Beginning with the 2022 – 2023 school year and the implementation of the new IDEAs in Action curriculum, the Campus Life Experience (CLE) is required for new undergraduate students (first year and transfer). As of August 1, 2026 all students enrolled for the first time in Fall 2026 or after 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 below. The remaining four CLEs may be completed in any category of the students’ choosing.
Students are required to complete at least one CLE in the following categories:
- Civic Engagement, Public Service, and Academic Enhancement
- Films, Music, & Visual and Performing Arts
- Career Exploration & Leadership Development
- 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.
Finding CLE Events
CLE events include, but are not limited to, on-campus organized activities, such as performances, talks, panels, workshops, and more. All CLE events are registered through the Heel Life – CLE Events page. Or, follow these steps: CLE events include, but are not limited to, on-campus organized activities, such as performances, talks, panels, workshops, and more. All CLE events are registered through the Heel Life – CLE Events page. Or, follow these steps:
- Visit heellife.unc.edu.
- Select the Events tab to explore opportunities and filter by keywords, themes, categories, and perks.
- Under Categories, select Campus Life Experience to limit events that are CLE eligible. Here, students can also filter to find CLE eligible events in any of the four required categories.
Note: Only events with the Campus Life Experience category and/or the four required categories tag are eligible to fulfill CLE requirements.
Checking Attendance at CLE Events
Students must confirm their attendance at CLE events by scanning the QR code displayed at the event. Proof of attendance can be found by visiting Heel Life, selecting your profile link in the upper-right corner, and choosing Event History. After scanning the QR code, CLE credit will automatically be uploaded to your Tar Heel Tracker – the CLE Submission form is not required to receive credit.
Note: RSVPing or Pre-registering for an event on Heel Life does not fulfill the submission requirements.
Keeping Track of CLE Progress for Graduation
CLE progress is tracked through the student’s Tar Heel Tracker (THT) on ConnectCarolina. After scanning the QR code at the event, the THT will reflect any changes within 72 hours. If a student has not received credit after the 72-hour threshold, please contact the CLE team at CLE@unc.edu.
Variations and Exceptions for CLE Requirements
There are some variations for students who were enrolled before the August 1 update to CLE requirements. These variations are reflected in the TarHeel Tracker for these unique scenarios:
- 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.
Questions? Contact us at CLE@unc.edu
Please note: The CLE support team operates Monday – Friday from 9 am-5 pm