FAQ

General Questions

March 6, 2026 update. The ODS FAQ and policy page is currently under construction. The page will continue to be added to throughout the 2026 calendar year. If you have any questions about ODS and/or ODS policies, please email us at ods@unc.edu or schedule an appointment.

I’m not in Honors Carolina, can I use ODS services and apply for these awards? 
Yes, absolutely! ODS is open to all UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students, undergraduate alumni, and current graduate students. ODS is housed within and staffed by Honors Carolina but supports the entire university.

I missed the endorsement application deadline, can I get an exception or extension?
No. The endorsement application deadlines are hard deadlines and no individual exceptions will be made. The entire endorsement application and supporting materials must be submitted by the endorsement application deadline. Incomplete endorsement applications will not be reviewed. Endorsement application deadlines are posted publicly on the ODS website months in advance. We aim to publish endorsement application deadlines at least three months in advance. It is the applicant’s responsibility to fulfill endorsement process requirements and adhere to published deadlines. There may be exceptions to the above for the Fulbright US Student Program and Boren Awards as these awards either have optional or non-competitive endorsement processes.

I’m applying for a nationally-competitive scholarship or fellowship that doesn’t require endorsement, can I still use ODS services?
Yes, absolutely! If you are applying for a nationally-competitive scholarship or fellowship that doesn’t require endorsement, you are still encouraged to use ODS to discuss the application process, develop an application strategy, receive feedback on application materials, and prepare for interviews (when applicable).