Charlotte’s Paw-some Protectors, Corpse Flower Blooms and more

October 2, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Three police officers pose together in front of a campus clock tower with their dogs, including a German Shepherd, a small curly-haired dog, and a Labrador Retriever.

Paw-some Campus Protectors

Expert K-9s, Dany, Charli and Barney — in partnership with their handlers from the Department of Police and Public Safety — put their intuitive superpowers to work every day to keep the campus community safe. Learn more about their contributions to campus security, and don’t forget to say, “Hi,” the next time you see them!

Cadavera is Open!

Corpse Flower Cadavera

The Botanical Garden’s new corpse flower, Cadavera, began opening at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1. The titan arum, known for its death-like stench, drew a record crowd to McMillan Greenhouse — with patrons lining up until 1:30 a.m. to get a whiff. Head to the greenhouse between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to see (and smell) for yourself!

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • New Legal Benefit: Starting in 2026, eligible employees will have access to legal assistance services via MetLife. This optional employee benefit will be offered via the Empyrean platform during open enrollment.
  • Faculty Research Grants: Starting next fiscal year, the Division of Academic Affairs will reallocate the $500,000 in annual funding earmarked for the internal Faculty Research Grants program directly to individual college budgets.
  • State Employees Combined Campaign: Faculty and staff will have the opportunity to support a State Employees Combined Campaign charity this fall. Watch your email for more details on this year’s campaign.
  • Campus Master Plan Forum: The campus community is encouraged to attend the first Campus Master Plan and Updates Forum from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Smith Building, Room 202.
  • Commencement Dates: The December 2025 Commencement ceremonies will be held in Halton Arena Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13.

what you need to know: students

the difference is charlotte

AI philosophy in teaching an learning

The Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Task Force has completed its work. In a new report, it outlines a campuswide philosophy surrounding AI for teaching and learning and shares recommendations for integrating AI into the curriculum. The report encompasses both vision and practical guidance, ultimately, to ensure Charlotte students graduate prepared for a workforce propelled by AI.

FSAE EV 704 Shop T-Shirt

Charlotte’s first all-electric race car team is being celebrated with limited-edition gear courtesy of Charlotte-based lifestyle brand and frequent UNC Charlotte collaborator, 704 Shop. Read more about this unique crossover.

upcoming events: students

Fall Plant Sale

Grab fall herbs and veggies, houseplants, native perennials and more at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale, Oct. 2-4, at Lot 5. The sale is open to the campus community and members only from noon to 4 p.m., today, Thursday, Oct. 2, so bring your 49er ID.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Mental Health Awareness Workshop: Human resources is partnering with ComPsych Guidance Resources to offer a virtual workshop from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and provide ways of supporting one another in the workplace. Please register in advance.
  • H.E.L.P. Certification: Gain the skills to provide support to people impacted by interpersonal violence, substance use, mental health and basic medical emergencies. Enroll in the Health Education Leadership and Prevention certificate.

upcoming: faculty and staff

  • Campus Beautification Day: Volunteer to help plant trees, collect litter and assist with other projects for Campus Beautification Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at East Village; register to participate.
  • Staff Council Meeting: The next Staff Council meeting will be held virtually from 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8; sign up to attend.
  • Concur System Update: A new Concur Expense Report User Interface will be introduced starting Wednesday, Oct. 15. Users may revert to the classic UI at any time using the “switch back” option on the expense report page banner.
  • Personally Speaking: Register for an upcoming Personally Speaking lecture, “Without Water, We Have Nothing: Water Grabbing and Crises Across the Americas and Beyond,” by Caitlin Schroering, assistant professor in the Department of Global Studies,  at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, in Atkins Library, Halton Room.
  • International Education Week: Celebrate UNC Charlotte’s global connections and contributions during International Education Week, Nov. 17-21. Events will feature food, music, dance and film from around the world. Student groups, faculty and staff can submit events to be included on the calendar by Friday, Oct. 17.
  • Charlotte AI Summit: Mark your calendars for the fourth Charlotte AI Summit for Smarter Learning Wednesday, May 13. Registration and the call for proposals will open Wednesday, Nov. 5.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Staff Appreciation Tailgate: Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship at the Staff Council Staff Appreciation Tailgate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, at the 49th Acre.
  • Register for Bachata Brunch: Register by Saturday, Oct. 11, for Bachata Brunch, hosted by the Latinx/a/o Alumni Network from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340.
  • Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students