UNC Global Passport Drive Draws Record-Breaking Number of Applicants
November 24, 2016
UNC Global Affairs
UNC Global saw a record-breaking number of people participate in the annual passport drive on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16. A total of 373 students, faculty, staff and family members applied for or renewed their passports, up from last year’s total of 333.
U.S. Department of State officials accepted applications and answered questions, while the UNC One Card office assisted with photographs. UNC Global staff coordinated the event.
“Our annual Passport Drive continues to be an exciting event and is one example of how UNC Global facilitates global opportunities for the UNC community,” said Ronald Strauss, chief international officer and executive vice provost. “I’m especially pleased that the Center for Global Initiatives provided funding for 36 students who needed financial support and had never had a passport to get one for free.”
Passport applicants noted that the drive was easy to navigate. Halle Ronk ’18, a biology major, attended and is planning to use her passport to travel Canada and possibly Mexico. “I think it’s very convenient that they [hosted the Passport Drive] here,” she said.
This year the Passport Drive fell during International Education Week, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education. Celebrated in over 100 nations, International Education Week aims to promote the benefits of international education, foster international understanding and create support for international education exchange programs.
The Passport Drive was organized by Global Relations and sponsored by UNC Global, the U.S. Department of State and the UNC One Card office.