Goal 7.1 – Advocate for the Covenant Scholarship Program to Include Graduate School Exams in their Existing List of Additional Funding
Carolina promises to prepare students for their future goals, including pursuing higher education, research, or artistic careers. However, for low-income students, the cost of graduate school exams and application fees can be a significant barrier. The Alvarez Administration will work to extend the Covenant Scholarship to cover these additional costs. We will collaborate with Carolina Covenant and the UNC Scholarship and Financial Aid department to advocate for funding for graduate school exams and applications. Additionally, we will push for funding for materials like study programs or books for exams such as the LSAT, MCAT, or GRE.

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Goal 7.2 – Expanding Financial Aid to Cover Class Materials Where the Total Cost of Required Materials Exceeds What is Budgeted for in Financial Aid Packets

The Alvarez Administration recognizes that course materials are a significant financial burden for students, with UNC students averaging $1,290 per year in costs, which often exceeds what is covered by financial aid. To address this, we will advocate for additional aid to fully cover the cost of required materials. We will also propose a “Course Pack” program where students pay a maximum of $20 per credit for textbooks, capping the total at $60 per class, with rentals that can be purchased at the end of the semester. Additionally, we will support a buy-back program at the Student Stores, allowing students to sell textbooks back using proof of purchase from external retailers, helping to reduce costs and provide affordable materials for future students.

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Goal 7.3 – Introducing the Carolina Closet, A Career and Graduation Rental System

The Alvarez Administration recognizes that professional milestones like job interviews, internships, and graduation should be exciting, not financially burdensome. Many students face challenges affording the appropriate attire for these events, which can limit opportunities and participation. To address this, we will establish the “Carolina Closet,” a permanent on-campus resource offering free professional attire and graduation regalia. We will organize seasonal clothing drives with student organizations, alumni, and local businesses to ensure a variety of styles and sizes are available. Additionally, we will collaborate with Jostens and Carolina Grad Experience to provide free regalia rentals for students with financial need and promote sustainability through gown recycling. To further support students, we will launch the “Dress for Success” fund, allowing students to request new attire for professional events, supported by grants and corporate sponsorships.

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Goal 3.4 – Introducing Accessible Sports
Collaborate with Campus Recreation and Disability Advocates for Carolina to establish accessible sports programs. Begin with a student interest meeting to identify desired sports and integrate them into Carolina’s intramural clubs, ensuring inclusivity in recreational opportunities.

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Goal 3.5 – Expanding Language Accessibility
Improve accessibility for non-English-speaking families by partnering with admissions and orientation offices to provide multilingual materials for tours, admissions, orientations, and financial aid. Offer self-guided and in-person campus tours in additional languages to support prospective students and families.

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Goal 3.6 – Expanding Religious Accessibility
Advocate for a permanent prayer room in the Student Union in partnership with the Muslim Student Association. Address the current challenges with temporary bookings to ensure a consistent, protected space for religious practices.

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Goal 3.7 – Introducing a 24-Hour Accessibility Hotline
Work with the Accessible Carolina Committee to create a 24-hour hotline for students to report accessibility issues like elevator outages. Provide an immediate resource to address accessibility concerns and hold the university accountable for prompt resolutions.