Find your niche with these on-campus communities and organizations

Last year, UNC welcomed over 5,000 new undergraduates alone to its campus. When coming to a mid-sized University, finding a tight-knit community can feel overwhelming, especially with the vast amount of organizations and programs. 

But, don't let the numbers inundate you. Consider this — you can make a big school feel small, but it's harder to make a small school feel big. So the various groups that have called UNC's campus their home can also become a home for you as you join the Carolina community.

Many of UNC's campus centers are catered to certain people groups, and they're prepared to welcome new students with programs, resources, lectures and events to help you tailor your first moments as a Tar Heel. 

If you're not sure where to start, here's a guide to get you connected with a few of the organizations that add to student life. 

Sonja Hanes Stone Center 

Established in July 1988, the Stone Center aims to raise awareness for and appreciation of African-American culture. Open discussion and programs like symposia and lectures critically examine Black culture on campus, said Stephanie Cobert, the public communications officer.  

"We are the Black cultural center on campus," Cobert said. She added that the resources the center offers can be beneficial for everyone. 

Located near the Genome Sciences Building, the Stone Center will offer numerous programs early in the fall semester. Students can look out for programming announcements on the TV screens near the front desk and posters around campus for events. 

UNC American Indian Center

The center has been a primary point of connection between UNC's campus and North Carolina's native communities. 

Qua Adkins, the Native student engagement coordinator, said the AIC hosts programs to help incoming students transition to college life. She said the center works as a team to support students emotionally and socially. 

In the past, the American Indian Center has organized several visits to the Coharie Tribe in Clinton, N.C. Students who attended were connected with tribal community through powwows and talking circles, Adkins said. 

In the fall, the center will host a new Native student orientation that Adkins said is tailored to Native culture. 

Carolina Latinx Collaborative 

The CLC helps build a network between students and issues in the Latinx community. Some of their resources include the Latinx Mentoring Program for incoming Latinx students, an open house during Week of Welcome in the fall, the celebration of Latinx Heritage Month and the Pulso Scholars Program, a program that offers workshops and seminars to support students in health-related fields. 

 "We are excited for the inaugural year for the Carolina Latinx Center" said Josmell Perez, Director of the CLC. "Housed in Abernathy Hall, our plan is to make the space available to all to gather and create community" 

Look out for the Open House kickoff event hosted by The CLC during the Week of Welcome. 

The UNC Newman Catholic Student Center Parish

The Newman Center serves the Catholic community in and around Chapel Hill. The center serves as a common meeting ground for worship and community building. For all students, every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the center holds Carolina Catholic Night. 

"CCN is a very dynamic night filled with interactive games, student keynote speakers, live bands, homemade meals and more," said Kevin O'Reilly, campus minister, in an email. 

O'Reilly said students are also encouraged to join small faith groups that meet weekly or attend mass at various times on Sunday. The Newman Center is located across from The Carolina Inn. 

Carolina Women's Center 

The center's mission revolves around preserving gender equity and inclusivity for all gender identities. The CWC hosts workshops, discussions and film screenings that touch on everything from healthy relationships to body image to gender and politics. 

Gender violence services coordinators who offer confidential advocacy for anyone who has faced gender-based violence or harassment. 

Anyone is welcome to come by our center to hang out, study, have a cup of tea or just be. " said Shelley Gist Kennedy, program coordinator. 

The CWC also organizes alternative fall and spring break service-learning trips, as well as the Moxie Project, which connects its scholars to internships. 

Black Student Movement

UNC's BSM encompasses eight committees and seven subgroups which host events throughout the year. 

"As the largest cultural organization at UNC, the Black Student Movement is devoted to addressing cultural and diversity issues across campus and the surrounding community, while also promoting Black ideals and culture," Tamiya Troy, the vice president, said.

For new students, one of the earliest events of the year is the group's annual Culture on the Lawn event, which showcases student performances, on Aug. 25. 

BSM's first general body meeting of the year follows the Culture on the Lawn event, and is where new students can meet the organization's leaders and find out how to get more directly involved.  

While this is only a small handful of the cultural groups and centers on campus, you can find a student organization that resonates with you through the Heel Life portal.