Work/Life Programs

UNC Asheville employees enjoy complimentary access to the full range of Campus Recreation facilities, including the Fitness Center and SRC pool, as well as group fitness and wellness classes and other recreation programs (as listed on the Campus Recreation website). Most offerings are available at no or low cost. The only exception is participation in the Intramural Sports Program, which is limited to students.

Employees may also extend access to their spouses, partners, or dependents through the purchase of an affiliate membership. Proof of residency is required for spouse/partner memberships.

Rates are as follows:

• Fall: $300 (reduced to $210 following Fall Break)
• Spring: $300 (reduces to $210 following Spring Break)
• Summer: See rate for standard membership – summer
• Annual (August – July): $600

Membership Options

The Balanced Choices program reinforces the commitment of University Dining Services to using the most nutritious products available and the healthiest cooking methods possible in their kitchens. Menus and labels indicate calories, possible allergens, gluten free options, vegan and vegetarian options, portion sizes, and more. UNC Asheville Dining Services, operated by Chartwells, recently announced that Brown Dining Hall is certified as a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant® by the Green Restaurant Association. Additionally, UNC Asheville was the first higher education facility to be designated by Fair Trade Campaigns. Fair Trade is an economic system that ensures products were grown, harvested, crafted, and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment.

Dining Options

As valued members of the UNC Asheville community, employees have access to extensive library and campus services designed to support your teaching, research, professional development, and creative projects. From borrowing books, streaming videos, and accessing millions of online resources on- or off-campus, to using the CrAFT Studio, Media Design Lab, and Career Center services, these resources are here to help you grow and succeed. Whether you are enhancing your courses, pursuing personal projects, or planning your next career step, UNC Asheville provides the tools, spaces, and expertise you need, all available to you as an employee.

Access Library Resources

The STEAM Studio at the River Arts Makers Place (RAMP) is a hands-on educational space where science, technology, engineering, art, and math converge. Employees can engage with cutting-edge tools and equipment, including 3D modeling and printing, laser, waterjet, and plasma cutting, metal and woodworking facilities, and more.

The studio hosts Fab Nights, informal, 2–3 hour workshops introducing studio safety, machines, and materials: and custom classes for departments or groups.

STEAM Website  View Upcoming Classes

Adult learners can also participate in SkillSet workshops to develop new skills in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Most classes have a small materials fee and require registration. For more information or to propose a custom class, email steamstudio@unca.edu or skillset@unca.edu. 

While employed at UNC Asheville, employees are welcome to meet and network with employers and community partners at our Career & Internship Fair every fall and spring, and our Graduate School Fair held in the fall.

Explore the Career Center

UNC Asheville encourages lifelong learning and professional growth by offering two educational benefit programs for employees. The Tuition Waiver Program and the Academic Assistance Program provide financial support to help employees pursue higher education, expand career skills, and engage in job-related training. These programs are designed to make continued learning more accessible while supporting both personal development and the University’s mission.

For employees, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects pregnant employees from discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Further protections are provided under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

To request workplace adjustments for pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, or parenting, contact the Office for Institutional Integrity and Access at oiia@unca.edu or (828) 232-5658.

To request protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), contact the UNC System Benefits Office.

Employees may also be eligible for reasonable workplace accommodations under the ADA through the Office for Institutional Integrity and Access.

These resources are available directly on campus, often at no cost to employees.

On-Campus Certified Financial Planners (Retirement and Financial Advice)

• UNC Asheville OHR Benefits Team coordinates on-campus visits from retirement plan vendor, TIAA.
• Learn more about the investment options for your retirement plan or how to adjust your contributions
• Contact Information:
  • (800) 842-2252, M-F 8 AM to 10 PM ET
  • https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/unc 

Emergency Loan Program (Leah Karpen Emergency Loan)

• Provides short-term loans for urgent financial needs such as medical emergencies, utility termination, or vehicle repairs.
• Contact the Office of Human Resources for more Information, hr@unca.edu.

These resources are provided by external organizations, sometimes requiring off-campus interaction.

CAPTRUST (Retirement Planning)

• Independent advisors working with the UNC System.
• Can help employees:
  • Choose between TSERS or ORP retirement plans
  • Understand retirement options
  • Plan for retirement
• Contact Information:
  • • (800) 967-9948
    • www.captrustadvice.com 

State Employees Credit Union (SECU)

• Credit union membership is available to UNC Asheville employees.
• Services: Checking accounts, loans (salary advance, mortgage, vehicle), and financial advisory services.
• Off-campus branch or online services; not directly on campus.

• Asheville Pizza Brewing – 15% off certain items, see store for details
• Bojangles – 10% off
• Mod Pizza -10% off
• The Hop – 10% off Everyday | 20% off Thursdays
• Brugger’s Bagels – 10% off
• Dunkin’ Donuts – 15% off
• Grind – 10% off
• Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack – 10% off Tuesdays
• Bear’s Smokehouse – 10% off
• Twisted Laurel – Faculty 15%, Non-Alcoholic
• Mr. Sushi – 5% off

• Ace Hardware – 10% off school-related items
• Advanced Auto Parts – 15% off purchase
• Sherwin Williams – 20% off with discount card
• Ann Taylor Loft – 15% off purchase
• Earth Fare – 5% off on Wednesdays
• Ju’s Running – 10% off on purchase
• Charlotte Russe – 10% off non-sale items
• Mast General Store – 15% off  one regularly priced item, excludes many high-end brands
• Michaels – 15% off on Wednesdays
• Eyesmart Express – 20% off Everyday
• Adidas – 30% discount online and in-store and 20% at factory outlets
• J.Crew – 10% off non-sale item

• YogaSix Asheville – 10% All Memberships, Yoga Classes
• SOR Studio – $99 Month Unlimited Membership, Cycling and Rhythm Based Strength Classes