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Travel Funding

Graduate student travel expenses.

GPSG sets aside a certain amount of its funding each year to help graduate students travel to academic and professional conferences that benefit their education while positively representing UNC Charlotte at these events.

To Find Forms on NinerEngage

• Log in to  Niner Engage  using your NinerNet credentials.
• Search for  Graduate & Professional Student Government  and select the appropriate Organization.
• Select the appropriate Funding Application form you are looking for under the Forms section

Any currently enrolled graduate student of UNC Charlotte can apply to get money to help with the cost of attending or presenting at one (or more) conference(s). You must be a currently enrolled student at the time of travel. 

• You must be a graduate student enrolled at UNC Charlotte;
• Your conference/symposium must be eligible for GPSG travel funding;
• You must apply within the correct application window;
• If you were awarded travel funds from the GPSG earlier in the current fiscal year (from June 1st until now), the total of these GPSG awards must not exceed your annual maximum of $800.00.
• You must be a member of a student organization or if not a member must only be presenting; we no longer fund students who are not members of an organization who are attending conferences
• Undergraduates enrolled in an early entry program are not elligible for travel funding.

Conferences/Symposia Eligible for Travel Funding

• Any academic and/or professional conference that would benefit student's graduate education. GPSG does not provide funding for classes such as study/training sessions for professional exams or continuing education workshops.
• You may apply as a presenter even if you have not been accepted when the window opens (if you are no longer presenting or not accepted please let the GPSG treasurer know immediately) 

Proof of registration or acceptance (in case of a paper or poster presentation) to the conference/symposium is not needed in order to apply for Travel Funding.

How to Apply for Travel Funding

One academic year consists of 3 separate application windows open for 2 weeks each. It is not possible to apply for travel funding outside these application windows. Each application window only accepts submissions for conferences that take place within a particular period of time.

Fall conferences/symposia

If the first day of the conference/symposium falls within October 1st and December 31st:

• Application window: from September 1st (12:00 am) until September 20th (11:45 pm).
• Notification of Approval/Denial of travel funds: September 30th.

Spring conferences/symposia

If the first day of the conference/symposium falls within January 1st and May 31st:

• Application window: from November 1st until November 15th.
• Notification of Approval/Denial of travel funds: December 1st.

Summer conferences/symposia

If the first day of the conference/symposium falls within June 1st and September 30th:

• Application window: from April 1st until April 15th.
• Notification of Approval/Denial of travel funds: May 1st.

The application must be filled-in using the online travel form on NinerEngage. The online form is only accessible when an application window is opened.

**please remember you are not guarenteed support from GPSG unless you recieve an email from the GPSG Treasurer**

TRAVEL SETTLEMENT FORM MUST BE COMPLETED NO LATER THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER YOUR RETURN DATE

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Travel Clinic

Students planning to travel or study abroad can receive current travel information and vaccination recommendations for their specific itinerary.

• Plan to schedule an appointment with the Travel Clinic  at least  one month prior to your departure. Call the department to schedule an appointment. Some vaccines require advanced planning to work effectively.
• Immunization Record for International Travel is also available, upon request. Most vaccinations typically advised for travel are available. View the Available Vaccines section of this website. 
• Please note : If students are enrolled in the  University student health insurance plan , additional insurance will not be necessary for travel outside of the U.S.

Click links below for additional health and safety warnings for the countries where you plan to travel. It is advisable for you to check these sites up to your date of travel and register your trip through the US State department (see safety tips/ S mart  T raveler  E nrollment  P rogram)?

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Travel Grant

The Travel Grant is offered for Student Organizations looking to travel in a way that will benefit the University, increase the effectiveness of their organization, or complete travel that is in within the scope with the applying organization's mission as charged by UNC Charlotte. The Travel Grant Fund shall be used for travel that directly aids student organizations in achieving organizational goals and in representing UNC Charlotte. Registered student organizations can apply for this grant to support their travel (to conferences or competitions) needs. The maximum award is $2,400 per organization per year.  The maximum award for an individual is $300, unless they have proof they are presenting, then the maximum is $400.

Before Applying

• Click here  to make sure your student organization is registered
• Review timeline and all policies
• Travel Occurring  Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2023  Due August 25 at 11:59pm
• Travel Occurring  Jan 1 - March 31, 2024   Due November 10 at 11:59pm
• Travel Occurring  April 1 - June 30, 2024   Due February 9 at 11:59pm
• Travel Occurring  July 1 - September 30, 2024   Due April 5 at 11:59pm

Travel Grant Application

Complete and submit your application on Niner Engage.  Be prepared with all required information and documentation explained above.

2023-24 Travel Grant Application

Travel Grant Evaluation

After you return from your conference or competition, a member of your organization that traveled must complete and submit an evaluation within 20 business days of the return date.  Failure to submit an evaluation form will result in suspended funding. 

SGA OWAM Chair

[email protected]

View all Funding Options

A full list of the policies for travel grants (Financial Procedures Act) can be found  here .  You must fully review this document prior to submitting an event grant application.  Policies for specific items funded through the travel grant are below:

Registration costs are paid for student organizations for conferences, training, or any other type of event that requires registration costs as an entrance.

Registration costs may not be funded if the costs include membership fees.

Information required at minimum to be considered by the Committee is as follows:

Conference itinerary

Outline, or printout defining the registration price

Contact information of who the registration is to be paid to.

Transportation costs cover things like airfare, vehicle rental, bus and cab fare, and personal vehicles.

Airfare may be utilized if the intended destination is more than 200 miles from the departure point. First-class airfare is strictly prohibited. All groups wishing to use airfare must submit quotes or prices from two different airlines or companies, and then the lowest price shall be funded.

Personal vehicles will be reimbursed by the Committee at the state rate. In order to be considered for personal vehicle travel the applying organization must submit documentation listing mileage printouts to and from the intended travel, and a list of students utilizing this transportation. The state rate for reimbursement is dynamic and changes at the discretion of the state, groups should contact the Administrative Assistant for the most recent and accurate rate.

Charters or contracted travel may be used. Groups must submit documentation of mileage to and from the destination and a list of students who are utilizing such services. Groups must submit quotes from two different companies.

Rental cars may be used. Groups must submit quotes or prices from two different rental services and the lowest price shall be funded. Groups must also submit documentation of mileage to and from the destination and a list of students who are utilizing such services. Groups may use any rental car company as long as a quote is provided.

Motor Fleet may be used on the contingency of students paying for mile overage. Plans for using Motor Fleet must be coordinated with Ayanna Morrison, Financial Support Specialist for Student Involvement, prior to completing a grant.

Lodging grants cover accommodations that are necessary for the organization to use during their travel.

Items that may be purchased are hotels, motels, suites, centers, cabins, or any other contracted overnight stays.

Hotels and Motels have in-state and out-of-state rates that may be reimbursed by the state. Student organizations should note that they are traveling on state business when traveling on fees given by the Committee and therefore may ask for the state-rate or out-of-state rate accordingly when making arrangements. The Committee may not allocate more than those aforementioned rates to organizations.

In order to be considered for lodging expenses, the organization at minimum is required to submit official documentation from the vendor or company, the students who will be utilizing these services, a list of rooms and persons staying, a valid price quote, and the start and end date of the requested lodging.

Other services can be applied for, if they will be incurred costs during the travel. This includes luggage fees, parking fees, etc. Each item applied for under this line item requires documentation to be considered.

Each item applied for under this line item will be approved on a case by case basis by the Committee.

Other costs include cab fare, tolls, and commuter buses. These may be applied for as reimbursable expenses under Transportation.

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All J-1 Exchange Visitors will need to enter the U.S. to start their programs, and all are permitted to travel outside of the United States during their programs. However, whether traveling to the U.S. for the first time, or leaving and re-entering for another reason, visiting scholars who intend to travel should read through the following webpage to ensure that they have a smooth trip.

Prospective Exchange Visitors should notify faculty sponsors of their initial travel & arrival plans.

Visitors entering the U.S. for the first time on J-1 status using an initial DS-2019 form may enter the U.S. up to (but no earlier) than 30 days before the start date on their DS-2019.

Carry the following documents with you to present to immigration officials when entering the U.S.: DS-2019, passport, financial documents, & SEVIS receipt. Be sure that the immigration officer at the U.S. Port of Entry stamps the date of entry in your passport.

Before and upon arrival to Charlotte (CLT), visitors should read and follow the steps in the sections “Pre-Arrival Information” and “Once in the U.S.A” in the lefthand sidebar for more information.

If you travel outside the United States during your J-1 program (after your initial entry), for tourism, visiting family back home, or for international professional conference attendance etc., you will need the following:

• Valid passport
• Valid J-1 Visa*1
• Valid DS-2019 Form with a Travel Signature endorsed within the last 12 months**
• Proof of Financial Support

*A J-1 visitor may travel to and return from Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands on an expired visa if the travel is for less than 30 days using a special form of re-entry called automatic visa revalidation . Return travel from any other country requires a valid visa. See the sections below regarding trips to Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands.

**J-2 dependent(s) must carry their own DS-2019 Form(s) with valid Travel Signature(s).

1Warning: it is often difficult or impossible to get a new visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of your home country. For example, Mexico will not issue Non-Mexicans a new visa if your U.S. visa has already expired, and requests by Non-Mexicans to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico are often denied, which can lead to Non-Mexicans being stranded in Mexico, unable to re-enter the U.S.. We urge you not to attempt any travel outside the United States to renew a visa (except to renew the visa in your home country) without checking with the ISSO to ensure that all necessary arrangements have been made.

Citizens of certain countries may visit Canada from the U.S. for less than 30 days without first obtaining a Canadian entry visa; this is, of course, conditional upon possession of proper U.S. immigration documents for reentry to this country. The list of those countries whose citizens do not need visas for brief travel to Canada changes frequently. Before making plans to travel to Canada, it is best to call the Canadian consulate in New York (212‑586‑2400) to check if you need a visa or access the Canadian consul online. The address of the Canadian consulate in New York is: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020.

When applying for an entry visa to Canada you may need to take or mail to the Canadian consulate your passport, I-94 and your DS-2019 Form. You will also need to bring these documents with you when you travel to and from Canada.

Unless you fall into one of the “exception” categories below, you do not need a valid U.S. visa to return to the United States in a status previously authorized by DHS/USCIS, nor will you surrender your I-94 when you cross into Canada.

Exceptions: Individuals with the designation 212 (d)(3)(A)(28) on the visa need to see a Scholar Advisor at least 30 days before the intended trip. Also, citizens of certain countries, including Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea, with whom the U.S. does not have friendly relations may be required to obtain a new visa before reentering from Canada. In such cases, it may be risky to travel to Canada; you should speak with the staff of the ISSO before making travel plans.

Mexico and Adjacent Islands:

Similar procedures apply when traveling to Mexico and “Adjacent Islands” (except Cuba) are outlined for travel to Canada. Contact the ISSO for more information and addresses.

J-1 Exchange Visitors have a 30 day Grace Period following the end date on their DS-2019 Form. During this Grace Period, a visitor may prepare their affairs to leave the U.S.; a visitor cannot work during this time. When you plan to leave the University at the end of your stay, please notify the ISSO of your forwarding address and date and method of departure.

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Student Organization Travel

Students who are interested in traveling as a part of a student organization (such as an honors society, professional society, club, or competitive team) should read the instructions on this page for important information and how to get started. ( Printable version of instructions .)

Students should begin making arrangements for travel no less than six weeks prior to their trip. Waiting can result in significant delays in getting reimbursed for travel expenses and increased costs. While the College of Engineering can often help to cover student organization travel costs, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to cover costs entirely, so we strongly encourage you to begin the process of coordinating travel as soon as possible. The sooner we are able to book flights and overnight accommodation, the less expensive it will be, and the more likely the College will be able to cover the costs in full.

Getting Travel Authorization prior to your trip is absolutely necessary regardless of who is paying for it. Even if your student organization chooses to fundraise for the trip to pay for it alone, Travel Authorization is still necessary, as you will be representing the university and this will insure you as a traveler.

The first step in making travel arrangements is completing the Student Organization Travel form . After you have completed it, please reach out to Brenda Nipper to schedule a meeting to discuss your travel. She will go over the process with you in further detail and help you with figuring out what to expect.

Either before or after your meeting with Brenda, you will be asked to complete this spreadsheet with detailed information about your trip. (You are encouraged to begin completing it before the meeting, but it does not have to be finished at the time of the meeting.) Brenda will use the information from this spreadsheet to submit Travel Authorization forms for your party. This spreadsheet will also help you figure out anticipated expenses for the trip.

Figure out where you are getting funding for your travel. Typically, students will ask department chairs to contribute funds. The Dean’s Office is sometimes also able to contribute funding to student organization travel. We cannot guarantee any funding, but you are encouraged to ask.

After we have determined where funding will come from, Brenda will submit Travel Authorization forms for every person in your party.

Once the Travel Authorization forms have been approved and funding has been secured, we will begin booking hotels, flights, and registrations. In many cases, if the College is going to be covering the costs of travel, this can be done with a university purchasing card. In rare cases, students will have to cover the costs of travel to be reimbursed later.

When you are traveling, please be sure to save receipts for any transactions for which you wish to be reimbursed. Please reach out to Brenda to ask questions about what can and cannot be reimbursed later if you are unsure.

After returning from the trip. you will need to schedule another meeting with Brenda to discuss Travel Reimbursement. Be sure to scan and email all receipts for transactions for which you wish to be reimbursed to Brenda . Alternatively, you can drop the receipts off in her office (Duke 310). Brenda will compile receips and submit a TRER (Travel Reimbursement and Expense Report) for all of the members of your party. After the TRERs have been processed by the Travel Office, you will be reimbursed for your expenses.

The W.S. Lee College of Engineering may be able to help with paying for the following expenses in advance. Please check with us before spending any of your own money on these expenses:

• Flights and air travel fees
• Hotels and other overnight accommodation
• Registration fees

Students will have to pay for the following expenses and ask for reimbursement later on their own:

• Taxis, Ubers, buses, and other ground transportation
• Meals (a table that includes standard meal reimbursement rates according to location is available if desired)
• Unexpected travel costs

Please remember to:

• Get Authorization before making any bookings or reservations related to your travel.
• Save receipts from every transaction for which you wish to be reimbursed. Receipts should include the date and time of the transaction, exact cost, payment method, and last four digits of any debit or credit cards that are used.
• Ask questions when you are unsure about a step in the process or if you are doing something correctly. Not following the proper procedure for travel authorization, payment, and reimbursement can cause significant delays in your travel being authorized or reimbursed. Being sure that you are completing each step correctly will prevent these delays.

Please be sure NOT to:

• Make any bookings, reservations, or spend any money before you have received confirmation that your Travel Authorization has been approved.
• Pay for another student’s expenses.
• Book accommodation to stay overnight in lodging other than a hotel (such as an AirBnb or VRBO) without first filing a Third Party Lodging Authorization form and getting approval.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Dean’s Office with any questions. You can call or email Brenda Nipper (704-687-8244, [email protected] ).

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Travel Authorization and Reimbursement

With the completion of the Travel Manual , Business Affairs has developed this Policy Statement on Travel Authorization and Reimbursement to serve as an overarching statement regarding the purpose and scope of the travel manual, and the responsibilities of University employees while in travel status as well as the responsibilities of individuals and offices that participate in the travel authorization and reimbursement process. This is the University’s initial policy statement and procedure manual related to University travel, and it documents in one place the related federal, state, and University requirements.

The University intends to ensure fair and equitable reimbursement of University business travel expense as well as compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to travel.

This Policy implements the State of North Carolina’s travel regulations and complies with the Internal Revenue Service requirements for an Accountable Plan. To be reimbursable, University business travel must be performed in the most economical manner consistent with mission requirements; all expenses must be incurred while in travel status; expenses must be reasonable, necessary and (except for meal per diem) actual; and expenses must not exceed the limitations imposed by the State or the University. 

This Policy and the accompanying  Travel Manual  apply to all UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, students, organizations, and any other individuals and members of organizations that travel at University expense (hereinafter “Travelers”).  

III. Responsibilities

Travelers are responsible for performing their travel duties in conformity with the provisions of this Policy and the  Travel Manual  and for providing expenditure documentation that is legitimate and complete to support their travel reimbursement claims.  Unauthorized excess costs, including those involving circuitous routes, delays, or luxury accommodations and services unnecessary or unjustified in the performance of official business are not reimbursable or otherwise to be paid using University funds. Travelers are responsible for unauthorized costs and any additional expenses incurred for personal preference or convenience.

Supervisors and senior approving officials are responsible for authorizing travel in advance and for reviewing and monitoring all travel expenses they approve. Such approval must certify that the travel was necessary and the expenses were authorized and incurred while on official business of the University. Supervisors also are required to deny reimbursement in situations where there is reason to believe the expenditures are inappropriate, extravagant, unjustified, or unreasonable. 

The Office of Grants and Contracts Administration is responsible for establishing procedures to provide an appropriate review of travel authorizations and reimbursements that charge sponsored grants or contracts for which it has oversight responsibility.  The Controller is responsible for administering and overseeing the provisions of this Policy and for providing guidance to Travelers through the Travel area of the Disbursements Department .

The Athletic Business Office is responsible for authorizing, reviewing and processing travel authorizations and reimbursement requests for the Athletics programs in accordance with this Policy and the accompanying  Travel Manual .

The University will reimburse reasonable and approved business-related travel expenditures incurred by Travelers for the conduct of University business according to this Policy and the accompanying  Travel Manual , which applies to all departments, regardless of the source of funds, and to all affiliated and related organizations.

No duplicate claims or commuting expenses are reimbursable.

This Policy applies to all grant funds, except when the sponsor’s guidelines are more restrictive than University policy, in which case the sponsor’s guidelines apply.  Principal investigators and others traveling on grant funds are expected to be familiar with the allowability of the cost on the sponsored program. Travel expenses that do not conform to both this Policy and the sponsor’s guidelines will not be reimbursed to the Traveler or expensed to the grant fund.

Each administrator is responsible for ensuring that reimbursements from programs or to persons under their authority are reasonable and appropriate for the purpose and charged to a program appropriate to that purpose. An administrator may set lower reimbursement amounts for persons or programs under their responsibility. Reimbursement claims must be signed by the person seeking reimbursement, the immediate supervisor, and the person responsible for the fund paying the claim, if different from the supervisor.  Individuals may not approve their own reimbursement or that of a superior. It is recommended that Travelers retain photocopies of expense reports and related receipts for their own records. Receipts showing the date of service are required for reimbursement of all expenditures except for meal per diems and incidental expenditures such as tips.  Every reimbursement request must include a statement of business purpose that covers the entire travel period.

Travelers who do not comply with this Policy or with the  Travel Manual  will either not be reimbursed or their reimbursement will be treated as taxable income.

V. Travel Procedure

The Travel Authorization Form   ( Travel Forms Package, tab 1 ) published by the Controller’s Office must be completed and submitted to the Travel area of the Disbursements Department no less than two weeks before the travel start date.

The Travel Reimbursement and Expense Report ( Travel Forms Package, tab 2 ) published by the Controller's Office must be completed and submitted to the Travel area of the Disbursements Department no later than 30 days after travel return date.

All Travelers are obligated to comply with the  Travel Manual supplemental to this Policy.

VI. Administration Of Policy

The Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs is responsible for establishing and enforcing supplemental procedures related to travel to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and North Carolina laws. These procedures are available online at the  Travel area of the Disbursements Department   web page .

• Initially approved October 20, 2009
• Updated January 12, 2016
• Updated July 1, 2016
• Revised November 8, 2017
• Updated July 19, 2021

Authority : Chancellor

Responsible Office: Business Affairs

Related Resources: 

• Travel Tips: Know Before You Go
• Travel Forms Package  (Travel Authorization and Travel Reimbursement and Expense Report forms)
• Travel Manual
• Travel FAQs
• Travel area of the Disbursements Department  

Website Information

The materials and information on the Office of Legal Affairs website are presented for informational and general guidance purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. This website is revised from time to time as appropriate, but references to law or policy may not always be current.

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Passports and Visas

One of the first steps in preparing to travel abroad is to obtain a passport. Passports should be valid at least six months after the end date of the student’s program. Whether the student is applying for a first time passport, or renewing an old passport, it is important to start the application process early as it can take several weeks to receive the passport after submitting and application. Similarly, students who need to obtain a visa or other immigration document for their study abroad program will need to research the requirements well in advance and be sure to submit the appropriate application materials in a timely manner.

While it is not required to have a valid passport at time of submitting an application to study abroad, students will be required to submit a copy of their valid passport upon receiving approval to go abroad. EA encourages students to apply for a passport as soon as possible as all students will be required to have a valid passport to travel abroad and will need it for a variety of purposes in order to prepare for their study abroad experience.

A passport is an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.

Passport Validity

Each student needs to ensure their passport is valid per the entry and exit regulations of the host country. This means that the passport does not expire before a certain period of time. To check the passport validity requirement of a particular country, do the following:

• Go to the U.S. Department of State’s website
• Type in the country within the “Learn about your destination” search box
• Scroll down to the “Quick Facts” box, where the validity requirement will be listed

U.S. Citizens

If a student needs to renew or apply for a new passport and they are a U.S. citizen, they can refer to the following resources:

• U.S. Department of State Passport Application Instructions
• Union Station in the Student Union at UNC Charlotte

EA does not issue passports and cannot advise on passport applications.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who do not hold a U.S. passport should consult their home country’s embassy or consulate for more information.

VISAS and OTHER IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to needing a valid passport, students may also need to apply for a visa, transit visa, residency permit, or other type of immigration document. A visa is an immigration document that is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a particular country. A visa is issued by the host country government and is usually a sticker or stamp that is affixed inside of your passport. Not all countries will require a visa, and not all students need to obtain one prior to departure. A transit visa may be required when a person travels though but does not remain in a particular country on the way to another destination. If a transit visa is required for a country on a traveler’s itinerary, a traveler without one will not be allowed to board transportation that goes through that country and will need to make alternate travel arrangements at their own expense. In some cases a student may need to obtain a residence permit upon arrival in the host country, register with the local police office, and/or fill out additional documentation.

Entry and exit requirements of a host country will vary widely based on:

• Destination country
• Traveler’s citizenship
• Where the traveler was born
• Reason for travel to the country (i.e. study vs. work, unpaid vs. paid work)
• The duration of stay in the country

It is possible that one student may need a visa to enter the host country while another student participating in the same program may not need one. It is very important that students research immigration requirements based on their individual situation.

If a visa is required, students will be able to begin their visa application process upon receiving approval to go abroad by EA and upon receiving official acceptance into the program.

Immigration regulations change often. UNC Charlotte Education Abroad cannot advise on immigration requirements on behalf of a host country government, to include answering questions or interpreting embassy websites. It is each student’s responsibility to research the entry and exit requirements of the host country government before applying to go abroad.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to refer to the U.S. Department of State website for visa and immigration information.

Navigating the Department of State website:

• U.S. Department of State’s website
• Access the “Find International Travel Information” section
• Enter the host country in the “Learn about your destination” field
• Refer to the “Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements” heading carefully, where there should be a link to the host country embassy

Non-U.S. Citizens​

Students who do not hold a U.S. passport should consult their home country’s embassy or consulate as well as the host country embassy or consulate for more information. Additionally, non-U.S. citizens who are studying at UNC Charlotte on a visa need to consult with the International Student and Scholar Office to ensure they have the proper documentation to reenter the U.S. upon completion of the program.

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Travel & Complex Payments

• Travel Authorization Form (eTA)
• Payment Research Request Form (formerly Check Research Request)
• ACH Reject / Reversal Form
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Forms: TEST System

• Travel Authorization Form (TEST System)
• Payment Research Request Form (formerly Check Research Request) (TEST System)
• ACH Reject / Reversal Form   (TEST System)
• Imaging Document Submission (IDS) - Travel & Complex Payments - Invoices (TEST System)

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Traveling Fellowship/Scholarships

The David R. Ravin School of Architecture supports student research abroad through the Traveling Fellowship Program and several other travel scholarships. 

The AIAC/David R. Ravin School of Architecture Traveling Fellowship

The Traveling Fellowship Program is hosted and funded in conjunction with the Charlotte Section of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIAC).  The purpose of the program is to recognize and reward excellence in the study of architectural design and to provide the opportunity for travel and exploration in the continuation of that study.

The Traveling Fellowship in the amount of $5,000.00 is awarded to a UNC Charlotte SoA student for travel and study in or out of the continental USA the summer following the award.  All UNC Charlotte SoA students who meet the minimum eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to conduct research abroad.

Interested students must develop a research/study proposal which they submit to Greg Snyder , Chair of the Traveling Fellowship Committee, at the beginning of the Spring semester.  After reviewing all proposals, proposal reviewers will select three to four proposals to be presented before the Committee.  The Committee decides to whom they award the Fellowship at the completion of the selection process.

Applications for the following year's Traveling Fellowship will be due in January. For more information, please contact Greg Snyder , Chair of the Traveling Fellowship Committee. You may download the full instructions, requirements, and application here .

SoA Travel Scholarships

The David R. Ravin School of Architecture provides funding, at the Director’s discretion, for student travel through the following programs:

Office of Education Abroad

The UNC Charlotte Office of Education Abroad offers several travel scholarships to UNC Charlotte students who wish to study abroad.  They award scholarships once per year to applied toward travel during the following academic year; funds awarded during the 2022-2023 academic year will be applied to travel during the 2023-2024 academic year.  The application process opens toward the end of the fall semester and closes in February. For more information, please visit the OEA’s website .

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Need guidance for pre-travel authorization and reimbursement? Booking guest or group travel? We’ve got you covered.

This site contains everything you need to know about pre-travel and post-travel planning, policy and reimbursement. Travel and Expense staff are here to help University faculty, staff and students who travel for University business. Always check with your business manager to ensure you follow your unit’s preferences.

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• North Carolina

North Carolina's Biggest City Is Home to the Largest Human-made Whitewater River

Here’s how to plan a trip to Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Restaurants

Best shopping, best time to visit, neighborhoods to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

If you regularly travel the East Coast, there’s a good chance you’ve had a layover or two in Charlotte. To understand the vibrance and dynamic nature of North Carolina’s most populous city, though, you’ll need to make your way out of the airport terminals and into the neighborhoods that comprise the bustling metropolis and surrounding areas.

“Charlotte has many different cultures, and their influence can be seen and experienced throughout the city,” explains Andres Kaifer, the executive chef and owner of Customshop . From its robust culinary scene — it regularly boasts James Beard Award nominees — to its art galleries, esteemed museums, and appreciation of green spaces and public parks, the Queen City repeatedly proves its role as a financial center is just part of its larger narrative. Yes, Bank of America’s headquarters are located in Uptown Charlotte, but the city is also the home of NASCAR , the Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets. As Ashley Creft, co-founder of Charlotte Black-Owned (@ cltblackowned ), shares, Charlotte is “very diverse, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with locally-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses in the city,” many of which you’ll discover below. 

Scroll on to read Travel + Leisure ’s guide to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book a five-star stay at The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte, which recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation.
• Root for the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or the Charlotte Knights while on their home turf. 
• Take a tasting tour of some of Charlotte’s best breweries — The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Divine Barrel Brewing, and Resident Culture Brewing among them. 
• Fill up on Southern fare at Jimmy Pearls. 
• Plan your trip in the spring or fall to experience Charlotte’s best weather (and fewer crowds).

The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte

The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte comes recommended by Kaifer, who credits its “easy accessibility to the light rail” and newly renovated wellness amenities as top reasons to book a stay. With a pool, steam room, hot tub, and sauna, the Uptown hotel’s spa is the perfect place to relax after a travel day — or before a big night out in Charlotte. 

The Ivey's Hotel

Another Uptown favorite, The Ivey’s Hotel has 47 rooms decorated to give off a “Parisian-style elegance with modern luxury” vibe. In its past life, the building functioned as The Ivey's Department Store (which opened in 1924). Today, it offers guests a range of comfortable rooms and amenities, including a 1,500-square-foot fitness center, the cozy Library Lounge, and a daily complimentary wine social.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Courtesy of The Ballantyne

As the name suggests, The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte is located in the upscale Ballantyne neighborhood, 20 minutes south of Uptown. Ideal for travelers who want to be away from the city center (or closer to The Amp Ballantyne ), it’s the type of hotel where you’re more than happy to spend time relaxing on the property — there’s even an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and spa.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection

“For mainstream hotel folks, I think the Grand Bohemian has the most character,” says Corri Smith, owner of Black Wednesday . She shares that its “stellar location in Uptown” is also a plus, but the inside of the property is unexpectedly artistic and bohemian, a contrast from the more buttoned-up look of the neighborhood. 

Best Things to Do 

Elizabeth W. Kearley/Getty Images

Raft the largest human-made whitewater river in the world.

If everyone in your party is eight years old and above, you can book a guided whitewater rafting experience at the U.S. National Whitewater Center . “The Whitewater Center is incredibly unique and special… [and] it has a wild amount of activities and events,” says Smith — and that includes things to do on dry land. “My favorite things are the Thursday night live music shows ( River Jam ) as well as free outdoor yoga.” According to Kaifer, there’s also the option to “enjoy a nice hike through one of their many trails.”

Explore Charlotte’s art scene.

“Art has become a more honored part of our culture,” says Smith, who recommends checking out a number of local Charlotte artists, including Grace Stott , Kathryn Godwin , Saloan Dunlap , Davita Galloway , and Matt Moore (take a look at their Instagrams or websites to see where their work is on display). Alternatively, travelers can add several of the city’s art museums and galleries to their list;  The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art , the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture , and the Mint Museum are some of the most popular. “ Goodyear Arts is a modern art gallery with a residency program that supports under-the-radar artists,” adds Smith. 

Sip on some local brews at any one of Charlotte’s numerous breweries. 

Like many major U.S. cities, Charlotte has an ever-growing craft beer scene; in fact, the Queen City has more than four dozen breweries to choose from. Once you’ve chosen your designated driver — or booked with City Brew Tours , Trolley Pub Charlotte , or Brew Ha-Ha Tours — visit some of the breweries that catch your eye. Don't know where to start? Stop by Sycamore Brewing , The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery , Birdsong Brewing Co. , Divine Barrel Brewing , and Resident Culture Brewing .

Cheer on Charlotte’s professional sports teams.

When it comes to athletics, Charlotte does it big. Depending on the exact time of year (and how far ahead you’re planning your trip), you might be able to catch a Charlotte Knights baseball game at Truist Field, watch the Carolina Panthers or Charlotte FC play at the Bank of America Stadium, or see the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.

Peter Taylor/Restaurant Constance

Restaurant Constance

To narrow down Charlotte’s restaurants to just a handful is tough, but a few specific ones stood out to the Charlotteans we spoke with. Restaurant Constance was one of the first picks from Kaifer: “Chef Sam Diminich does an incredible job of featuring ingredients from local farms and making unique, delicious, and honest food,” he explains. 

Jimmy Pearls

Creft has Jimmy Pearls , the only Charlotte restaurant to receive a nomination in the 2024 James Beard Awards, on her list. Chefs Daryl Cooper and Oscar Johnson are the masterminds behind Jimmy Peals, which is described as an “ode to Virginia soul.” Expect menu items like crispy chicken gizzards, fish sandwiches, and fried shrimp — all made, according to the restaurant, to honor “Virginia’s rich history of Black food.”

Uptown Yolk

Not all meals need to be fancy affairs, especially if you’re in the mood for something casual (but equally tasty). For a “delicious” breakfast, Creft suggests Uptown Yolk . It has all of the classics — scrambled eggs, omelets, and pancakes — as well as some “Yolk Way” favorites, like shrimp and grits with smoked gouda and jerk shrimp and the Belgian waffle with chicken wings.

Menya Daruma

“ Menya [Daruma] is some of the most underrated food in the city, in my opinion,” says Kaifer. “The entire menu is delicious, and they have the best fried chicken sandwich in the city.” If the aforementioned Tori Katsu Sando doesn’t call your name, there’s also the ramen and abura soba (or soup-less ramen) dishes.

Customshop 

Travelers who like to pair a nice atmosphere with their meal should make a reservation at Customshop , a “chef-driven restaurant” in Midtown. “They recently changed ownership and though the chef-owner, Andres Kaifer, has created a giant impact and switched some things up (for the better), it remains one of the city's most beloved restaurants,” says Smith. “It's a spot where you can rely on the consistency of a delicious, creative, and special meal... It's [also] cozy and romantic and feels like a break from reality.”

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Travelers with an affinity for high-end designer clothes may already know of Capitol , the legendary luxury boutique founded by Laura Vinroot Poole, as well as its sibling property, Poole Shop . The SouthPark stores are known for their expertly curated inventories — expect to see names such as Saint Laurent, Ulla Johnson, Zimmermann, and Carolina Herrera among the racks. 

Along with several large shopping complexes —  SouthPark Mall , Atherton Mill and Market , and Phillips Place — Charlotte has a variety of smaller shops, many of which are frequented by Creft and Smith. “I love stopping by 704 Shop to pick up Charlotte paraphernalia and [The] Brown Sugar Collab to shop products by BIPOC women suppliers,” says Creft. To add to your plant collection, head to Oakdale Greenhouses . “The owner, Bill, is a plant expert and is on-call for plant emergencies and education or tips. It's a family-run shop that is super welcoming,” says Smith. She also adds she regularly visits “ The Jungle [for] gifts and home decor, Boris and Natasha [for] clothing and accessories, and Paper Skyscraper [for] gifts.” 

For a slightly different shopping experience, keep an eye out for pop-ups. “I also do a lot of shopping during pop-up events which are often held at Camp North End or other industrial venues or warehouses,” says Smith. “ VTGCLT happens a few times a year and is a cool way to learn about new and fresh vendors and to scoop up unique antiques/pieces.”

JillLang/Getty Images

“Spring and fall are the prettiest seasons in Charlotte,” says Kaifer, who shares that the weather this time of year is “almost always perfect.” Smith agrees, noting that Charlotte has a “very short spring,” but travelers should aim to visit in April, October, or early November. The shoulder seasons also give way to quite a few festivals and sporting events. In the spring, mark your calendar for the Wells Fargo Championship , Charlotte Wine and Food Week , and the Coca-Cola 600 . Autumn festivities include the Charlotte International Arts Festival , Charlotte Craft Beer Week , and the Festival in the Park . 

Skyhobo/Getty Images

If you’re searching for the city center, or the “downtown,” you’ll need to make your way to Uptown Charlotte. Here, you’ll find the central business district, as well as a plethora of museums and sporting areas. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, and the Mint Museum are all located in the neighborhood, as are the Bank of America Stadium, the Spectrum Center, and Truist Field. Uptown Charlotte is also broken down into four wards — within the Second Ward, you’ll find the area that was once known as Brooklyn , which Creft recommends for travelers looking “to learn more about the history of the predominantly Black community that thrived there many years ago.”

Smith adds NoDa, short for North Davidson, to her list of must-experience Charlotte neighborhoods. The city’s arts and entertainment district, NoDa has a wide range of sights and activities to keep you busy. Embark on a self-guided street art tour to see the area’s impressive murals, pop in and out of vintage shops, or check the schedules at Neighborhood Theatre or The Evening Muse to see if any live performances strike your fancy. 

Plaza Midwood

Both Kaifer and Smith share their affinity for Plaza Midwood. Similarly to the NoDa neighborhood, Kaifer says it has a “great variety of retail and great restaurants, and [it’s] also nice to walk around in.” The pedestrian-friendly area is populated with historic homes, consignment shops, boutiques, breweries, and Veterans Park , where you can explore 19 acres of trails, green space, and more. 

Camp North End

Camp North End is technically billed as a “creative hub” versus a full neighborhood, but the 76-acre campus — which once served as Charlotte’s first Ford Motor Company factory — is filled with interesting tenants with stories to tell. “There is a local coffee and [natural] wines shop ( Hex ), a record store ( Hardy Boys Records ), a dairy-free ice cream shop ( Seemingly Overzealous ), a salon ( Explicit ), artist studios, shops , a charcuterie bar , and more,” says Smith. 

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the country. An American Airlines hub, it’s also served by seven other major airlines — including Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and United — and offers flights to 180 destinations around the world. Uber or Lyft are readily available at the airport, but travelers can also opt to use the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) Sprinter Service . The bus provides rides (which take anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes) between CLT and Uptown Charlotte, and one-way tickets cost $2.20. 

espiegle/Getty Images

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and a car is necessary if you’re going to explore beyond Uptown. Still, there are a few other ways to get around the city center. The LYNX Blue Line light rail line serves 26 stations, and its routes span over 20 miles. One-way, one-day, seven-day, and round-trip tickets can be purchased through the self-service ticket vending machines at the stations or via the CATS-Pass app . If you prefer to tour the city on two wheels, hop on a Charlotte Joy Rides e-bike. A Flash Pass grants you a 30-minute membership for $5, and a $30 Joy Pass gives you bike access for 24 hours. 

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Mileage & Transportation Reimbursement (MTR)

If you have 2023 mileage to submit for reimbursement, use the 2023 MTR form.

Purpose : To request reimbursement for miles driven using a personal vehicle as well as parking, ride sharing, light rail or transit pass expenses. All business miles will be reimbursed at the IRS Standard Business Mileage rate, which is subject to change periodically (note that the rate changed, effective January 1, 2024).

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Last Updated: January 1, 2024