VALENTINE’S DAY: STATE OF THE HEART, THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF RELATIONSHIPS AND MORE
State of the heart
Saravana ’03 M.S. and Katherine ’03 M.S., ’05 Ph.D. Kumar met while pursuing master’s degrees in mechanical engineering at UNC Charlotte. Today, their breakthrough device, the AltaValve, could mend the hearts of millions suffering from mitral regurgitation.
Caring Connections
This Valentine’s Day, it is important to remember that love comes in many forms. Amy Canevello, professor in the Department of Psychological Science, breaks down how meaningful relationships with friends, colleagues and with community members shape our lives.
What you need to know: Faculty and Staff
- Charlotte AI Summit Proposals: The call for proposals for the 2025 CTL AI Summit is open; submit your proposals by Monday, March 10.
- Global Learning and Internationalization Institute Application: The Office of International Programs invites faculty members to apply for the Global Learning and Internationalization Institute, scheduled for May 12-16. This initiative supports faculty in developing goals for internationalizing their teaching and creating global learning experiences for students.
- Final Reminder: Time is running out to complete the annual EHS compliance training, which was assigned to all University faculty, staff and student workers Friday, Jan. 3. Employees were given 45 days to complete the required training, which can be accessed through the Learning and Development Portal.
- 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
- Share Your International Story: Every student has a story, and the Office of International Programs invites you to share yours! The Marian Beane Crossing Borders writing contest is an opportunity to share your international experience, which can include studying abroad or a cultural experience in your home country. Winners may receive up to $400.
- Student Activity Fees Commission Applications: Apply to be a member of the Student Activity Fees Commission to help oversee more than $2 million in student activity fees, approve funding for student organizations and more. Applications are open until Monday, March 24.
- Army ROTC Opportunity: The Army ROTC is offering rising juniors an opportunity to enroll for fall 2025. Students who attend one of the 30-day basic camps this summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky, become eligible to enroll in the final two-year advanced Army ROTC program, which could include a cadet stipend and an Army ROTC scholarship. Contact Rick Nash (rnash3@charlotte.edu) for more information.
Event Spotlight: faculty and staff
The 40th anniversary Loy H. Witherspoon Lecture , featuring Ken Stone of the Chicago Theological Seminary, will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City; a reception will start at 5 p.m.
Additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff
- Honors Faculty Applications: The Honors College is accepting applications for honors faculty through Saturday, March 15. Nominate your faculty or self-nominate to be part of this cohort. Visit the Honors College website for more information and to access the application.
- Globally Networked Learning: Interested in offering a Globally Networked Learning virtual exchange course during the 2025-26 academic year? Register for the hybrid information session from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21.
- 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.
- Productivity Course: Register for “From Chaos to Clarity, Maximizing Productivity with Effective Strategies and AI Tools,” part of human resources’ Unleash Your Niner Potential series for Charlotte employees, from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Colvard Building, Room 5092.
- Playing with Data: Register for “Playing with Data: Sandbox for the Quality of Life Explorer,” from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, via Zoom. Learn to use this research tool for your scholarship and teaching in this online urbanCORE CORE Series workshop.
- Docusign Updates: Docusign accounts will be changed to NinerNet@charlotte.edu Friday, Feb. 28. There will be a Docusign outage from 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28, through 5 p.m., Sunday, March 2.
Only at Charlotte
Sunnie Stainback, a senior graphic design major, has expanded her craft to include engagement/wedding photography and videography. She talks about how impromptu requests from friends and family members grew into a full-blown side-hustle, capturing couples’ most precious moments.
Show Us Your 49er Spirit!
Brenda Shue ’11, ’13 M.A., business officer in the Chancellor’s Office, showed her love of Charlotte women’s basketball by making a poster and personalized valentines for all the players, coaches, athletic trainers, student managers and support staff.
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
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- Staff Council
- Title IX Training
- Today’s Menus
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