UTOP’S PATHWAY TO COLLEGE SUCCESS, STAFF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS, UNIVERSITY HONORS AND AWARDS AND MORE

Long-Term Success: Building Community through UTOP
For nearly 40 years, the University Transition Opportunities Program has paved a path for college success among first-time-in-college students at UNC Charlotte. Learn more about the program through the eyes of a UTOP Mentor of the Year, Kris Seberry.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: FACULTY AND STAFF
- Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Learn about Atkins Library’s new e-book borrowing pilot program, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Review important updates and reminders for using flexible spending accounts for both health care and day care.
- University Honors and Awards: Each April, the University Honors and Awards Ceremony celebrates select students who made outstanding contributions to Charlotte throughout the academic year. Faculty and staff can nominate students through Friday, Feb. 14.
- Staff Employee of the Year: Nominations for the 2025 Staff Employee of the Year awards are being accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21. Recommend a colleague for this honor!
wHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: STUDENTS
- University Honors and Awards: Each April, the University Honors and Awards Ceremony celebrates select students who made outstanding contributions to Charlotte throughout the academic year. Nominations are now open; the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 28.
- Spring Bell Ringer Applications: The commencement bell ringer is an honorable tradition that recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary 49er spirit. Applications to be a spring bell ringer open today and close at 11:45 p.m., Sunday, March 16.
- Mental Health First Aid Training: Mental Health First Aid is a national program that teaches skills to respond to someone struggling with distress or suicidal ideation. The next virtual student training is from 2 to 5 p.m., Feb. 25-26.
eVENT sPOTLIGHT

Mark your calendar for urbanCORE’s Showcase featuring CHESS scheduled for 3 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19. There will be research presentations by engaged scholars, as well as a networking reception with staff, faculty, students and community leaders. A registration link will be available in mid-February.
Upcoming events: Students
- Great Decisions Lecture: Register for “The Future of NATO and European Security ” scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, presented by Besir Ceka, associate professor and chair of political science at Davidson College. The lecture is part of the 2025 Great Decisions lecture series.
- Niner Nation Gives Student Org Showcase: Showcase your organization’s work and raise money at the Niner Nation Gives student org showcase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. Applications close Friday, Feb. 14.
Additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff
- Great Decisions Lecture: Register for “The Future of NATO and European Security” scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, presented by Besir Ceka, associate professor and chair of political science at Davidson College. The lecture is part of the 2025 Great Decisions lecture series.
- Headspace Virtual Webinar: Join Headspace for “Uplifting Diverse Perspectives” at noon, Thursday, Feb. 6.
- Community-based Research Course: urbanCORE invites community-engaged faculty to register for an information session on Sarah Powell’s new course, “Intro to Community Based Research.” This one-credit-hour research methods course may be useful for students embarking on community-engaged projects, courses or majors.
- AI Professional Certificate Course: CTL100, the Next-Generation Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools Professional Certificate, is scheduled from Wednesday, Feb. 26, through Tuesday, March 11. Register now to earn a digital badge in teaching and learning with generative AI.
- Mental Health First Aid Training: Mental Health First Aid is a national program that teaches skills to respond to someone struggling with distress or suicidal ideation. The next virtual faculty/staff training is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., March 4-5.
- Level Up Your Tech Skills: Register for OneIT training sessions on Zoom Phone, Zoom AI Companion and Google Workspace.
only at charlotte

Architecture students Indya Barginere and Violet Drinkwater won an award in the national Framing the Future: Industrial Technologies Photo Contest sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Show us your 49er spirit

Picks up at the military and veteran services dinner in January.
Submit your 49er spirit photo to NinerInsider@charlotte.edu.
campus resources
- Academic Affairs News Digest
- 49er Athletics
- Atkins Library
- Niner Central
- Human Resources
- Inside UNC Charlotte
- Campus Disruptions, Delays and Detours
- Campus Career Center
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- UREC
- Interactive Campus Map
- My UNC Charlotte
- OneIT Help Desk
- Research
- Staff Council
- Title IX Training
- Today’s Menus
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