Embark on an enriching journey of civic engagement and learning.
The Fall 2024 semester has been designated the Semester of Civics to reflect UNC Asheville’s commitment to civic engagement, electoral participation, civil discourse, and democratic practices. Join us as we launch a series of events and opportunities on campus designed to empower you with knowledge, foster critical thinking, and inspire action. Your voice matters, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our nation.
How to Get Involved
Join Discussions
Share your perspectives and learn from diverse viewpoints.
Lead Initiatives
Are you a part of a student organization or club? Do you want to host an event or collaborate? Email vote@unca.edu to get started.
Important Election Dates & Deadlines
- October 11: NC voter registration deadline
- October 17: Early Voting in NC begins
All Buncombe County voters will be able to vote early on campus in the Health & Counseling Center at 118 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Same-day voter registration will be available.
- October 29: Deadline to request an absentee ballot in NC
- November 2: Last day of early voting in NC
- November 5: Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Campus shuttles to polling locations will be available for residential students.
UNC Asheville Votes
UNC Asheville Votes is a nonpartisan effort and resource on campus for students and community members that helps to reduce barriers to voting and increase participation in local, state, and national elections.
Check out the UNC Asheville Votes page for information about voting procedures, important deadlines, absentee ballots, and your rights as a voter. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your registration details, we can help!
Schedule of Civics Events – Fall 2024
Friday, August 23
Rockypalooza
5-8 p.m. | The Quad
Stop by the Buncombe County Election Services table to register to vote and sign up to be a poll worker.
Tuesday, August 27
Student Involvement Fair
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Quad
Chat with student organizations who will be registering voters & sharing more information about the Semester of Civics and ways to get involved.
Thursday, August 29 – Friday, August 30
Campus Blood Drive
10:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Alumni Hall, Highsmith Student Union
Donate blood to those in need & register to vote!
Thursday, September 5
Voter Registration Training
12-1 p.m. | Karpen Hall, Room 243
Interested in registering others on campus to vote? Attend this quick training session to get all the information you need.
Tuesday, September 10
Voter Registration Training
12-1 p.m. & 6-7 p.m.| Karpen Hall, Room 243
Interested in registering others on campus to vote? Attend one of these quick training sessions to get all the information you need.
Presidential Debate Watch Party
9-11 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union 228
Join the College Democrats to watch the first major debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The event is open to all, and refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday, September 11
Down-ballot Information Session
6:00-7:30 p.m. | Manheimer Room, Reuter Center
Learn about all the races that will be on your ballot this election cycle, beyond the office of the president, so that you can cast an informed vote!
Thursday, September 12
Voter Registration Training
12-1 p.m. | Karpen Hall, Room 243
Interested in registering others on campus to vote? Attend this quick training session to get all the information you need.
Tuesday, September 17
National Voter Registration Day & Constitution Day Tabling
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Quad, Reed Plaza, Highsmith Student Union, Governors Hall
Stop by the tabling locations to register to vote, learn about the election, grab a free copy of the US Constitution, and/or get free food & swag!
Friday, September 20
Socialism 101 & Solidarity Potluck
5:30-6:30 p.m. | 1927 Room, Highsmith Student Union
Bring your own dish and join the UNC Asheville chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America for some good food and a presentation on the fundamentals of socialism.
Wednesday, September 25 & Thursday, September 26
Tabling for Banned Book Week
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Reed Plaza outside Highsmith Student Union
Join the UNC Asheville chapter of Amnesty International to learn about Banned Book Week and to push back against book bans and challenges to the right to free and open access to information and education. Be sure to bring water & sun protection!
Friday, September 27
Sensible Social: We the People
7:00–8:00 p.m. | Room 229, Highsmith Student Union
Join Turning Point USA at UNC Asheville for snacks and civil discourse regarding issues that affect all Americans. This month’s topic is We the People: what it means, if we’ve lived up to it, and what it means for the future of our country in our tumultuous times.
Tuesday, October 1
Vice Presidential Debate Watch Party
9:00–11:00 p.m.| Room 228/229, Highsmith Student Union
Join Turning Point USA at UNC Asheville to watch the first Vice Presidential Debate between Senator J.D. Vance (R) and Governor Tim Walz (D).
Wednesday, October 2
Ayumi Horie: Citizen Potter, An Artist Lecture
1:30-2:30 p.m. | Zoom
Join the Art Department for a lecture by artist Ayumi Horie, who is a full-time studio potter. Ayumi will speak about how art can be used as a form of civic and political activism, the role of nonprofits in shaping the field, and how supporting alternative craft histories is helping to shape our understanding of what craft is.
Thursday, October 3
Skills for Disagreeing Better
6-8 p.m. | Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Learn how to better understand, listen to, and share with those whose political beliefs differ from your own.
Thursday, October 10
“How to Write Your Representative” Workshop
12-1 p.m. | Writing Center, Ramsey Library
Learn how to effectively communicate your concerns and ideas to your elected local, state, and federal representatives.
Sunday, October 13
CarolinaDaze Concert
6-10 p.m. | Salvage Station
Join us for a music and arts festival, coupled with Get-Out-The-Vote efforts, powered by Common Cause NC. Transportation to the venue TBD
Tuesday, October 15
Candidate Meet & Greet
5-7 p.m. | Student Life Porch (Highsmith Student Union)
Stop by to meet and ask questions of the candidates running for local, state, and national offices. Refreshments will be provided.
Monday, October 21
Rightfully Ours: Women’s Suffrage in Western North Carolina
Exhibit, Ramsey Library, through December 6
Wednesday, October 23
Career Center Executive in Residence
All day | Career Center, Ramsey Library
Sign up for a one-on-one career meeting with alumnus Kevin O’Hanlon, ’07, the senior director of Government Relations for Samsung, here.
Thursday, October 24
Party at the Polls
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Reed Plaza
Stop by to learn about the election, celebrate voting, listen to live music, play games, and get free food & swag!
Friday, October 29
Sensible Social: Freedom of Religion
7:00–8:00 p.m. | Room 225, Highsmith Student Union
Join Turning Point USA at UNC Asheville for snacks and civil discourse regarding issues that affect all Americans. This month’s topic is Freedom of Religion: what it means, separation of Church and state, and what it means for the future of our country in our tumultuous times.
Wednesday, October 30 – Thursday, October 31
Campus Blood Drive
10:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Alumni Hall, Highsmith Student Union
Donate blood to those in need & get helpful voter resources!
Friday, November 1
Federal Friday Resume Reviews
9 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Career Center, Ramsey Library
Have your federal resume reviewed (or get started writing one) with two coaches Certified as Federal Job Search Advisors. Drop-ins welcome.
Tuesday, November 5
Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Campus shuttles to polling locations will be available for residential students.
Election Night Party
8-11 p.m. | Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Come watch the election results roll in with your peers! Food will be provided.
Sunday, November 10
Portraits of Langston
3:00 p.m | Lipinski Hall
Asheville-based chamber music company, Pan Harmonia, will offer a trio concert for piano, flute and clarinet in partnership with the Department of Music. The performance will feature “Portraits of Langston,” a six-movement tour de force inspired by poetry written by African-American poet Langston Hughes during his time in 1920’s Harlem and Paris.
Tuesday, November 12
Staying United: Post-Election Discussion
7:00-8:00 p.m. | Room 225, Highsmith Student Union
Join Turning Point USA at UNC Asheville one week after the 2024 General Election to discuss the outcome, implications, and how we can stay united as one country and campus as America transitions to a new administration.
Tuesday, November 26
Sensible Social: Gratitude
7:00 -8:00 p.m. | Room 225, Highsmith Student Union
Join Turning Point USA at UNC Asheville for snacks and civil discourse regarding issues that affect all Americans. This month’s topic is Gratitude: what it means, how we practice it (and don’t) in modern America, and what it means for the future of our country in our tumultuous times.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Semester of Civics or would like to add an event to the schedule, please contact us at vote@unca.edu.
Want to know more about navigating the electoral process? Check out UNC Asheville Votes.
