Student Engagement

When you join the community that is the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, you will find a place of exploration and discovery. Here, you will be challenged to think more broadly and more deeply than probably ever before. You will learn to think critically and to act compassionately, working alongside your professors and fellow students in the classroom, in research settings and in the broader community.

With a major in CLAS, you will find you can:

  • Think critically and analyze complex situations.
  • Solve problems efficiently and effectively.
  • Speak persuasively with a variety of audiences.
  • Translate data into useful knowledge.
  • Write coherent explanations and arguments.
  • Collaborate with teams and lead from within.
  • Do research and analysis using state-of-the-art methods and technologies.
  • Interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
  • Cast a wide net for career and life opportunities.

student opportunities

Students can find diverse options for academic and personal development, including through learning communities, academic organizations and success seminars. Academic clubs and organizations provide another way for you to become involved. Many College academic departments offer honors programs, in addition to the University Honors Program. Engagement opportunities feature leadership roles, volunteerism choices and special talks and seminars to help you grow your knowledge and skills as you prepare for your future. Among the offerings:

  • Learning Communities
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Internships
  • Honors Programs
  • Education abroad
  • Experiential Learning
  • Service Learning and Outreach
  • Academic Student Organizations
  • The LEADS Program

Student News

A photo of a rusted shovel with a broken handle, aged by years of harsh Appalachian weather and hard work, sat on display in UNC Charlotte’s Atkins Library during most of November. Seth Flynn, the creator, is a senior who is minoring in gerontology; he submitted it as part of a contest hosted by the Gerontology Program, with the support of the Gerontology Club and the J. Murrey Atkins Library, which asked students to answer the question: “How do you see aging?” The work and the touching story behind it earned Flynn first place in the competition.

From planting American flags at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, to performing ‘Amazing Grace’ at the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, members of the Pride of Niner Nation are representing UNC Charlotte and the United States at the 74th commemoration of D-Day. Over 40 of the student musicians are majors or double-majors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

This summer, dozens of College of Liberal Arts & Sciences undergraduate students from varied majors and disciplines will gain experience in research through UNC Charlotte initiatives that emphasize learn-by-doing models. They also will benefit from professional development opportunities, mentoring and interactions with each other.

CLAS students and their family and friends – along with UNC Charlotte faculty, staff and dignitaries – celebrated the students’ successes at the May 2018 Commencement ceremonies.

Kevin Chauncey, a master’s student in English, received the UNC Charlotte Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, presented by the Graduate School. The award honors students nominated by faculty supervisors for their work as teaching assistants, recognizing outstanding and innovative teaching techniques.