Starting graduate school is an exciting time in our lives. We get the privilege of studying something we genuinely care about and contributing to the academic dialogue occurring within our fields. We become close with the other members of our cohorts and begin to build a professional network. At the start of a brand-new academic career, it is also completely normal to be overwhelmed. After all, a new program comes with a lot of uncharted territory. It can be difficult to know where to turn for help when you need it. Fortunately, UNC Charlotte has a myriad of resources, affectionately referred to as “Campus Golden Nuggets”, to make your experience as a Niner graduate student a positive one.
Golden Nugget #1: The Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL)
The CGLL is the first stop for all things related to graduate school and post-doctoral fellowships. The staff provides engaging programming opportunities for graduate students to build skills that will serve them in their careers long after completing their degrees. The CGLL is located in Atkins Library Annex 149 and welcomes graduate student visits between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
Golden Nugget #2: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS is a campus resource that is absolutely worth its weight (and more) in gold. As graduate students, it is all too common to deal with the stress of research, class and everyday life — it can get to be a bit much. CAPS is here to help you with individual counseling services, group counseling services and plenty of workshops aimed at enhancing your mental health and overall wellbeing. CAPS is located in Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services and you can make an appointment for an initial consultation by calling 704-687-0311.
Golden Nugget #3: The Student Health Center (SHC)
The SCH provides high-quality medical care to students without ever having to leave campus. You can schedule appointments with medical providers for primary medical care as well as acute care. The vaccine clinic will help you in keeping up to date with all of your necessary immunizations in an easy-to-find space next to the on-site pharmacy. In addition to physical healthcare, the SHS provides psychiatry services and nutritional consults to prioritize holistic healthcare. The SHC is located at 9524 Poplar Terrace Drive on the east side of campus.
Golden Nugget #4: The University Recreation Center (UREC)
Physical activity is part of maintaining a healthy and balanced life as a graduate student. UREC aims to make physical activity accessible and fun for students through group fitness classes, open gym hours and special wellness-centered events, including healthy cooking demonstrations in the teaching kitchen. UREC is located on Craver Road next to the Student Union.
These are only a few of the many resources available to UNC Charlotte graduate students. All campus resources are here to enhance your graduate student experience and support you on the way to achieving your academic and professional goals.
Article Written by Kaitlin Klotz
Kaitlin Klotz serves as a Graduate Admissions Ambassador for the Ph.D. in Biology graduate program.