Seminar Requirements

The Seminars serve the “of the public, for the public”  service mission of the University to the people of North Carolina and beyond through an expanding collaborative effort on timely topics of interest to policy and scholarly exchange. According to Professor Ruel Tyson, “The Carolina Seminars provides an opportunity to build bridges between scholars and researchers on campus and their kind elsewhere. It will help create a sense of community among those whose work usually separates them from one another.”

The program is built around in-depth initiatives designed to study complex problems and issues, bridge disciplinary boundaries, and enrich academic discourse. Each seminar is guided by a group of scholars from two different UNC-CH departments and/or two different institutions, one of which must be UNC. In addition to logistical support, the program offers modest financial support. Preference is given to seminars that emphasize in-depth discussion of new or in-progress scholarship. WHO SHOULD APPLY? UNC-CH faculty and staff (EPA Non-Faculty) that are excited to explore a topic through interdisciplinary lenses. We particularly encourage applications that will bring together scholars and students from different backgrounds (professional, racial/ethnic, gender, etc.).

Traditional Format (1-year)

• Formed around an ongoing topic area (examples include Legal History, Climate Science, and American Indian Studies).
• Expected to meet at least six times during an academic year, unless a compelling case is made for a different meeting plan.
• Receives base funding of $1,600 for the academic year. However, conveners may request additional funding for specific needs.
• May be renewed annually as long as the seminar remains intellectually vibrant, active, and in line with the Carolina Seminars’ priorities.

Problem-Based Format (2-year)

• Formed around an intellectual problem or task.
• Expected to meet at least six times per year, culminating in a specific work (publication, white paper, research agenda, grant proposal, etc.).
• Receives base funding of $3,200 for the academic year.
• However, conveners may request additional funding for specific needs.
• Will not be renewed after the proposed period is complete.
• Not required but preferred: Offers a collaboration with other institutions outside of UNC.

Problem-Based Format (3-year)

• Formed around an intellectual problem or task.
• Expected to meet at least six times per year, culminating in a specific work (publication, white paper, research agenda, grant proposal, etc.).
• Receives base funding of $3,200 for the academic year.
• However, conveners may request additional funding for specific needs. Allotted funds must be spent by May 26th, 2023.
• Will not be renewed after the proposed period is complete.
• Not required but preferred: Offers a collaboration with other institutions outside of UNC.