Campus Y FAQ

What is the Campus Y?

The Campus Y is UNC’s hub for social justice and social innovation. The Y serves as a collaborative space nestled in the heart of campus (just across from the Old Well) that unites students, staff, faculty, and community partners in the pursuit of a just and equitable world.

Our 32 student-run committees and three staff-led programs tackle issues like educational equity, criminal justice reform, food insecurity, immigrant and refugee rights, and more.

Why is it called the Campus Y?

Visit our historic building across from the Old Well and you’ll still find “YMCA” etched into the stone façade above our front door. That’s because our roots date back to the UNC YMCA chapter founded in 1860. In 1976 the chapter ceased affiliation with the national YMCA and its religious alignment, but the Y’s name stuck.

During the early decades of the Y’s history it functioned as Carolina’s student union, serving as a hub for student leadership and social activism, addressing issues of integration, free speech, gender equality, workers’ rights, world hunger, apartheid, and armed conflict. Since the 1970s, the Campus Y has identified as UNC’s hub for social justice and social innovation under UNC Student Affairs.

Do I have to know about social justice before I can join the Y?

You do not have to be a social justice wiz to join the Y! The Campus Y is an intentional space dedicated to open dialogue and ongoing education. We believe every person in our community has life experiences and knowledge to contribute. And – at the same time – we believe every person in our community has more to learn.

“Fighting for social justice” simply means working towards an equal distribution of respect, wealth, opportunities, and privileges within society no matter one’s race, gender, sexuality, ability, or socioeconomic status. You can find more definitions using Lewis and Clark’s “ABC’s of Social Justice”.

How do I get involved at the Campus Y?

There countless ways to get involved at the Y! For starters, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for our e-newsletter to receive weekly updates about Campus Y events and opportunities.

Then, check out our student-run committees page or explore the Issues tabs below. Once you’ve found a committee you’re interested in joining, send them an email and follow them on social media to learn more about how to get involved.

The Y is also home to 3 application-based, staff-led programs:

1. Global Gap Year Fellowship: Open to incoming first-years in the spring.
2. Bonner Leaders Program: Open to work study-eligible incoming first-years or transfer students with at least 3 years of expected enrollment at Carolina in August.
3. CUBE: Open to all aspiring student entrepreneurs in the spring.

How much of a time commitment is joining a committee?

It depends on the committee. Most of our committees are always open to welcoming new members, regardless of how much time you have to offer! Some committees, like Refugee Community Partnership (RCP) and Linking Immigrants to New Communities (LINC), do require a minimum number of hours per week since community members depend on their volunteers. Get in touch with the specific committee you’re interested in joining to learn more about expectations.

Do I have to join a committee or program to get involved at the Y?

No. You’re welcome to attend any public events hosted by the Y and/or Y committees!

I have a question you didn’t answer. How can I get in touch?

Feel free to contact us via email campusy.communications@gmail.com or DMing us on our Instagram account!