Campus Life Experience (CLE)

The purpose of the CLE requirement is to extend student learning beyond the classroom through engagement in a variety of activities that connect campus academic and social life, encourage a sense of belonging, and foster wayfinding. 

Students Enrolled for the First Time in Fall 2026 and After 

All students are required to complete eight (8) CLEs over the course of their undergraduate career, with at least one CLE completed in each of the four categories. The remaining four CLEs may be completed in any category of the student's choosing.

  1. Civic Engagement, Public Service, and Academic Enhancement
  2. Films, Music, & Visual and Performing Arts
  3. Career Exploration & Leadership Development
  4. Campus Life and Personal Well-Being 

While students are encouraged to explore a variety of CLE options, attending the same event in different semesters or academic years is permissible. 

Events that are required for a course the student is taking are still eligible to count toward the Campus Life Experience requirement. To be eligible, events must be sponsored by a UNC–Chapel Hill department or unit. Events may include students on the program but may not be entirely composed of students. 

All approved events are posted to Heel Life. 

Additional information is available in Student Affairs.

Students Enrolled for the First Time Before Fall 2026

  • Students graduating in December 2026 or later are required to complete the reduced total number of CLEs, 8 total, but are not subject to the new category distribution requirement.  
  • Students graduating in May 2026 and August 2026 are required to complete the original CLE requirement. See archived catalog for additional information. 

While students are encouraged to explore a variety of CLE options, attending the same event in different semesters or academic years is permissible. 

Events that are required for a course the student is taking are still eligible to count toward the Campus Life Experience requirement. To be eligible, events must be sponsored by a UNC–Chapel Hill department or unit. Events may include students on the program but may not be entirely composed of students. 

If you participate in a study abroad program beginning in Fall 2026 or later, you will no longer accrue two CLEs for that semester, and the program itself will no longer count as completing two CLEs.

All approved events are posted to Heel Life. 

Additional information is available in Student Affairs.