The Carolina Parents Council is a volunteer, membership-based group, representing the needs of undergraduate students and families. The Council encourages interaction between family members and the University by supporting programs offered by New Student & Family Programs and Student Affairs. They also provide funding for programs that directly benefit undergraduate students through its signature Grant Awards Program.
To our new Tar Heel families, hello! Click below for a special welcome message from our current Council National Chairs, Elissa and Joe Vona.
Involvement
The Carolina Parents Council meets at various times throughout the academic year for Council business. Meetings include:
- The Fall Meeting
- The Grant Awards Review & Interview Processes
- The Spring Meeting & Reception
Additionally, senior families are invited for reserved seating and catering during Spring Commencement. Council members are also encouraged to participate in New Student and Family Programs including Family Football Day, Carolina Family Weekend and High Fives for Heels.
2025 – 2026 Dates
- Executive Team Meeting | Friday, Aug. 15
- New Member Orientation (Virtual) | Thursday, September 4 at 7 p.m. ET
- The Fall Meeting & Reception | Friday, Sep. 12
- Grant Awards Application Review | Nov. 2025 – Jan. 2026
- Grant Awards Interview Day | Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 (Tentative)
- The Spring Meeting & Reception | March/April 2026
Committees and Positions
Once a part of the Council, members have the opportunity to fulfill leadership roles following the relevant voting and appointment processes. Leadership positions attend additional meetings, virtually and in-person, outside of those listed above. Positions and committees include:
- National Chairs
- National Chairs-Elect
- Past National Chairs
- Class Chairs
Communications Committee
- Collaborate closely with the New Student & Family Program Coordinator for Family Communications
- Engage other interested Parents Council members in supporting communications efforts
- Inter-Parents Council Communications: Write one meeting recap for the Fall Meeting and Spring Meeting to be delivered to the Council one week after each meeting
- Parents Council Guiding Documents: Review and update (as needed) the member handbook and its documents annually.
- UNC Family Webinar Topics: Recommend topics or areas of interest for semesterly webinars delivered to all Carolina parents/families by the NSFP professional and student staff. Topics can be derived from helpful content presented at the Fall and Spring Parents Council meetings.
- Parent-to-Parent Blog: Recruit Parents Council members to write regular content for the Parent-to-Parent blog that highlights their experiences transitioning to and journeying through Carolina with their student(s). The goal would be 1 piece monthly, September – May.
- Orientation Family Communications: Once per academic year, review and offer input for editing/improving the Carolina Family Handbook (general) and Carolina Family Calendar (printed).
Volunteer Committee
- Works with NSFP and the Carolina Parents Council to plan, create, and organize family volunteers to assist with related family programs
- Events and activities currently include:
- Providing information for families and recruiting for the Council at the Orientation Information Fair (June – August).
- Staffing select events at Carolina Family Weekend to greet and welcome families back to campus (typically September or October).
- Supporting University Career Services and their efforts to provide career-related mentorship and guidance for students (ongoing).
Membership & Recruitment Committee
- Creates a plan and strategies to welcome new families to the Carolina Parents Council in conjunction with the New Student & Family Programs office.
- Reach out to Carolina family members and involve them in the Carolina community.
- Encourages active parent/family engagement in the life of the University.
- A class chair family from each class year will support this committee.
Grant Awards Committee
- Primarily it will support and enhance the annual Carolina Parents Council Grant Awards Program.
- Works with the NSFP office to review all components of the application, review, and interview process.
Endowment Committee
- Primarily it will support the strategies and initiatives in promoting donations and involvement with the Carolina Parents Council Endowment.
- Works with the Director of Development for Student Affairs to determine and implement the strategy.
Become a Member of the Carolina Parents Council
All Carolina families are welcomed to apply for Council membership. See below for next steps and important dates.
Apply for the Council
- Complete the Membership Application Form by September 2.
- Submit your annual $1,250 membership fee by October 1. This is a tax deductible donation that supports the Grant Awards Program.
Once applications are received, you will receive communication from New Student and Family Programs regarding next steps prior to the start of the fall semester. Applications and payments received after September 2 will receive communication in the spring semester.
Paying for your Membership
The following payment methods are accepted for membership fees. You can also review the How to Give website for assistance.
- Credit Card. This is the preferred payment method.
- Check or bank draft. Checks can be made payable to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and mailed to New Student and Family Programs with attention to the Carolina Parents Council.
- Matching gifts. If you employer has a matching gift program, you may increase your the impact of your gift to the Council. Please contact your employer for further guidance.
- Securities
If interested in payment installments, please contact the Executive Director of Donor Relations and Revenue Management at 919.962.3967.
Apply as a Sponsored Family
We welcome and encourage all families to join the Council and aim to make the application process as accessible as possible. If interested in applying as a sponsored family to waive all, or a portion, of the membership fee, click the link below.
When you apply as a sponsored family, you will be asked to give permission to New Student and Family Programs to request feedback from the Office of Scholarship & Student Aid on your capacity level to pay a portion of the membership fee. This information will be used to determine whether you are eligible for a waiver.
Sponsored Family Application Process
- Complete the Sponsored Family Application.
- Carolina Parents Council Leadership team application review.
- Office of Scholarship & Student Aid recommends level at which family will be asked to pay (if any).
- Notification of selection from New Student and Family Programs.
Renewing your Membership
The $1,250 fee must be made annually to remain a member of the Carolina Parents Council. Please follow the above instructions and make your payment by October 1 of each year.
Past Members
Past members may stay involved with the Council by:
- Attending our Spring Reception. Past members are invited to Spring Receptions in March or April. This is a great opportunity to fellowship, celebrate and engage with current members and University leadership.
- Contributing to the endowment. Past and current members work to build the Carolina Parents Council Endowment to its $1 million goal. This will ensure that the Grant Awards Program will be funded in perpetuity, and always be present to support student organizations and those with ideas that enhance the Carolina student experience.
For more information from a New Student and Family Programs staff member, or current Council member, complete the interest form below.
