Majors: Sport Administration, Public Policy

Email: jillianshippee@gmail.com

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

They were not too different from the AP courses I took at Shen. 101 classes were the most intensive but for the most part I would do about 3-6 hours of homework each day freshman year. A lot of courses freshman are general education requirements so it tough to stay motivated for them but there is a good variety to choose from.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

The professors at UNC are top in their academic field of study. They are very willing to help you grow as a student but also as a person. A lot of my sport administration professors will connect students, looking for internships or jobs, directly with colleagues in the industry. Additionally my science, history, and social science professors all conduct research so it is very interesting to hear about their experiences and thought processes.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

When classes transitioned online it was definitely challenging to adjust to a new schedule and routine. The majority of my professors sent an entirely new syllabus and took out final exams. The professors would post recorded lectures for us to watch in our own time or schedule zoom class. However challenging it may have been, it was comforting to know how easy it was to contact a professor with any questions or concerns. They have always been willing to meet for office hours but a lot of them would send daily emails about scheduling a time to talk to students individually about course material or anything going on in your life. They were very supportive of us.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

UNC is a public university so they are very transparent when it comes to communication and disclosing information. Additionally, the university offered many mental health seminars and zoom appointments with psychologists to help students navigate these complicated times. Dining halls and residence remained open for those unable to leave per request/application (ie. International students and students without the financial means to get home). Students who left campus in march were refunded the money for their meal plans and housing expenses for the remainder of the virtual semester.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

There are so many ways to get involved at UNC in every department. There are over 800 student organizations on campus. With Duke, NC State, and Wake Forest all so close there are a lot of joint opportunities With students on those campuses too. There are also so many ways to get involved in research at UNC at any level. There is a website that has listings for people searching for research partners or people to help with research. Professors also have many offerings individually.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

There is always something to do every weekend. Athletic competitions, concerts, plays, dorm mixers, club and intramural sports/activities, art shows, plays, and many more. Our 26 sports teams are among the best in the country so there is always a good game in town.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

I am on the Varsity track&field team. Balancing academics, extracurricular, and athletics has been easier than I thought. So many athletes are involved in things outside the classroom and off the field. The incredible amount of resources for student-athletes is very helpful. College is all about time management and ignoring distractions, if you can do that you are just fine.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

Many students work during the school year. They work on campus in the libraries, recreation centers, sporting events, or downs town at local restaurants or shops. They seem to manage it pretty well. The only downside is an extremely low minimum wage in North Carolina as compared to New York.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Reach out and talk to admissions advisors. UNC is a difficult school to get accepted out of state so making sure your application has been carefully crafted and cleaned up is important.

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What makes your college special to you?

The people and the town of Chapel Hill are the best parts of the school. The people at UNC are all so warm and friendly. The town of Chapel Hill is the perfect college town. It has a great downtown area that begins on the edge of campus, there is so much to do, and the weather is amazing.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

There are surveys that UNC housing distributed to help match you with a roommate your freshman year. However many students will find roommates using the Facebook group.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

UNC is very good with financial aid and scholarships. There are a lot of types of aid to apply for.

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