An End-of-Semester Message from Chancellor Gaber, Can’t Miss Stories From Niner Nation and more

December 11, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Gif of Holiday Video message from Chancellor Gaber

A Message from Chancellor Gaber

As we mark the end of another semester — and another year — I want to express my deep appreciation for all that you’ve done to contribute to our tremendous success. The goals and milestones we have reached this year wouldn’t have been possible without you. THANK YOU!

Chris Lane strumming a guitar in Charlotte baseball dugout

Top Stories of the Semester

This semester, University Communications produced a variety of digital features that explore the way Niners are making an impact on campus, in the community and beyond. From varsity esports athletes to marching band leaders; from K-9 handlers keeping campus safe to engineers helping rebuild Western North Carolina; experience their stories through videos, photos and storytelling.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Commencement Parking Reminders: PaTS will implement temporary service changes Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, to accommodate parking and transportation needs for Fall Commencement.
  • Submit Final Grades: Canvas to Banner grade submission is now faster. Submit final grades for fall 2025 by noon, Monday, Dec. 15. See Canvas Updates for more details.
  • 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.
  • Upcoming OneIT Maintenance: OneIT is performing extended maintenance work Dec. 15-21 to various systems across campus. There will be updates to the Identity Management (NinerNET) software Dec. 20-22.
  • Charlotte Grad Unseats Incumbent: Charlitta Hatch ’25 Ph.D. won the District 1 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education seat just 24 hours after defending her dissertation. Read how the doctoral program helped her find her voice.
  • Nominate an Employee of the Year: Every year, UNC Charlotte awards and recognizes exemplary employees for their hard work and dedication to the campus community and beyond. Nominations for the 2026 Staff Employee of the Year Awards will open Monday, Jan. 5, in the categories of Devotion to Duty, Innovation, Human Relations, Community and Public Service, and Safety and Heroism.
  • Honors Research Symposium: Nearly 100 undergraduate students recently took the stage at UNC Charlotte’s 2025 Honors Research Symposium, filling The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City with fresh ideas and discoveries.

what you need to know: students

  • ICYMI: With winter break in sight, Chancellor Gaber shared an end-of-semester message to Niner Nation.
  • Commencement Parking Reminders: PaTS will implement temporary service changes Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, to accommodate parking and transportation needs for Fall Commencement.
  • 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!
  • NinerNET Software Update: OneIT will perform critical updates to the Identity Management (NinerNET) software from noon, Saturday, Dec. 20, to noon, Monday, Dec. 22.
  • Engaged Scholarship Symposium: The 2026 UNC Charlotte Engaged Scholarship Symposium will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City. Co-sponsored by urbanCORE and CO-LAB, the event showcases how faculty, students and community partners are advancing social innovation through engaged scholarship.
  • Honors Research Symposium: Nearly 100 undergraduate students recently took the stage at UNC Charlotte’s 2025 Honors Research Symposium, filling The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City with fresh ideas and discoveries.
  • 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.

prioritize your well-being

Happy Holidays Graphic from HR

As the calendar year comes to a close and we look forward to the upcoming break, HR wishes to extend our deepest gratitude for your hard work, dedication and resilience throughout this past year. Your commitment is what makes UNC Charlotte such a vibrant and productive community. We encourage you to use this valuable time away from the workplace to truly disengage, recharge and prioritize your personal well-being.

the difference is charlotte

15 TEDxUNCCharlotte Speakers

TEDxUNCCharlotte, the University’s licensed TEDx event featuring speakers from across the Charlotte community, will be Saturday, Feb. 21. The 15 speakers chosen include current University faculty, staff and students, community members and Charlotte alumni.

upcoming events: students

Charlotte 49er statue covered in snow

The University is closed Dec. 24-31 for winter break. University Recreation closes at 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12; Atkins Library will be closed Sunday, Dec. 14, through Tuesday, Jan. 6.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Fall Writing Retreat: Faculty and staff are invited to a two-day fall writing retreat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 16, and Tuesday, Dec. 17, in Sycamore Hall, Room 306.
  • Concur User Group Virtual Forum: Don’t miss the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 18. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal.
  • Engaged Scholarship Symposium: The 2026 UNC Charlotte Engaged Scholarship Symposium will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City. Co-sponsored by urbanCORE and CO-LAB, the event showcases how faculty, students and community partners are advancing social innovation through engaged scholarship.
  • Unwrap New Teaching Strategies: For spring 2026, the Center for Teaching and Learning is offering workshops between Monday, Jan. 5, through Saturday, Feb. 27.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Read BOG Highlights: Review the highlights from the November Board of Governors meeting that address enrollment trends, academic initiatives and policy matters shaping higher education across the state.
  • Share How You Use AI: OneIT is collecting real AI administrative user stories of how generative AI is transforming your daily work at UNC Charlotte. Share the creative ways you’re harnessing AI.
  • PaTS Survey: Please provide your feedback to influence the future of parking and transportation at Charlotte. Those who complete the 10- to 15-minute survey will be entered into a random drawing for one of five $100 Barnes & Noble Charlotte gift cards.

to-do list: students

  • PaTS Survey: Please provide your feedback to influence the future of parking and transportation at Charlotte. Completing the 10- to 15-minute survey earns you entry in a random drawing for one of five $100 Barnes & Noble Charlotte gift cards.
  • Download the Shared Table: Charlotte presented the first-ever Niner Nation Digital Cookbook — a collection of recipes shared by students, faculty and staff. Download the cookbook here.
  • Apply Early for Scholarships: Current students can begin applying for scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year through the Niner Scholars portal.