UNC MPA Student Digest | November 21, 2025

UNC MPA News and Events

Last Call for Battle of the Schools!

Battle of the Schools Community Drive!


It’s time for a little friendly competition for a great cause! The School of Government (SOG) and the School of Social Work (SSW) are going head-to-head in our Battle of the Schools: Community Drive — a campus-wide effort to support Orange County families and neighbors in need this season.

🗓 Drive Dates: Monday, November 3 – Monday, November 24

📍Drop-Off Locations: Lobby of both SOG and SSW buildings

How it works: Donate food, hygiene items, or cold-weather supplies to your school’s collection box. Every item counts toward your school’s total, and the winning school will earn bragging rights and a treat social!

Why it matters: Local food pantries and shelters are stretched beyond capacity this fall. Cold-weather shelters are preparing for one of the busiest seasons in years, while reductions in WIC and SNAP funding have left many families struggling to afford groceries and basic essentials. Every can, blanket, and bottle of detergent donated directly supports a neighbor facing food insecurity, homelessness, or housing instability—and reminds them that their community cares.

Most Needed Items Include:

·                    Canned vegetables, fruit, soup, and pasta

·                    Rice, oatmeal, mac & cheese, and peanut butter or jelly

·                    Hygiene items like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and baby wipes

·                    Cold-weather gear: blankets, sleeping bags, hand warmers, and ponchos

·                    Laundry detergent and paper products

All donations will benefit OCIM Food Pantry and the Orange County Housing Department Cold Weather Shelter programs.

Let’s see which school can give the most!

Together, we can make a difference—one item at a time.

Thank you for helping support our community,

Leaders Doing Good Student Organization

Student Highlight: Erin Mathis


Online MPA student Erin Mathis was recently highlighted on the UNC website as part of their Veteran's Day coverage. Erin discussed being part of the Tar Heel Family, the convenience of online classes, being a part of the new Service to Service Initiative, details on being a US Marine Corps pilot, and leading the squadron flying over Kenan Stadium before the Duke-UNC Game on November 22!

Photos of the Week: MPA Intramural Basketball

This isn't the Tar Heel Basketball team you hear from most often, but we are super proud of our MPA students making it to the 2nd round of playoffs in the Co-Ed Intramural league. Thanks to all who came out to support their most recent game this week!

Susan Rahimzadeh, Zane Davis, Ben Austin, Justin Guinta, Emma Gilliam, & Ben Bogle

Three cheers for MPA!

Upcoming MPA Dates:


  • November 23: Last day of Fall online format classes
  • November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break for on-campus format classes
  • December 3: Last day of Fall on-campus format classes; Doodling with the Dean
  • December 13: MPA Winter Commencement Brunch
  • January 5, 2026: First Day of Spring online format classes
  • January 7, 2026: First Day of Spring on-campus format classes
  • January 9, 2026: Excel Seminar
  • January 12: 2026: 4th Annual UNC MPA Career & Networking Fair
  • January 15, 2026: Leaders Doing Good Guest Speaker, Dr. John Bare, 12-1 pm

UNC events and beyond

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Here's what you'll find below:

  • Due December 5: Center for Faculty Excellence Accepting Applications for Graduate Assistant Position
  • Bynum Food Pantry Now includes Refrigerated Items!
  • November 21: Threads of Pride Professional Clothing Swap
  • November 26: Thanksgiving Break Potluck
  • November 27: Tar Heel Thanksgiving
  • December 4: Noodles for your Noggin
  • December 10: Control, Alt, Protect: Keeping Our Kids Safe Online
  • December 10: 27th Holiday Carolina Blood Drive
  • Due January 15, 2026: Call for Papers NC Political Science Association Conference

Center for Faculty Excellence Accepting Applications for Graduate Assistant Position


The Center for Faculty Excellence is seeking a Graduate Student Assistant with strong writing and research skills to support faculty affairs policy work. Application materials need to be submitted by December 5, with work to start in January 2026. The position is 10-20 hours per week at a rate of $20-25 per hour. The position is fully remote with flexible hours. For more details and to apply, please visit their application.

Bynum Hall Food Pantry Now Includes Refrigerated Items

Grad students can access non-perishable items, refrigerated foods, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies and childcare essentials like diapers and wipes through the Bynum Hall Food Pantry. The pantry is located in Bynum Hall, outside office 203, and is typically available Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.


If you’d like to visit, please contact The Graduate School’s Office of Student Affairs to confirm a time and ensure someone is available to assist you. Additional basic needs resources are available for all Carolina community members.

Threads of Pride Professional Clothing Swap


November 21 | 1:00 - 4:00 pm | GSC


Join us for a free clothing exchange designed for queer graduate and professional students! Bring gently used professional attire you no longer need and find affirming pieces that help you feel authentic in professional settings. All completely free, with snacks and refreshments provided. Come connect with community while building a wardrobe that reflects who you are. 

Thanksgiving Break Potluck


November 26 | 5:30-8 pm | FedEx Global Education Center Atrium


ISSS, the International Postdoc Alliance, and Graduate Student Success will be hosting a potluck during UNC’s Thanksgiving break to offer a space for community, cultural exchange, games, and more! Join us on Wednesday, November 26th from 5:30-8:00pm. We ask that each person in attendance bring a dish (something you enjoy to make that reminds you of home, or something easy to make, whatever feels best) or snack to share, alcohol is prohibited at this event. Friends and family are invited to attend!


Complete this RSVP form to let us know you will be joining us and what you plan to bring. We will send a reminder email to you the day before the event. 


Questions? Email annielundeen@unc.edu

photo of traditional Thanksgiving foods

Thanksgiving at Carolina - A Feast for Students Staying in Chapel Hill


If you're staying in Chapel Hill over the holiday, you're invited to a festive Thanksgiving meal at The Carolina Club. Enjoy a complimentary, traditional Thanksgiving buffet, thanks to the generosity of Carolina Club Members.


Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Seating Times: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, or 2:00 PM
Location: The Carolina Club (150 Stadium Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina)

Limited spaces are available, so be sure to RSVP ASAP! +1s are welcome.


11:00 am seating Sign Up


12:30 pm seating Sign Up


2 pm seating Sign Up



Menu Highlights:

* Salad: Mixed greens with tomatoes, carrots & radish, served with ranch or balsamic dressing on the side (GF/DF/V/VG).

* Main Course: Sliced turkey with broth (GF/DF), vegetable risotto (GF/DF/V/VG), cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes (GF/V), steamed green beans (GF/DF/V/VG), Rolls.

* Desserts: Pumpkin pie (V), cookies, brownies, and fresh fruit (GF/DF/V/VG).

Note: Entire menu is nut-free!
(GF - gluten-free | DF - dairy-free | V - vegetarian | VG - vegan)


Questions? Email Joshua Bream at jbream@unc.edu


We look forward to celebrating with you and your guest—don’t miss this heartwarming holiday gathering with your Carolina community!


Noodles for your Noggin


Need a brain break during reading day? Swing by the LGBTQ Center for Noodles for your Noggin! On Thursday, December 4th, we're serving up a DIY ramen bar from 12 to 2 pm. Soup-ercharge your mind with oodles of noodles with the LGBTQ Center!

Noodles for your Noggin graphic

Control, Alt, Protect: Keeping Our Kids Safe Online


Wednesday, December 10, 12-1:30 pm, Zoom


Special Agent Ray Oliver from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Computer Crimes Unit is partnering with Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services and Carolina Behavioral Assessment and Management to host a workshop focused on helping parents and caregivers navigate the ever-changing digital world. We'll explore the latest trends in online behavior among kids and teens, identify common risks, and share practical strategies for keeping young people safe while empowering them to make smart choices online.


Personal Note: I attended the last one of these offered and it was very insightful for parents, educators, and anyone who cares for children! ~Elizabeth Langefeld

27th Holiday Carolina Blood Drive


The UNC Employee Forum invites the Tar Heel community to bleed Carolina blue and donate blood with the American Red Cross at the Holiday Carolina Blood Drive 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Fetzer Hall.


Free parking is available in Cobb Deck. As a thank you for your generosity, when you come to give, you’ll receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last! Free food from local favorites will be served to donors.


Schedule your appointment today:


Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged!


Volunteers are also needed to make the drive a success. Use our volunteer sign-up to join us.


For UNC employees, donating blood or volunteering is considered work time with supervisor approval.



For event details or to volunteer, visit carolinablooddrive.unc.edu.

Call for Papers: North Carolina Political Science Association Conference


Conference will be held March 20, 21, 2026 at Elon University. Call for papers due January 15, 2026. Email Thomas Kerr for more information.

Links and resources

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