The Niner Guide experience
For Carly Coupal, UNC Charlotte has become more than just a place to earn a degree — it’s a second home. A senior from Davidson, North Carolina, double majoring in finance and political science, Coupal has spent her college years building connections, getting involved in Delta Zeta and sharing her love for Niner Nation as a Niner Guide.
Since becoming a Niner Guide her freshman year, Coupal has grown from a student finding her own way around campus to someone helping prospective students envision their futures at Charlotte. Through personal stories, campus traditions and meaningful connections, she strives to make every tour a welcoming and memorable experience.
Why did you decide to become a Niner Guide?
During my first semester at Charlotte, I often saw Niner Guides around campus and thought it looked like something I wanted to be part of. Several upperclassmen in my sorority were also Niner Guides, and their encouragement inspired me to apply.
What’s your favorite part of campus to show prospective students and families?
My favorite spot has changed over time, especially since I became a Niner Guide as a freshman when I was still getting to know campus. However, Atkins Library has consistently been one of my favorite places. I love the library, and it’s always a highlight of my tours. Now that I’m an upperclassman, I also enjoy showing prospective students the Career Center and introducing them to resources they can use throughout their college experience. Many students aren’t thinking about graduation or finding a job when they’re touring colleges, but I want them to know these resources are available to support their future success.
What’s been your most memorable tour?
We also lead group tours for high school field trips, which are a little different from traditional tours with prospective students and their families. I always enjoy taking these groups to the Star Quad to experience the echo chamber. I have everyone stand in the chamber and shout something, which is always a fun moment. I think high school students tend to be more relaxed and have more fun on these tours because they’re with their classmates rather than their families.
How do you make each tour feel personal, especially when you give them frequently?
I try to incorporate as many personal experiences into my tours as possible. Prospective students often tell me that other schools they’ve toured offer similar resources, so I realized I needed to find ways to make the experience more engaging and highlight what makes Charlotte unique. Instead of simply sharing facts about campus resources, I focus on how I’ve used them throughout my college experience. Now that I’m a senior, I have plenty of stories to share, from my favorite athletic events and living on campus to my involvement in Greek life and experiences in the dining halls.
How has the role helped you grow personally or professionally?
Being a Niner Guide has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It strengthened my public speaking skills, which I believe are valuable in any career, and taught me how to communicate with people from different backgrounds. Through these interactions, I’ve become more confident meeting new people and stepping into unfamiliar environments. I now feel much more comfortable navigating new situations because of the experiences I’ve gained as a Niner Guide.
What does being one of the first people prospective students meet at Charlotte mean to you?
Being a Niner Guide is something I take a lot of pride in. I remember feeling overwhelmed during my own college tours, so I always keep that experience in mind when leading tours. I want prospective students to feel comfortable and welcome while showing them that college isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. Choosing a college is such an important decision, and I’m grateful to play a role in helping students find the right fit.
What has made Charlotte feel like home to you?
Campus as a whole feels like home to me. The student organizations I’ve been involved in have played a huge role in shaping my college experience, but it’s really the people I’ve met who have made Charlotte so special. I’ve built incredible friendships and can’t imagine navigating college without their support. Those experiences and connections have given me a strong sense of belonging, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking their first campus tour?
There’s only so much you can learn about a university through websites and photos. Every tour guide brings their own perspective and personal experiences, making each tour unique. Visiting campus in person allows prospective students to experience the environment firsthand, hear from current students and get a better sense of what life at Charlotte is really like. Seeing students going about their day makes the college experience feel more real in a way that photos and online information simply can’t capture.
Are you interested in being a Niner Guide? Learn more at admissions.charlotte.edu. Applications close Sunday, Nov. 1.
Written by: Carly Coupal and Lily Warlick