Fall Commencement Preview, Insurance Notice, Kronos Reminders and more

December 8, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Photo of graduates

More Than 3,100 Degrees Will Be Conferred at Fall Commencement

UNC Charlotte will hold Fall Commencement ceremonies for 2025 graduates, Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, in Halton Arena. Fall 2025 graduates represent 22 countries, 31 states, 72 North Carolina counties and range in age from 19 to 69.

  • Parking Reminders: PaTS will implement temporary service changes to accommodate parking and transportation needs for Fall Commencement.
  • Volunteers Still Needed: Volunteers are still needed for all ceremonies for guest and graduate assistance. Register to volunteer.
  • Halton Arena Policies: A clear bag policy will be enforced at Halton Arena, and umbrellas, balloons, noisemakers, posters, banners and flags are not allowed in the facility.
  • Don’t Forget Your ID: Graduating students are required to have a UNC Charlotte student ID or government-issued ID to enter the graduate area.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News: View all dissertation defense announcements, along with other important announcements, in this week’s news digest.
  • Support for Employees: Life can throw surprises, and UNC Charlotte is here to help. Interest-free loans up to $250 are available through the Emergency Loan Fund to cover unexpected expenses. Faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity are welcome to shop at the Jamil Niner Student Pantry from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Bring your employee ID and a reusable bag. Together, these resources are here to support our Niner community.
  • Don’t Lose Your Time! (Kronos): Leave-earning employees are required to submit all leave taken during calendar year 2025 in Kronos by Wednesday, Dec. 31. Remember, vacation time over 240 hours converts to sick leave; EHRA personal leave over 160 hours is forfeited. Review these important Kronos and Web Time Entry year-end reminders and timesheet deadlines.
  • Insurance Notice: Health insurance deductions begin with your December paycheck. If you enrolled in the State Health Plan for the 2026 plan year, verify the benefit plan and deduction on your paycheck with your open enrollment confirmation statement through eBenefits. Report any discrepancies to the Benefits Office at benefits@charlotte.edu or 704-687-8134. Please review other timely benefit news and information including flexible spending accounts and 2026 retirement contributions.
  • Atkins Closure: Atkins Library will be closed Sunday, Dec. 14, through Tuesday, Jan. 6, to allow for major electrical upgrades. Check its website for the schedule of library services and resources available during the building closure, as well as important deadlines for pickups, requests and returns.
  • NinerAlert Testing: The annual test of the NinerAlert system will occur at approximately 9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, and will last for about 10 minutes. You will receive NinerAlerts no matter your proximity to campus. Campus sirens also will be activated. All messages will be marked clearly as test messages.
  • NinerNET Software Update: OneIT will perform critical updates to the Identity Management (NinerNET) software from noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, through noon, Monday, Dec. 22.
  • Walter Payton Man of the Year: Alex Highsmith ’20 is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award , which recognizes players’ outstanding commitment to community impact. This is the second consecutive year a Niner has been nominated by the Steelers; Larry Ogunjobi ’16 was the team’s 2024 nominee.

what you need to know: students

  • Atkins Closure: Atkins Library will be closed Sunday, Dec. 14, through Tuesday, Jan. 6, to allow for major electrical upgrades to the building’s systems. Check its website for the schedule of library services and resources available during the building closure as well as important deadlines for pickups, requests and returns.
  • NinerAlert Testing: The annual test of the NinerAlert system will occur Wednesday, Dec. 17, at approximately 9 a.m. and will last for about 10 minutes. You will receive NinerAlerts no matter your proximity to campus. Campus sirens also will be activated. All messages will be marked clearly as test messages.
  • NinerNET Software Update: OneIT will perform critical updates to the Identity Management (NinerNET) software from noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, to noon, Monday, Dec. 22.
  • Walter Payton Man of the Year: Alex Highsmith ’20 is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award , which recognizes players’ outstanding commitment to community impact. This is the second consecutive year a Niner has been nominated by the Steelers; Larry Ogunjobi ’16 was the team’s 2024 nominee.
  • Fuel the 49ers, Win Panthers Tickets: Make a $25 gift to the Charlotte 49ers Football Excellence Fund by Friday, Dec. 12, to be entered to win a pair of tickets to the Panthers vs. Buccaneers game, Saturday, Dec. 21, at Bank of America Stadium plus exclusive pre-game field passes!

the difference is charlotte

Gold STARS Rating graphic

UNC Charlotte has achieved its first-ever STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, marking a major milestone in the University’s strategic plan to become a national leader in sustainability.

upcoming event: students

Women's basketball player driving to the basket against Auburn

After traveling to California, the Cayman Islands and Mississippi, Charlotte women’s basketball has a five-game home stand starting Sunday, Dec. 14. Catch a game in Halton Arena.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Staff Appreciation Events: Staff are invited to attend two 49er basketball games in Halton Arena: Women’s vs. Winthrop at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, admission is free and advanced tickets are not required; and Men’s vs. Wichita State at 6 p.m., Jan. 3, register to reserve two free tickets.

Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.