Apply for SAFE

APPLY FOR THE SAFE MENTORING PROGRAM!!

SAFE Voyage Applications Close July 5th

    Before you apply for the safe program, be prepared to provide the following the information:

    • Your UNC Charlotte credentials (email login)
    • Your UNC Charlotte Student Id Number (800-number)
    • Answers to 3 Reflection Questions:
      • Introduce yourself! We would love to learn more about you! Tell us about yourself, hobbies and interest, what you plan to study, what you passionate about, etc.
      • As you look forward to your first year at Charlotte, what are you excited about? What are you nervous/anxious about regarding for your first year at Charlotte? 
      • A mentee/mentor relationship is only successful if both parties are active participants. With that in mind what are you looking for in a mentor/mentee relationship? What are you hoping your mentor provides and how are you going to show up to make it a successful experience?

    Important Dates to Keep in Mind

    Application Updates: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting early to mid- June. You will hear an updated status about your application through your UNC Charlotte email.

    SAFE Voyage Application Dates: SAFE Voyage applications are open from May 11th- July 5th.

    When is the SAFE Voyage Fee Due: June 12th. If accepted into the SAFE Program you will be sent a registration link to your UNC Charlotte email. This link will include additional information about yourself and to pay your SAFE Voyage fee. Credit Cards/Debit Cards are the only accepted payment. Payments must be made by June 12th at 11:59pm to secure your spot in the program.

    SAFE Voyage Scholarship Due Date: SAFE offers limited scholarships to cover full or partial SAFE Voyage Fees. Students in need of a scholarship must apply by 11:59pm on Sunday, June 21st. Applying for a scholarship does not impact if you are accepted into SAFE or not. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee you will receive a scholarship.

    2026 SAFE Voyage:

    • Voyage will start the week before classes begin, Sunday, August 9th – Friday, August 14th. (Move-In typically starts around 1PM on Sunday, August 9th)
    • Applications will be reviewed on a reoccurring basis throughout the summer. (Starting in June)
    • The earlier you apply and the more effort you put in the application reflection questions lend to the best chance you have in being accepted. (SAFE has reached copacity the last three years.)
    • If selected you will be emailed a registration link for Voyage to your Charlotte email account.
    • SAFE Voyage Move-in: SAFE students living on campus will move into their assignment for the Academic Year (More information from Housing and Residence Life with move-in instructions to come).
    • Students who are not living on campus must make their own arrangements with their off-campus housing provider.
    • SAFE Voyage costs $175. The fee includes: all meals for the week, experiences, and SAFE swag. (Those who need financial assistance may apply for support, however, please note it is not guaranteed)

    Things to Know About SAFE & SAFE VOYAGE:

    • You are required to come to all activities so it is imperative that you are willing to be open to meeting new friends.
    • We encourage you to participate in group activities, daily.
    • Time management is important so all participants are required to be on time for program activities.
    • Communicate your needs to your SAFE Mentor or the program staff.
    • You must adhere to the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility
    • This is a yearlong program that does not end at SAFE Voyage. We want our students to be actively engaged the entire academic year!
    • We will host programs, workshops, community service opportunities, holiday functions, and year-long raffle activities for participants.
    • You may utilize office services such as computers, free printing, professional staff support, etc.
    • MOST IMPORTANTLY YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH US!!!

    For those who aren’t able to attend SAFE Voyage:

    Based on capacity we may be able to match you with a mentor for the 2026-2027 academic year based upon program capacity. Applications for the Academic Year Program will open on July 20th.

    • If you’d simply like a mentor for the year without attending SAFE Voyage, there is no charge for signing up for a mentor.
    • You will apply for the SAFE Mentor Program starting in July.
    • You will move on to campus during your regularly assigned date and time issued by university housing (you will not be granted early access to your housing assignment).
    • You will be paired with a mentor at our new mentee welcome reception held during the first week of classes.
    • Your mentor will remain with you throughout your first year.
    • You may participate in fun programs, academic workshops that are free of charge.

    SAFE Voyage FAQ’S

    What does a typical day at SAFE Voyage look like?

    Each day of Voyage looks different to best fit all of the information you will be learning throughout the week.

    A typical day includes: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with your mentor and mentee group. Connecting with 2 or more campus resources. Mentee/Mentor breakout activities. End of the day socials. The days are typically 9am-9pm with a break in the afternoon.

    Do I move on campus early?

    If you are living on campus you will move in to your assigned housing spot on Sunday, August 9th. This will be your assigned housing spot for the entire academic year.

    What if I don’t live on campus? Can I still join SAFE Voyage?

    You can still attend SAFE Voyage if you are living off campus. You will be responsible for getting yourself to all scheduled events and for the cost associated with travel and parking. Please note: that it is your responsibility to work with your off campus housing provider regarding your move-in date.

    Can I do SAFE and UTOP?

    Yes, first year students who want to attend SAFE can also attend UTOP as each programs’ schedules do not overlap.

    Can I do SAFE Voyage and FIT?

    Unfortunately, students cannot do both SAFE Voyage and FIT as both programs operate the week before school begins. However, if you decide to do FIT you may be eligible to register for the SAFE Academic Year Program. To learn more about the FIT Program click here.

    Can I do SAFE Voyage and Venture Bound?

    Unfortunately, students cannot do both SAFE Voyage and Venture Bound as both programs operate the week before school begins. However, if you decide to do Venture Bound you may be eligible to register for the SAFE Academic Year Program. To learn more about the Venture Bound Program click here.

    Can I do SAFE Voyage and be in the Honors College?

    Yes! SAFE staff and Honors College staff work together to make sure students can participate in both. When you apply for SAFE Voyage please indicate you are in the honors college on the application.

    I am a transfer student. Can I join SAFE?

    Yes! This year will be our second year with a SAFE transfer cohort. We encourage interested transfer students to apply!

    Will my mentor have the same major as me?

    We cannot guarantee that all mentees will be matched with a mentor with the same major as them. However, all mentors are trained to provide support to all mentees regardless of their major.

    Questions? Contact us at 704.687.0363 or email us at safe_program@charlotte.edu.