Campus Switch is a defining feature of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, giving students the opportunity to study at their sister campus — Duke University or UNC-Chapel Hill — for a semester. More than a temporary relocation, Campus Switch allows scholars to immerse themselves in the academic, cultural and community life of both world-class institutions.

Each year, Robertson sophomores enroll in courses, join student organizations and participate in longstanding campus traditions at their sister university. By living and learning at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, scholars expand their leadership perspective, build cross-campus relationships and develop a deeper sense of belonging across two vibrant communities.

Two recent stories from The Well, UNC-Chapel Hill’s online publication, highlight how scholars are embracing the full Campus Switch experience.

Clark Easley, a lifelong Duke fan, is spending his semester at UNC-Chapel Hill diving into Tar Heel traditions — from rushing Franklin Street after after a UNC men’s basketball victory in the first matchup against Duke, to drinking from the Old Well on the first day of classes. Reflecting on his experience, Easley shared with The Well:

“I’m a Duke fan. I love Duke, and I love Duke athletics, but I’m at UNC this semester, so I feel like I get the best of both worlds… How many people can say that they are able to be a Duke and a UNC fan?”
— Clark Easley, quoted in The Well, UNC-Chapel Hill (March 3, 2026)

Similarly, Robertson Scholar Ewa Zapala embraced one of Duke’s most well-known traditions during her semester on Campus Switch: tenting in Krzyzewskiville (K-Ville) ahead of ahead of the Carolina-Duke basketball game. What began as an unfamiliar ritual became weeks of camaraderie and shared experience as she lived in a tent with fellow students leading up to the game. As Zapala shared with The Well before attending what will be her first college basketball game:

“Starting off with a big one.”
— Ewa Zapala, quoted in The Well, UNC-Chapel Hill (March 4, 2026)

Their experiences reflect what makes Campus Switch unique within undergraduate leadership programs. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program provides students with the rare opportunity to experience both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill fully — academically, socially and culturally. Through cross-campus coursework, extracurricular involvement and participation in campus traditions, scholars develop the adaptability, empathy and broad perspective that define strong leaders.

Campus Switch is not just about spending a semester elsewhere. It is about belonging to two institutions, building lifelong relationships across campuses and embracing the traditions that shape both universities.

This story includes quotes and reporting originally published by The Well, UNC-Chapel Hill.

Read the full articles:

• “This Blue Devil Embraces Tar Heel Traditions” (March 3, 2026)
• “This Tar Heel Inhabited Krzyzewskiville” (March 4, 2026)

Photos by Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill. Used with permission.