1. What is UTOP
  2. UTOP FAQs

UTOP FAQs

FAQs

What are the benefits of UTOP?

UTOP is an excellent opportunity for incoming freshman students to begin their college experience early, gain seven credit hours toward their degree, start with a solid GPA foundation, get acclimated to campus early and build a support system of peers and staff across campus.

What are the beginning and end dates of UTOP?

UTOP Move In:  July 1, 1:00pm-5:00pm. (TENTATIVE)

UTOP Opening Ceremony:  July 1, 

Summer 2 Classes begin: July 5 - Wednesday, August 8, 2023 

Summer 2 Final Exams: August 9-10, 2023

UTOP Closing Ceremony: August 8, 6:00pm 

UTOP Move Out: August 10, 2023

Who Should Apply?

The University Transition Opportunities Program (UTOP), while open to all students, emphasizes the student success and academic support of students from the following populations: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx. Pacific Islander, Native American, Multi-racial, LGBTQ, first-generation, students from rural communities, and students who have a reported disability.

What is the cost of UTOP? What does the cost cover?

Full and partial scholarships available.

The UTOP participant fee must be paid after submission of the UTOP application to secure a participant's spot in UTOP.

UTOP 2022 Cost: 

The program cost comprises summer tuition and fees, summer housing cost, and the UTOP participant fee.

Apartment Option
NC Resident (7-credit hours) Non-NC Resident (7-credit hours)
Tuition and Fees: $2,491 Tuition and Fees: $5,529
Summer Housing: $1,085 Summer Housing: $1,085
UTOP Participant Fee: $250 UTOP Participant Fee: $250
Total: $3,826 Total: $6,864
Suite Option
NC Resident (7-credit hours) Non-NC Resident (7-credit hours)
Tuition and Fees: $2,491 Tuition and Fees: $5,529
Summer Housing: $1,045 Summer Housing: $1,045
UTOP Participant Fee: $250 UTOP Participant Fee: $250
Total: $3,786 Total: $6,824

Is there financial assistance to cover the cost of UTOP?

All prospective UTOP students must complete a 2023-2024 FAFSA (in addition to the 2022-2023 FAFSA needed for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semester aid) to be evaluated for possible grant awards to cover the cost of UTOP. The Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion offers additional scholarship money to help cover the cost of UTOP. To be evaluated for additional scholarship aid, students must first complete the UTOP application and 2022-2023 FAFSA and submit the $250 UTOP Participant Fee. Financial assistance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants are encouraged to pay the $250 participant fee as soon as possible to guarantee their scholarship offer. Students can be fully awarded the cost of UTOP or be awarded 75%, 50%, 25%, $1,000, or $500 scholarships.

Do I need to buy textbooks?

UTOP participants do not have to purchase textbooks for the program. The program purchases textbooks for all participants.

Are payment plans available?

Summer 2022:

The University payment plan is available to participants who have a remaining balance after grant and/or scholarship amounts have been applied to their account.
A $27.50 fee must be paid at the time of enrollment.

Payment Plan Dates:

If you enroll in plan before May 25 

Due Date

1st Installment Due Date     

May 26, 2022

2nd Installment Due Date   

Jun. 16, 2022

3rd Installment Due Date 

Jul. 7, 2022

How to Enroll in the Payment Plan:

Follow these instructions to enroll:

  1. Log in to my.uncc.edu.

  2. Click the View Account & Statements button in the My Student Account block

  3. Click the Payment Plans tab then follow instructions on the screen.

Do I have to submit a housing application?

UTOP students must submit a summer housing application. Students must indicate UTOP participation inside on their housing application. The Summer Housing application for 2022 is now open, apply here!

Where will I stay on campus during UTOP?

Summer 2022: Miltimore Hall

For more information, visit UTOP Housing.

Can I request a roommate?

Mutual roommate requests may be made through housing application and must be a fellow UTOP participant.

Do I have to stay on campus?

UTOP is a residential program, therefore all UTOP participants are required to reside in UTOP designated campus housing during the program. No exceptions. 

Since I am attending UTOP, am I required to attend New Student Orientation?

UTOP participants are asked to participate in the New Student Orientation prior to the first day of UTOP classes.

How do I register for UTOP classes?

UTOP classes are registered for you. Approximately two weeks before the beginning of the program, you can review your class schedule inside your Banner account.

I already have credit for the classes that UTOP offers, can I take other classes during UTOP?

UTOP participants who have credit for the classes offered by the program may be placed in other available general education or introductory major classes. 

Does UTOP have a meal plan?

Summer 2022: Straight Declining Balance (DB) Plan

Purchasing a meal plan is optional for UTOP students and is not included in the cost of the program. Should you purchase a meal plan, that is an expense that the program does not cover with scholarship and grant funding.

If you have any questions regarding meal plans outside of the information we are providing, please contact the 49er Card and Meal Plan Office at 704-687-7337 or 49ercard@uncc.edu.

The $350 Straight Declining Balance Plan offers the ultimate flexibility for purchasing meals at the dining hall or at retail locations through the Niner Diners Mobile Ordering app or on-site kiosks.

  • Summer Session II

    • Valid dates: July 4, 2022-August 10, 2022

    • Price: $350 

Purchase the plan

  • Students may purchase the meal plan at any time before the end of the second summer session. However, only one meal plan may be purchased per session. If students need additional funds, make a deposit to your Optional Dining Account.

  • Purchase Meal Plan

Location and hours

  • Market on Craver featuring Subway Grab ‘n’ Go and Fresh2U, Starbucks, and Crown Commons (lunch and dinner) 

  • Additional on-campus retail (Bojangles, Chick-fil-a, etc.)

  • DB may also be spent at the Domino's Pizza on University City Boulevard.

For information about dining hours, please visit the Dine on Campus website or download the app from Google Play or Apple Store.

What food options are available on campus during UTOP?

Dining Hall

Crown Commons logo  Crown Commons

Located on the second level of the Student Union, Crown Commons is sure to please every taste and every mood. Almost everything is cooked-to-order right in front of you. Choices include:

  • Pizza – made in a state-of-the-art gas fired oven
  • Home Cooking Kitchen – comfort foods and rotisserie chicken
  • Deli – fresh sliced meats, cheeses, and fresh toppings piled high on just-baked French bread
  • Grilling Station – burgers and other American favorites grilled or charbroiled as you direct
  • International Fare – flavors from around the world continuously rotate
  • Soup and Salad Stations – build the salad of your dreams and then let the chef make it sizzle with grilled steak, chicken, or tofu
  • Waffle Bar – everything provided for Belgian waffles with all kinds of toppings
  • Cereal Bar – several varieties of your favorite cereals always available with cold milk
  • Vegan & Vegetarian Entrée – abundant vegetarian meat-free offerings
  • Gluten-Free – ask the chef for special dishes prepared gluten-free

Retail dining

Atkins Library

Atkins Café

A coffee shop that proudly serves Peet's Coffee and Teas. Enjoy your favorite coffee shop drinks along with fresh bakery goods, sandwiches, smoothies, soups-of-the-day, and a large selection of bottled specialty juices and energy and soft drinks.

PORTAL Building

Orbis Grille at PORTAL

Featuring fresh lunch fare, salads, sandwiches, and special featured dishes with "global flavors." Orbis Grille features an Evo Grill Action Station – a round cook top that offers a healthy cooking method to give your salad, sandwich, or lunch entree some sizzle.

Fretwell Building

Fretwell Café

Serving Peet's Coffee and Teas, fresh bakery goods, sandwiches, smoothies, soups-of-the-day, and a large selection of bottled specialty juices as well as energy and soft drinks.

Prospector

South Food Court

  • Chick-fil-A
  • Feisty's – Franks, fries, and melts

Student Union

Union Square

  • Bojangles'
  • Wendy's
  • Starbucks
  • Outtakes – featuring a deli counter for made-to-order sandwiches plus grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, snacks, beverages, and convenience store items

What do I need to bring?

Necessities: Pillow and blankets, toiletries, blow dryer/curling iron, linens and towels, shower sandals, shower tote, laundry basket and detergent, cleaning supplies, clothes hangers, steam iron and small ironing board, umbrella, first aid and personal medication supplies, school supplies (binder, paper, calculator, flash drive, etc.), business attire.

Luxuries: Refrigerator, microwave, snack foods, television, laptop/tablet/computer, stereo, carpet/rug, vacuum, playing cards/games, gaming systems (Xbox, Playstation), printer.

What should I leave at home?

Pets, hot plates, space heaters, multi-plug wall outlets/multi-plug extension cords, chain locks, deep fryer, electric grill/griddle, regular toaster, indoor grill (George Foreman-style), dead bolt locks, fireworks/candles/incense, firearms and/or ammunition, alcohol or alcohol related items, illegal substances (drugs or paraphernalia).

Do I need to bring money?

Students will need money for personal needs and optional activities.

Can we go home on the weekends?

There are two weekends that students can travel home with parent/guardian permission during UTOP. 

UTOP 2023 optional weekends:

  • July 14 - 16
  • July 28 - 30

Friday Check-Out: 1:30 PM, Sunday Check-In: 5:00 PM

Programs and activities are planned for the remaining weekends; participation is mandatory.

Can I bring my car during UTOP?

Student vehicles are not permitted during the program. All transportation will be provided for you. You may bring your vehicle to campus during the academic year (Fall/Spring).

I'll be a commuting student in the Fall, can I still participate in UTOP?

Fall semester commuting students can participate in UTOP. However, during the program, all students are required to stay on-campus; no exceptions. You may move off campus once that program concludes.