UNC Campus Connections

Complete coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels Campus Connections.

Tar Heel football players get passports for Ireland

Tar Heel football players took advantage of a campus program to acquire passports ahead of the team’s season-opening game in Dublin, Ireland. Carolina’s Phillips Passport Initiative, a program of the Phillips Ambassadors, provides funding for undergraduate students to obtain their first U.S. passport. The program is now entering its fifth year. (UNC.edu)

Andy Griffith’s daughter reflects on her father’s legacy, North Carolina roots

For generations of tv viewers, Andy Griffith was Sheriff Andy Taylor, who was the wise and kindhearted lawman of the fictional town of Mayberry. To Dixie Griffith, he was simply Dad. His daughter says she feels fortunate to help keep her father’s legacy alive. Despite living in California, Andy’s North Carolina roots remained a major influence on family life. (FOX 8 WGHP)

Best-selling novelist, UNC alum Sarah Dessen reflects on her ‘Change of Plans’

At UNC, Sarah Dessen initially chose psychology as her major. But after she took a creative writing class with the late Doris Betts, she was hooked. “I always tell students to follow what interests you, to take all kinds of classes,” Dessen said. “In Doris’ class, I knew this was what I wanted to do.” Dessen’s books have sold millions of copies worldwide. (UNC.edu)

A guide to Chapel Hill's vibrant music scene

Some of my favorite memories at Chapel Hill have taken place in loud rooms lit by colorful stage lights. Listening to live music with friends on a Friday night can be a healing experience after stressful weeks of exams and papers. Chapel Hill is filled with music of all genres and styles, and ranges from major artist showcases to college band debuts. (Daily Tar Heel)

The Delicious Legacy of Chapel Hill’s Favorite BLT

Perched just off Highway 15-501 in Chapel Hill, NC, the old-school breakfast and lunch joint Merritt’s Grill serves such comforting Southern classics as pulled pork barbecue and pimento cheese sandwiches. But truthfully, most diners are there for just one thing: the BLT. It’s a simple sandwich made with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. What’s the secret? (Garden & Gun)

UNC students gather to remember James Cates Jr. 55 years after his murder: 'A 22-year-old like us'

When students are walking to and from their classes every day, they can find a plaque located by the Pit and beside the Undergraduate Library. This plaque is dedicated to James Lewis Cates Jr. , a former Black resident of Chapel Hill, who was murdered in an act of racial violence on UNC's campus on November 21, 1970. (Daily Tar Heel)

Carolina Insider Podcast: UNC Football/Basketball talk, actress Sharon Lawrence joins, 2026 Poddys!

The 2026-27 UNC sports season is right around the corner. Jones Angell and Adam Lucas catch up on Tar Heel football and basketball chatter (6:31). Actress (and UNC grad) Sharon Lawrence joins for an awesome interview (33:35). Plus: postcards (1:37:52), the 2026 Poddys! (2:13:30), and more. (Listen To Podcast)

Video: Tar Heels in DC - Capitol Tour With Elizabeth Adkins

North Carolina alumna Elizabeth Adkins (Class of 2018) serves as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. Follow along as Adkins takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day duties and a walk to the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. (View Video)

New and incoming restaurants add to Chapel Hill's vibrant food scene

In the past year, Chapel Hill has seen its restaurant scene expand, and its offerings will continue to grow, with a variety of new spots, both close to campus and around town, coming soon. Here are some new and upcoming restaurants incoming students and locals alike can look forward to. Géos Tavern & Oyster Bar is Chapel Hill’s most recent addition. (Daily Tar Heel)

Video: Tar Heels in DC - Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History with Frank Blazich

UNC alumnus Frank Blazich (Class of 2004), modern military history curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, gives us a tour of the "Price of Freedom" exhibition and discusses how his studies in Chapel Hill prepared him for a career in museums. (View Video)

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