Trulia: Chapel Hill Rentals
- Trulia: Durham Rentals
- Trulia: Raleigh Rentals
- Zumper
Popular neighborhoods within close vicinity to UNC park and ride and UNC bus lines:
- The Oaks Condominiums (privately owned) (~1.7 miles away/5 minutes)
- Meadowmont Apartments: Bell Meadowmont (~2.3 miles away/6 minutes)
- Finley Forest Condominiums (privately owned) (~2.6 miles away/6 minutes)
- Alta Springs Apartments (~2.9 miles away/7 minutes)
- Farrington Lake Apartments (~3.9 miles away/8 minutes)
- Southern Village Apartments (~3.4 miles away/10 minutes)
- The Villages of Chapel Hill (~4.1 miles away/9 minutes
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR SERVICES
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES
FedEx Global Education Center, Room 2004
301 Pittsboro Street, CB#5240
http://oisss.unc.edu/
919-962-5661
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) serves as the principal administrative, programming, and advising office for over 2700 international students, faculty, and academic staff annually at UNC-Chapel Hill. ISSS offers the following services for international scholars who need information on visa and governmental matters and personal advising:
- U.S. government rules and regulations
- Maintenance of immigration documents
- Transfer of schools or employers
- Cross-cultural adjustment
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT
Support for Non-native Speakers of English at the Writing Center
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/esl/
The Writing Center offers free ESL support for Postdoctoral Scholars and faculty who want to improve their English skills or learn more about American life and university culture. Below are a few of the services offered for non-native English speakers. Visit the Writing Center website to find more information about their workshops and services:
- Writing groups are structured opportunities to provide and receive feedback on your scholarly writing. Groups are facilitated by Writing Center staff: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/esl/writing-groups/
- Workshops are periodically offered on culture, communication, pronunciation, and other topics of interest: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/esl/workshops/
- ESL Mini-Courses are short, non-credit courses on academic grammar, research writing, & professional presentations: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/esl/esl-mini-courses/
- Speaking Groups discuss topics of culture, university life, or language learning strategies and resources. An English Language Specialist from the Writing Center attends each meeting to help the group members work together to improve their oral communication skills: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/esl/speaking-groups/
To receive regular updates about English language support services and resources, please join the mailing list: https://unc.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1a34d766d2fdb88a05e0cdbf0&id=dfb92d6250
LACTATION ROOMS
Breastfeeding mothers can view lactation locations available on campus and at the medical center at the following site: https://womenscenter.unc.edu/pregnancy-lactation/
RESEARCH SEMINARS
University’s Master Calendar of Events
This online calendar includes events across all schools, colleges, departments, centers, and institutes at UNC. You may also search for events by specific schools, such as the School of Dentistry, the School of Public Health, and the School of Pharmacy.
School of Medicine’s Upcoming Events
UNC’s School of Medicine has also created an online listing of research seminars.
UNC Research Event Registration
Register for upcoming conferences, classes, workshops, seminars, and other training activities sponsored by various departments and offices at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Office of Postdoc Affairs Google Calendar of Events
https://research.unc.edu/postdocs/calendar/
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Department of Public Safety
285 Manning Drive
http://www.dps.unc.edu/
919-962-3951
Hours of operation: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Campus Parking
Finding a place to park on or near campus is virtually impossible, although early birds can sometimes nab a space on Cameron Avenue around 7:00 a.m. You can also vie for metered parking on Raleigh Street or Franklin Street if you are planning on coming into campus for only a few hours. If you absolutely must drive to campus, you can usually find a spot in one of the public lots or garages on Franklin Street or Rosemary Street, but these will run you between $6 and $10 per day. For information and a map of downtown parking options: https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showdocument?id=268
If you plan to park your car at UNC or UNC Hospitals between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, you will have to apply for a parking permit from the Department of Transportation and Parking. Fees for the permits vary depending on the parking zone to which you are assigned. Your assigned zone will be the only zone in which you will be allowed to park, and you must display your permit. However, after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and on weekends, you can park in any unreserved space with the exception of those in resident student lots, which do not become available until 9:00 p.m.
NOTE: Parking spaces and parking permits for on-campus parking are allocated per individual department. Please contact your HR facilitator or parking coordinator for information, fees, and availability of permits.
Vehicles parked illegally may be cited by Parking Enforcement and subsequent violations may result in further citations, immobilization (“booting”) of a vehicle, or towing. Citations may be appealed through the Department of Transportation and Parking’s Appeals Office within (10) days of citation. To appeal a citation, visit www.dps.unc.edu.
Chapel Hill Transit
https://www.parkonthehill.com/#
Chapel Hill Transit operates over 15 fixed bus routes, which provide service to the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. The routes cover most of the apartment complexes in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. Buses run more frequently in the mornings and late afternoons; on weekends, they run on a much reduced schedule. During the summer, on holidays, and on days when the University is closed, the buses also run on a reduced schedule. For standard routes and schedules visit the CH Transit website: https://www.parkonthehill.com/#
All routes in UNC Campus Zone are FARE FREE. Fares will still be charged for use of Tarheel Express, Orange County Public Transportation, and GoTriangle.
Visit the Triangle Trip Planner at www.gotriangle.org for advice on the best public transportation to your destination within the triangle area includes Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and TTA regional services. For complete schedules and more information, visit the Chapel Hill Transit website above.
Jump-Starts and Lockouts
Motorist Assistance Program
919-962-8006
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
After 9:00pm, weekends, and campus holidays: contact Campus Police, 919-962-8100
The Parking Control Division operates the Motorist Assistant Program (M.A.P.) weekdays from 7:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m., offering jump-starts or lockout key retrieval to any vehicle on campus. During all other times and campus holidays, the Campus Police will assist motorists. For more information visit their website: http://dps.unc.edu/services/motorist-assist-program/
Park & Ride
https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/transit/park-ride
Chapel Hill Transit operates fare-free express and local bus service from Park & Ride lots in both Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Park and Ride service is a fast, efficient way to get to the UNC campus, hospitals, and downtown Chapel Hill. There are many park and ride lots to choose from located on the outskirts of Chapel Hill. Some lots require a UNC CAP permit that can be issued by calling the UNC Department of Public Safety or visiting the UNC Department of Public Safety’s Employee Commuter Alternative Program (CAP) webpage (see below).
CAP (Commuter Alternatives Program)
In an effort to reduce traffic congestion and the number of vehicles parked on campus, the Commuter Alternatives Program is designed to reward UNC faculty, staff and students who do not drive a Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) to commute to campus. The program is free and only requires that the CAP registrant commute to school or work, and not hold an SOV permit. If you are currently commuting using an alternative mode, you are already a part of this effort, so please take the time to join. The Commuter Alternatives Program encourages all forms of alternative transportation including bicycling, walking, transit, park and ride, carpool and vanpool, and Zipcar (UNC car sharing program – see below).
Postdocs are eligible for the Employee CAP program. To join the program, visit the above website to register online. Benefits include free bike registration, access to all Park and Ride lots, local merchant discounts, free local transportation, free temporary parking passes, local prize drawings, and Zipcar discounts.
Zipcar
http://www.zipcar.com/unc/
866-494-7227
Offering new levels of freedom and mobility while decreasing the number of cars on campus, Zipcar offers cars by the hour or the day. Zipcars are located on campus, and you can reserve a car 24 hours a day. Simply reserve online, let yourself into a Zipcar on campus with your Zipcard and zip away. Check with your HR facilitator or Zipcar administrator to learn about Zipcar usage through your department. Or, if you plan a personal trip you can register for an individual account. Once you register and pay an annual fee, your gas, maintenance, insurance, and designated parking are all included in an hourly rate.
EZ Rider
https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/transit/ez-rider
Special services for the mobility impaired are available through the EZ Rider service. This is a demand responsive service designed for eligible passengers who have difficulty riding the fixed route service. Trips must be scheduled in advance and passengers must be certified by a physician to be eligible for the service.
GoTriangle
919-485-RIDE (7433)
https://gotriangle.org/
GoTriangle operates regional bus and shuttle service, paratransit services, ridematching and vanpools; provides commuter resources and an emergency ride home program; and is home to the GoTriangle Regional Information Call Center for the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area including Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Hillsborough, Knightdale, RDU International Airport, Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park, Wendell, Wake Forest and Zebulon.
GoTriangle offers regional bus service between UNC, Duke, Durham, RTP, and Raleigh. Visit the website for routes, schedules, fares, and pass information.
Duke-UNC Free Bus Service
919-684-2218
https://robertsonscholars.org/the-experience/duke-and-unc/
The purpose of the Robertson Express Bus is to facilitate cooperation between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We would like to encourage you to take advantage of the educational, cultural, and social offerings on both campuses. Buses depart from and arrive at Duke (Chapel Circle Stop) and UNC-Chapel Hill (Morehead Planetarium Stop) on the half hour and hour. This express bus makes no stops between Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Service is free for all persons holding a Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill I.D.
TRAVEL
Travel reimbursements to conferences, professional meetings, etc should adhere to the travel guidelines established by the State of North Carolina. Postdocs should have a contact within their department for reimbursements. Contact the travel services department if you have questions regarding your travel or visit the website below: https://global.unc.edu/travel-global-operations/travel-policies/
CAROLINA WOMEN’S CENTER
215 W. Cameron, CB#3302
http://womenscenter.unc.edu/
919-962-8305
The Carolina Women’s Center pursues gender equity on behalf of the students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and staff at UNC. Our current work focuses on five major gender equity issues: family advocacy; violence prevention; closing gender gaps; combating sex trafficking; and gender, difference and diversity. We provide educational and co-curricular programming, engage in policy and advocacy initiatives, and facilitate interdisciplinary research that supports work on our gender equity issues.
Our Mary Turner Lane Reading and Resource Room is full of books and DVDs about women’s and gender issues; visit the CWC Carriage House and check it out. And, if you’re a parenting student, feel free to make use of our lactation space.
Sign up for our weekly listserv at cwc@unc.edu, visit our webpage to read our blog and newsletters, or join us at the numerous programs and events we sponsor throughout the year.
THE WRITING CENTER ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/esl/
919-962-7710
writing_center@unc.edu
Carolina attracts students and scholars from around the world. Our English Language Specialists offer a range of professional development opportunities designed to support successful academic and social communication through mini-courses, writing groups, speaking groups, workshops, southern culture movie series, and other resources.
CAMPUS LIBRARIES
Please visit the main library website to access information and hours of operation for all UNC libraries: https://library.unc.edu/
ODUM INSTITUTE
228 Davis Library, CB#3355
http://odum.unc.edu/
919-962-3061
oduminstitute@unc.edu
Our mission is to help grow and lead a world-class social science research infrastructure at UNC Chapel Hill to ensure that researchers can conduct scientifically rigorous research that contributes to better lives for the citizens of North Carolina and the world. The Institute enables researchers at UNC to produce important research, helps them broaden the scope and impact of their research, and contributes to the training of the next generation of leaders and researchers in social science.
We do this by providing:
- Research data collection, data management, data preservation, and research cyberinfrastructure support
- Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods services, training, and consulting
- Comprehensive proposal development and grant management services, including data management planning and broader impacts statement support
- Seed grants, new project support, graduate student support, and teaching labs designed to spur research creativity
INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS & HUMANITIES
https://iah.unc.edu/
919-962-0249
iah@unc.edu
The Institute for the Arts and Humanities empowers faculty to achieve their full potential by creating community and cultivating leadership.
The IAH supports its mission through its Faculty Fellows Program; by sponsoring conferences, lectures, and public conversations. The Institute trains and supports current and emerging university leaders through the Academic Leadership Program. The Institute promotes community through its Faculty Programs that build mentoring networks for faculty at all stages of their academic careers.
UNC STATISTICAL CONSULTING CENTER
318 Hanes Hall CB#3260
https://stat-or.unc.edu/consulting/unc-statistical-consulting-center
919-843-6024
stor@unc.edu
The Department of Statistics and Operations Research offers free statistical consulting services, in the context of a course on statistical consulting, STOR 765 (formerly Stat 190). This graduate level course aims to both serve the university community, and to instruct students in the art of consulting.
Course particulars – The instructor for the consulting course is Professor J.S. Marron. Credits are 1.5 course hours per semester for two semesters.
For students – Students typically work on two projects per year, either alone, or as part of multidisciplinary teams when appropriate. Students are expected to attend client presentations, to contribute to projects, to document their results and findings, and to give occasional project status updates to the entire class.
For prospective clients – We welcome inquiries from potential users on or off campus, though preference is given to those on campus. Professors, research staff, and postdocs are welcome to contact us directly; graduate students working on PhD projects are also welcome, but should first obtain the approval of their advisers.