ALUM HARNESSES MICROPLASTIC-EATING ALGAE, LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCMEMENTS, NINER COURSE PACK AND MORE

Solving the Insoluble
Engineering graduate Jordan Landis ’24 spearheads researching the use of microplastic-eating algae to improve Charlotte’s wastewater treatment — and America’s overall water quality.
- Watch: Landis explains how microplastic-eating algae works and the impact it can have on local drinking water.
What you need to know: faculty and staff
- Dean of the Library Announced: Jill Sexton has been named dean of the J. Murrey Atkins Library, effective March 15.
- Associate Vice Chancellor Update: Christopher R. Gonyar ’05, ’07 MPA, has been named associate vice chancellor for safety and security at UNC Charlotte, effective Jan. 15.
- Academic Affairs News Digest: Early alerts are due for all 1000 and 2000-level courses by noon, Friday, Feb. 7. Learn more about early alerts, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
- Niner Furthers Family Legacy: Charlotte master’s student Alan Oliva Chapela ’17 is continuing his family’s legacy and paving a path for homeownership through his real estate business.
- 49er Mart Users: Attend a virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., today, Thursday, Jan. 23. Registration is encouraged on the Learning and Development Portal, and more information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
- 403(b) Universal Availability Notice: The UNC System offers a choice of voluntary supplemental retirement programs so employees can save additional amounts for retirement. Please review the 403(b) Plan Universal Availability Notice for 2025.
What you need to know: students
- Niner Course Pack: Pick up your Niner Course Pack textbooks and class materials at Barnes & Noble Charlotte. If the program isn’t right for you this semester, opt out before the deadline Monday, Jan. 27.
- Online Bachelor’s Degree Leader: UNC Charlotte is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina for online bachelor’s degrees according to U.S. News & World Report rankings.
- Dean of the Library Announced: Jill Sexton has been named dean of the J. Murrey Atkins Library, effective March 15.
- Associate Vice Chancellor Update: Christopher R. Gonyar ’05, ’07 MPA, has been named associate vice chancellor for safety and security at UNC Charlotte, effective Jan. 15.
- Take Part in Research: The Office of Undergraduate Research is now accepting applications for the summer 2025 semester.
- Off-Campus Living: Want to live off campus next year? Stop by the Off-Campus Housing and Resource Fair from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center Food Court.
- Spend Your Summer Abroad: The Office of Education Abroad is offering exciting summer travel programs for all students. Application deadlines are approaching soon.
- Earn Exclusive Perks: Deposit $350 or more into your Optional Dining Account before Monday, Feb. 10, to get free delivery plus 10% off of four Starship orders and $20 in Niner Diner mobile app credit!
- 49er ID Reminder: If you set up your 49er mobile ID on a new mobile device, your physical card, if you have one, will no longer be a valid, working credential. You must use your mobile ID.
- Business Services Student Ambassadors: Help shape campus services like dining and transportation as a student ambassador for business services. Applications are due Thursday, Feb. 13.
- Alter Your Meal Plan: The deadline for upperclass students and commuters to change or cancel a meal plan with a $25 administrative fee is noon, Friday, Jan. 31.
Event Spotlight

Experience a dynamic evening of dance at the 2025 Faculty Dance Concert, Jan. 24-25, at the Anne R. Belk Theater in Robinson Hall. Department of Dance faculty Audrey Baran, Kaustavi Sarkar and Alyah Baker will present pieces with guest performers.
Upcoming Events: Students
- Green Dot Training: Attend a Green Dot Training from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, to learn to recognize, react and prevent interpersonal violence at UNC Charlotte.
- urbanCORE and CHESS Showcase: Mark your calendar for the urbanCORE and CHESS Showcase from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19. Don’t miss out on engaging presentations and a networking reception with researchers making a real-world impact.
- Health and Well-Being Webinar: The RASE Academy invites all interested members of the community to its first Health, Safety and Well-Being webinar for the semester; it is scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24. Registration is required. For more information, contact academy director Matthew Mills (mmills44@charlotte.edu), a faculty member of the the School of Social Work.
Additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff
- Students Centers Rebrand: The Popp Martin Student Union and Cone University Center department has rebranded to Student Centers to properly reflect the scope of the department’s responsibilities. This change does not affect the name of either building.
- Summer Camp Registration: Faculty and staff can take advantage of early registration for Camps on Campus starting at 8 a.m., Monday, Jan. 27, ahead of the general public. First-time enrollees will need to call the enrollment line at 704-687-8900 to register.
- TIAA Webinar: Register for “Take Control of Your Financial Life: Five Steps to Save Money and Manage Debt,” at 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30.
- Excellence in Leadership Awards: The 2025 Excellence in Leadership Awards ceremony is at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 1, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Tickets are $50 and include a three-course meal. Registration ends Tuesday, Jan. 28.
- Adobe CC Update: You can now log in to Adobe Creative Cloud using your @charlotte.edu credentials.
- International Women’s Day Celebration: The Office of International Programs is accepting nominations for the International Women’s Day celebration. This is an opportunity to highlight a UNC Charlotte community member who has positively contributed to global efforts.
- Earn Exclusive Perks: Deposit $350 or more into your Optional Dining Account before Monday, Feb. 10, to get free delivery plus 10% off four Starship orders and $20 in Niner Diner mobile app credit!
- Canvas Zoom Recording Change: Recordings prior to Dec. 18, 2024, will not automatically display in the Canvas Zoom interface. Reference this FAQ for more details.
- 49er ID Reminder: If you set up your 49er mobile ID on a new mobile device, your physical card, if you have one, will no longer be a valid, working credential. You must use your mobile ID.
- Health and Well-Being Webinar: The RASE Academy invites all interested members of the community to its first Health, Safety and Well-Being webinar for the semester; it is scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24. Registration is required. For more information, contact academy director Matthew Mills, a faculty member of the School of Social Work.
Only At charlotte

UNC Charlotte is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina and tied for No. 3 in the nation for online bachelor’s degrees according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. The ranking reflects the quality of UNC Charlotte’s 10 fully online bachelor’s degree completion programs.

Charlotte master’s student Alan Oliva Chapela ’17 is continuing his family’s legacy and paving a path for homeownership through his real estate business.
Show us your 49er spirit


It’s great to see our wonderful students, faculty and staff back on campus for spring 2025.
Submit your photos from the first week back to NinerInsider@charlotte.edu.
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