The colleges and universities located in Guilford County give Greensboro a youthful, artistic, and academic vibe, but none impact the community like UNC Greensboro does. In addition to being a top employer for the county, the University provides art, services, and activities that are open to the public.
Explore these special ways the Greensboro community can enjoy UNCG:
1. See a Show
The College of Visual and Performing Arts at UNCG is a creative laboratory full of talented musicians, vocal performers, actors, and visual artists. Every year the school holds concerts, dance showcases, and plays that are open to the public. This year’s theatre productions include “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Carrie: The Musical.”
In addition, the school hosts its annual University Concert and Lecture Series (UCLS). Past UCLS performers have included Jewel, Alan Alda and Wynton Marsalis. Grammy winner Brandy Clark headlines the 2024-2025 series. Tickets to her show and others featuring prominent musicians and dancers are available for purchase now.
2. Take a Class
Greensboro residents have long been tempted to finish a degree or add a degree by the convenience of UNCG. The mix of in-person and online classes make continuing education easy for non-traditional and working students.
Furthermore, UNCG’s Emeritus Society offers classes for the public covering a range of topics. For a minimal fee, you can get an overview of a topic like Artificial Intelligence or dig deep into a historical, scientific or artistic subject of interest. Some Emeritus classes are held on campus while others are elsewhere in the community. Check the offerings and never stop learning!
3. Engage Your Kids
UNCG hosts many community events, engaging school children with academics and piquing their interest in higher education. April’s Science Everywhere event is a perfect example. Held every year around Earth Day, it brings together departments from all over campus in a Saturday celebration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Hands-on learning stations and fun experiments are set up throughout campus and staffed by University professors and students.
For more specialized events for young children and teenagers, summer camps at UNCG offer enrichment and instruction in sports, music, writing, esports, science and more.
4. Catch a Game
Families and sports fans of all ages can take advantage of a front row seat to Division 1 athletics at a Spartan game. UNCG has teams that play men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track, golf, and tennis. Check the Spartan Athletics webpage for a complete list of schedules and rosters.
Most home games are hosted on campus, but our men’s basketball team plays at the Greensboro Coliseum. Watch the athletes compete with a courtside seat, and enjoy the spirited environment encouraged by our pep band, cheerleaders, and dance team. Basketball season kicks off in November with Storm the Streets, a student parade from campus to the Greensboro Coliseum for the first game, and games run through February.
5. Stroll through Campus
Enjoy the nature and architecture of our beautiful campus, which was designed by the same landscape architect behind the Biltmore Estate and Pinehurst Village.
Walk south from Market Street and you’ll encounter trails through wooded areas near the School of Music, bridges that cross natural streams, and sidewalks that line brick residence halls and historic academic buildings. There are grassy quads for frisbee throwing, fountains and statues like Minerva and Astera, and winding paths for exercise. From Josephine Boyd east to Tate Street and Spring Garden north to Market, it is a beautiful campus to explore.
6. Be inspired by Art
Art lovers and creative spirits find solace at the Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNCG. The staff there are committed to offering a space for viewing art, learning about it, and inspiring the creation of art.
The museum includes 17,000 square feet of galleries, with frequent new exhibitions, and a sculpture courtyard outside. Check out an upcoming exhibition, grab a cup of coffee from the Borough Coffee cart, or just pause and reflect in the quiet spaces. The Weatherspoon is a true gift for the University and surrounding community.
7. Check out a Book
The center of every academic institution is its library, but UNCG’s is more than a place for students to study. Jackson Library is open to the public with a huge selection of books to loan for research or pleasure reading. Multiple floors offer comfortable space for quiet work, and the staff are available to help with your reference questions.
The Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) can be viewed by the public by appointment. Here, community members can find rare books, collections of local history, performing arts collections, and archives documenting the history of the University and Greensboro.
8. Hire a Student
75% of UNCG’s student body are employed on campus or in the surrounding community, which means UNCG provides a steady pool of hardworking students for internships and part-time work in Greensboro.
Local businesses small and large turn to UNCG for human resources. Students find valuable real-world experience in Greensboro, and the workforce benefits from our students’ talents, drive, and professionalism. It’s a win-win collaboration that often leads to graduates staying in Greensboro long after they finish college. Seek out Spartans for your next hire. You’ll be glad you did!
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications, unless otherwise stated.
