About Carolina

The Carolina Story: A Virtual Museum of the University History

History and Traditions

Chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly on December 11, 1789 and beginning instruction in 1795, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (then named simply the University of North Carolina) is the oldest public university in the nation, as measured by start of instruction as a public institution. Learn more about UNC-Chapel Hill History and Traditions.

UNC System

Though UNC-Chapel Hill is the flagship location, the University of North Carolina’s 17 campuses extend from the state’s mountains to the coast. Nearly 225,000 students are enrolled at 16 universities and the NC School of Science and Mathematics, the country’s first public residential high school for gifted students. Each year, the university system graduates more than 30,000 students from over 200 academic degree programs. Our graduates emerge as leaders, creators and researchers, prepared to connect with and give back to the communities that have supported UNC for more than two centuries. Learn more about the UNC System.

News & Updates

The Well is Carolina’s news and information source for faculty and staff. Employees can read the day’s top stories, learn more about projects in schools, units and departments, and see how Carolina’s employees work to uphold the University mission of research, teaching and service. The site also features In the Know, important pieces of information employees need to know each day, such as road closures, benefits enrollment deadlines or weather-related issues. Employees will also receive an email news digest called From The Well.

Campus Directory

You can use the UNC Directory Search to both update your own personal contact information and to find contact information for your colleagues at UNC-Chapel Hill. Make sure to sign in with your Onyen and password.

Athletics

UNC produces some of the top athletes and teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA. Varsity teams compete in 13 men’s and 15 women’s sports. Our Athletic Department keeps fans updated at goheels.com.

Campus Recreation

Carolina’s students and employees stay active! You name it, we do it. From intramural and club sports to group exercise to challenging expeditions, campus recreation is a great way to meet people and get involved. Learn more about Campus Rec.

UNC Health

UNC Health is an integrated health care system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill. It exists to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina and to provide state-of-the-art patient care.