Design Evolution with Microalgae, The Difference is Charlotte at CLT Douglas International Airport and more
Design Evolution
Kyoung Hee Kim, professor of architecture, has been prototyping microalgae-filled building façade systems since 2011. These unique designs provide shade from the sun, filter out carbon dioxide and impurities, and release fresh, oxygen-rich air.
Kim explains the development of these designs and how she overcame failures to create something beautiful and impactful.
what you need to know: faculty and staff
- Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Applications are open for the Student Affairs Faculty Fellow for the 2026-27 academic year. Learn more about the application process, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
- Open Enrollment and Phishing Scam: Beware of a suspicious email that was sent to benefits-eligible employees regarding open enrollment. The email came from “Benefits Office” with the subject line: “Health benefits cancellation Notice.” This is a phishing scam and should be deleted. Do not click on any links or provide any information. As a reminder, benefits-eligible employees have until Friday, Oct. 31, to make health insurance elections during open enrollment for the 2026 plan year. Make sure you make elections in both platforms and save a copy of your elections.
- Leave Your Mark: UNC Charlotte’s first two residence halls, Sanford and Moore, represent a significant era of campus history. Now former residents can leave a permanent footprint with a commemorative, engraved brick that will adorn the future courtyard where the buildings stood for over 50 years.
- Reserve a Space: Learn how faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends can rent the Harris Alumni Center for holiday parties and events.
what you need to know: students
- Attention International Students: Please check your email for important information regarding the new health insurance requirement for spring 2026.
- RA Applications Open: 2026-27 resident advisor applications are open until 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2. Learn more about the position and how to apply.
- Become a Housing Ambassador: Do you love UNC Charlotte and living on campus? Apply to be a housing ambassador for spring 2026! Visit the housing ambassador webpage for more about the position and how to apply. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2.
- Don’t Forget: The deadline to request program changes (i.e. degree, major, catalog year) for spring 2026 is Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
the difference is charlotte
Travelers passing through Charlotte Douglas International Airport will now be greeted with a bold new message in green and gold: The Difference is Charlotte. Check out photos of the large-scale banners.
Garrett Hyten, a sophomore mechanical engineering major and club rugby player, talks about growing up on a military base in Germany and finding community through sports.
upcoming events: students
The nationally ranked men’s soccer team plays its final home game of the season at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Transamerica Field. Catch the team in action before its members head to the AAC Tournament to defend their title.
- Haunted Union: Visit the Haunted Union for a night of frights and fun from 7 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Popp Martin Student Union.
- Spooky Shutter Stroll: Bring your camera (or your phone) and try shooting on film with Charlotte photographers during a Halloween-themed photo walk around campus starting at 10 a.m., Friday Oct. 31, outside the Rowe Arts Building.
professional development: faculty and staff
- Canvas Open Swim: Do you have questions about Canvas? Register to attend the virtual Canvas Open Swim from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29.
- ComPsych Benefits: Learn about the expanded tools, resources and services to support your well-being, provided at no cost to permanent faculty, staff and their departments, at a virtual information session from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28.
- Self-Care Tips for Managers: Human resources is partnering with ComPsych Guidance Resources to offer a virtual workshop from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, to help managers cope with stress and thrive in organizations. Please register in advance.
- Graduate Mentor Award: Nominations for the 2026 Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award are open. This prestigious award, presented by the Chancellor’s Office and the Graduate School, recognizes a full-time graduate faculty member who exemplifies exceptional mentoring. Nominations are due Friday, Nov. 7.
to-do list: faculty and staff
- Halloween Poll: Tell us how you’re spending Halloween, cast your votes for the best candy and share your all-time favorite costume.
- Submit Holiday Recipes: Submit your favorite recipe and the story behind it for a chance to attend a special holiday dinner with Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber and Chartwells on Monday, Nov. 17.
- Register and Volunteer: This year’s Out of the Darkness community walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1. Register or volunteer to show support for mental health care and learn about campus and community resources.
- Check This Out: Artist Jim Sanborn, whose cryptic sculpture “The Cyrillic Projector” sits between the Friday and Fretwell Buildings, had one of his art works decoded after 35 years.
- Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.
to-do list: students
- Halloween Poll: Tell us how you’re spending Halloween, cast your votes for the best candy and share your all-time favorite costume.
- Submit Holiday Recipes: Submit your favorite recipe and the story behind it for a chance to attend a special holiday dinner with Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber and Chartwells on Monday, Nov. 17.
- Register and Volunteer: This year’s Out of the Darkness community walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1. Register or volunteer to show support for mental health care and learn about campus and community resources.
- Reserve a Space: Learn how your student organization can rent the Harris Alumni Center for holiday parties and events.