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FAQ for Online Students

Admissions

Where can I learn about the online programs offered at UNC Charlotte?

The UNC Charlotte Programs page provides a searchable list of all programs offered. Searches can be performed by field of study, college, program type, and more.

How do I start the admission process?

You may begin the Undergraduate Admissions process by creating an account on the application portal. For Graduate candidates, create an account on the Graduate Admissions portal.

What are the next steps after I am admitted?
  1. Let us know you will be enrolling by either logging into the undergraduate admissions, Future 49er Portal and clicking the “Submit Your Intent to Enroll” link under “Forms” or the Graduate Admissions portal and clicking the link to accept your Intent to Enroll.
  2. Sign up for your Undergraduate Charlotte Online Onboarding Webinar or Graduate Virtual Orientation Session (if your start term isn’t listed yet, check back). These are different from the main campus New Student Orientation (NSO). Do not attend the main campus New Student Orientation (NSO).
  3. Undergraduate students will complete online orientation modules in their Future 49er Portal. This is also where you will be able to schedule your advising appointment. Graduate students- we recommend connecting with your advisor in your first term. You can find their contact information by logging into Degree Works through My Charlotte.
  4. Register for your classes.

Academics/Advising

How do I locate my academic advisor?

Undergraduate Students

If you are in the Engineering, Respiratory Therapy or RN to BSN program, your advisor will email you about next steps – if you need help email online@charlotte.edu.

If you are not in an Engineering, Respiratory or RN to BSN program you will schedule an appointment with your advisor in your Future 49er Portal after completing the online modules.

Graduate Students

Connect with your advisor via email (the contact information can be found in Degree Works which is in your My Charlotte account). 

For any assistance, contact the Program & Student Support Team at online@charlotte.edu.

How do I register for classes?

Follow your plan of study. If you are unsure as to which classes to take, connect with your academic advisor. Follow these step by step instructions to register for classes.

I am a readmitted student – how do I enroll?

Visit ninernet.charlotte.edu and click on the “Activate Account” button, then follow the provided instructions. This will allow you to access your University email account, use Connect to schedule an advising appointment and register for classes.

Once you receive your readmission decision letter, it may take up to 24 hours for your Student Self Service to be active. However, you should be able to check for any holds that may prevent registration.

Submit your Intent to Enroll in your Future49er Portal.

Most readmitted students will need to meet with their academic advisor before they are able to register for courses. Find your academic advisor’s contact information on your degree audit in DegreeWorks.

Access DegreeWorks through your MyCharlotte or the Academic Advising website.

Schedule your academic advising appointment through Charlotte’s academic advising scheduling system, Connect.

If you do not have an academic advisor listed or are unable to make an appointment in Connect, email your program/department for next steps.

How can I resolve an error message when I try to register?

If the error message is due to registration add error, follow the Registration Add Error instructions on the bottom of the Registration Information webpage.

If the error is due to a hold, follow these instructions.

If you still need assistance, contact online@charlotte.edu

How do I change from the on-campus version of a program to the online version of that same program or vice versa?

To change program modality, current undergraduates must follow the program/department’s change of major request process. At present,  The School of Professional Studies is assisting with this process for these specific programs:

Current graduate students complete an “Other Non-Course Related” Academic Petition explaining the desire to change from on campus to online (or vice versa).

New students, those who have been admitted but have not yet begun classes, can simply send an email to the appropriate admissions office stating the desire to change modalities:

admissions@charlotte.edu for undergraduate students;
gradcounseling@charlotte.edu for graduate students;
readmission@charlotte.edu for readmitted students.

Please note: It is important that the staffer who makes the change receives the correct program and campus codes for the student’s new program. If the student is moving to a Charlotte Online/distance education program, the program code will end in “-DE” and the campus will be “D.” If the student is moving to an on-campus program, the program code will not end in “-DE” and the campus code will be “M.”

I’m changing from an on-campus program to an online program, when will the change become effective? How will I know it has become effective?

Change of programs–if approved–may be completed the same day or can take up to 3 weeks. The student may check their Unofficial Transcript through Student Self Service or DegreeWorks to see if the change is complete.

How do I access my online classes?

Canvas is the online learning management system (LMS) where all of your classes are housed. To access Canvas go to my.charlotte.edu student portal; click on the Canvas icon located in the “quick links” section on the right side panel.

For more information on how to navigate Canvas, please click the links below:

I’m in an online program, but I want to take a course that is only offered in person on campus. Is that allowed?

Yes, you can take an on-campus course—but there are limits to how many in-person credits can count toward your degree. Being in an online (or distance education/DE) program means your degree can be completed fully online, but it doesn’t require every course to be online. If you’re willing and able to attend class on campus and meet the course requirements, you may register for an on-campus course. Just be sure to check in with your advisor first to understand how it fits within the credit hour limits. You can learn more about those limits below. 

How many on-campus courses can a “Charlotte Online/Distance Education” student take?

Charlotte Online/distance education education students may take a limited number of on-campus courses (face-to-face or hybrid). You’re allowed to complete up to 20% of your total program credits through in-person coursework.

For example:

  • In a 30-credit master’s program, you can take up to 5 credits on campus.
  • In a 120-credit bachelor’s program, you can take up to 23 credits on campus.

Fully online courses—whether labeled “M” (Main/Dubois campus) or “D” (Distance Education)—do not count toward this in-person limit.

If you’re planning to take more in-person credits than allowed, talk with your advisor to explore your options.

Online courses are labeled as either “Main/Dubois Campus (M)” or “Distance Education Campus (D).” What’s the difference—and can students enrolled in one campus take online courses labeled for the other?

In the student information system (Banner), course sections delivered in online modalities can be assigned a campus code: “M” for Main/Dubois campus or “D” for Distance Education campus. This code reflects the intended audience for the course. The campus code alone does not restrict who can enroll, but it is often paired with additional seat or section restrictions based on the course’s intended audience.

  • “D” campus courses are intended to serve online and off-campus (site-based) programs, also known as Distance Education (DE) programs. Students enrolled in these programs must have the ability to complete their degrees 100% online or at their site-based location.
  • “M” campus courses are primarily designed for on-campus programs.

Any unused restricted seats are released to all eligible students by the first day of class. Keep in mind that while D-campus course seats may be open to others whenever possible, Charlotte Online students are given priority access to ensure they can progress toward their fully online degree.

A student’s tuition and fees are determined by the campus designation of their primary program, not by the campus code of the individual course they take.

How can I track my academic progress?

From my.charlotte.edu you can access DegreeWorks, the University’s online tool for degree progression and planning.

Where can I go for academic assistance?

The University Center for Academic Excellence offers tutoring, peer help, academic consultations and more.

The Writing Resources Center supports undergraduate students by offering individualized feedback on writer’s strengths, goals and interests.

The Graduate & Postdoctoral Writing Center helps graduate students refine their writing skills as well as helps with formatting and submitting thesis and dissertations.

Financial & Billing Information

How much does it cost to attend UNC Charlotte as an online student?

Current tuition and fees are posted on the Niner Central website.

Where can I find my billing information and tuition due dates?

To learn more about charges and payment due dates go to the Students Accounts & Billing page.

How can I apply for Financial Aid?

Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Be sure to enter Charlotte’s school code (002975). Visit The Office of Financial Aid to answer all financial aid questions.

Am I required to provide immunization records or pay for student health insurance?

Students whose classes are 100% fully online are not required to meet immunization requirements nor are they eligible to purchase student insurance. For more information visit Student Health

How can I update my residency?

Follow the steps outlined from the Residency webpage.

What is the Niner Course Pack? Can I opt out?

The Niner Course Pack provides access to all course materials and is a textbook rental program. Enrollment in the program is automatic and costs $20 per credit hour each term. Students may opt out of the Niner Course Pack 30 days prior to the start of classes. For more information on the Niner Course Pack and instructions to opt out of the course pack visit Auxiliary Services.

What financial impact occurs when switching between the on-campus and online versions of the same program?

The UNC Board of Governors has determined that students in Charlotte Online/distance education programs “will be assessed [only] certain mandatory fees.” These per-semester fees include “the campus security, educational and technology, and association of student government fees” (UNC Policy Manual 1000.1.2[IV][A]) as well as the 49er ID Card fee. 

Because Charlotte Online/distance education students do not pay fees that support campus-based services and amenities such as athletics, UREC, student activities, transportation, health services, and food service facilities, they are not eligible to access these services as part of their tuition and fee payments. 

If a student switches from an on-campus program to an online program, they will be refunded the following fees, however they will also lose corresponding access to services and amenities at that time. 

  • Transportation Misc.
  • Health Services
  • Food Service Facilities Misc.
  • University Fees
  • Health Insurance Premium

Conversely, students who move from an online program to an on-campus program will have these same fees added to their bill and will then gain access to the associated services. For more information, see the Explanation of Fees.

How do fees charged to students in “Distance Education” programs differ from those charged to students in on-campus programs and why?

The UNC Board of Governors has determined that students in distance education programs “will be assessed [only] certain mandatory fees.” These per-semester fees include “the campus security, educational and technology, and association of student government fees” (UNC Policy Manual 1000.1.2[IV][A]) as well as the 49er ID Card fee. These fees are fewer in number and lower in cost when compared with the fees charged to students in non-distance education programs. Because students in distance education programs are not required to pay fees for such things as athletics, recreation, student organizations, transportation, health services, and food services facilities, they are not entitled to make use of these services.

I am in an online or distance education (DE) program, but my bill this semester included fees that DE program students are not supposed to be charged (e.g., Transportation Misc., Health Services, Food Service Facilities Misc., University Fees). Why?

Student fees are based on the student’s primary program. So, if a student’s primary program is a distance education program, the student is charged “distance education” fees which are fewer in number and lower in cost than those fees charged to “on-campus” programs. However, if a student is in multiple programs and one of those programs is an on-campus program, the on-campus program is usually the primary program, and the student is charged the full set of mandatory fees (UNC Policy Manual 1000.1.2[IV][A]).

  • If you are in multiple programs and you believe the wrong one has been labeled primary, use the table below to determine the appropriate office to contact.
  • If your primary program is a “distance education” program but you were charged “on-campus” fees, contact Niner Central to have your bill reviewed.

Student Support Resources

Who can I contact if I’m having technical difficulties with NinerNet or my email?

The Office of OneIT can help. The IT Service Desk is available by email, phone, walk-in, or remote support.

Are there opportunities for me to engage with other students?

O.N.E., Online Niner Education, is a virtual community platform for students to ask questions and collaborate. Undergraduate students can sign up to work with a student mentor or request to become a mentor through Mentor Collective.

Do I need to obtain a student ID card?

Charlotte Online students are not required to obtain a 49er ID; however, you may obtain a Mobile 49er ID.

Can Charlotte Online students utilize the Career Center?

Yes, Charlotte Online students are encouraged to visit the Career Center. They offer a host of workshops, career fairs, and offer virtual appointments. To learn more visit the Career Center.

Where can I find a list of student support services?

Visit the Student Resources page for weblinks to an array of student resources.

I am in a “DE” (online or site-based) program, but I live near campus. What campus resources may I use? What campus services are not available to me?

Students in online and off-campus, site-based programs have access to all of the support services and resources. However, students whose primary program is a distance education program are generally not charged the following fees: Transportation Misc., Health Services, Food Service Facilities Misc., and University Fees. The Explanation of Fees FAQ lists the “services and activities” funded by those and other fees. According to the UNC Policy Manual (1000.1.2[IV][A]), students “will not have access to … services and activities supported by” the fees they did not pay.

Because my primary program is online or site-based, I am not charged “University Fees” that, among other things, fund recreational facilities on campus. But I live near campus and would like to use these facilities. Is this possible?

Yes, you can! While these services aren’t included in your standard fees, you can still access campus recreation facilities by paying a separate fee. Just reach out to University Recreation at u_rec@charlotte.edu or 704-687-1385 to learn more about your options. They’ll be happy to help!

My primary program is online or site-based, so I’m not charged the Health Services fee. However, I live near campus and need medical care—can I still use the Student Health Center?

Yes, you can! While the health fee isn’t included in your standard fees, you can still access services at the Student Health Center by paying a separate fee. To find out what’s available and how it works, just contact them at studenthealth@charlotte.edu or 704-687-7400—they’ll be glad to help!

Because my primary program is online or site-based, I am not charged the Transportation Misc. and Food Service Facilities Misc. fees. When I come to campus, can I ride the bus and/or eat in a dining hall?

Yes! Niner Transit, the on-campus bus system, is free for everyone—no UNC Charlotte ID required. For off-campus public transportation, CATS bus and light rail passes must be purchased through the CATS website or app. 

If you don’t have a meal plan, you can still eat at SoVi or Crown Commons by paying the door rate. There are also a variety of retail dining options located throughout campus. Visit Dine On Campus to see what’s currently open.

Additional Guidelines

Does the university adhere to a student code of conduct?

Yes, Charlotte’s Division of Institutional Integrity has both a Code of Student Responsibility and a Code of Student Academic Integrity.

Can Charlotte Online students live on campus?

On-campus housing is limited, so it’s primarily reserved for students who attend classes on campus. This allows the university to make sure that students who regularly need to be on campus for classes, labs, and campus activities have access to convenient housing. Because online students complete all or most of their coursework online, housing is not likely to be available. Students are welcome to contact Housing and Residence Life for more information.

What is FERPA and why is it important that I use my university email address?

FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that protects students’ educational records from being disclosed without consent. In order to protect your educational records, your university email is how the university, including your instructors, will communicate with you on all academic-related matters. Visit FERPA Guidance and Resources for more information.

What is Netiquette and why is it important?

Netiquette is short for network etiquette and refers to the manners applied when interacting and communicating online. It encompasses a set of guidelines that encourage respectful and effective communication, ensuring a positive and productive environment. For more information, see Netiquette Guidelines.

What Did You Love Most About Your Charlotte Online Experience?

For Dayle, Class of 2025, it was the flexibility to earn a degree while balancing a full-time job. What made the biggest difference for you? Share your experience and help inspire the next Future 49er.