Community Engagement Recognized Again by Carnegie, Provide input on Charlotte’s next AD, campus landmark trivia and more

January 22, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Campus beauty shot

Editor’s Note: In the event of widespread due to this weekend’s storm, Monday’s Niner Insider may be delayed. Continue to monitor your email and text messages for NinerAlerts related to the storm. Power willing, we’ll be in your inbox Monday morning!

UNC Charlotte’s Community Engagement Recognized Again by Carnegie

UNC Charlotte recently received reaffirmation of its community engagement classification from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching . The University earned its original classification in 2008, with reaffirmations in 2015 and 2025. A total of 277 institutions currently hold the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, including 13 in North Carolina. 

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • AD Feedback Closes Tomorrow: Make sure to provide your input to the search committee for the next director of athletics before the form closes tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 23.
  • Be Prepared: Temperatures are getting colder, and winter weather is expected over the weekend, including snow and ice. Make sure you are prepared by monitoring your local weather, understanding how the University will contact you with any operational changes and reviewing the latest NinerNotice.
  • 403(b) Universal Availability Notice: The UNC System offers a choice of voluntary supplemental retirement programs so employees can save additional amounts for retirement. Review the 403(b) Plan Universal Availability Notice for 2026.
  • Drug and Alcohol Policies: The University is required to publish and communicate to students and employees an annual notice regarding policies and related information to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
  • Faculty Connect Events: Faculty are invited to the Chamber Wind Showcase, Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Rowe Recital Hall. Register for the mixer at 7 p.m. followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss “New Year, Better You – Healthy Eating Made Simple,” from 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, in the UREC Demo Kitchen. Space is limited, register now.
  • Staff Employee of the Year Awards: Nominations for the 2026 Staff Employee of the Year awards are being accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6. Recommend a colleague for this honor!
  • ORBIT Update: The North Carolina Retirement System is changing the login process for ORBIT, effective Sunday, Feb. 1. Learn more about the change.
  • Retirement Planning: A TIAA financial consultant will be on campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, to answer questions about investments and retirement needs. Register for a session.

what you need to know: students

the difference is charlotte

Andrei Vince presenting a poster at SIGGRAPH Asia in Hong Kong

Andrei Vince, a third-year computer engineering major, traveled to Hong Kong to present collaborative research at SIGGRAPH Asia, one of the world’s top conferences for computer graphics and interactive technology.

upcoming events: Students

  • Great Decisions Lecture: Register for “Ukraine and the Future of European Security” scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, presented by Joshua Miller, assistant professor of political science and public administration at UNC Charlotte.
  • 704 Hot Chocolate Bar: Warm up with hot chocolate and add fun toppings starting at 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, at Social 704.
  • 49er Gold Rush 5K: The annual 49er Gold Rush 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7. Early registration is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Softdocs Session Change: Due to anticipated weather impacts, the in‑person information session regarding the transition from Perceptive Content to Softdocs on Monday, Jan. 26, has been moved to a virtual format. Register for an upcoming information session.
  • Great Decisions Lecture: Register for “Ukraine and the Future of European Security” from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, presented by Joshua Miller, assistant professor of political science and public administration at UNC Charlotte.
  • Unleash Your Niner Potential: Human resources’ in-person, interactive workshops, from time management to digital communications and effective meetings to conflict resolution, provide University employees with the tools needed to tackle some of today’s toughest workplace challenges. Register for a workshop today.
  • URC Abstract Submissions: UNC Charlotte’s Undergraduate Research Conference is Friday, April 24, in the Popp Martin Student Union. The URC 2026 abstract submission form is now open.

to-do list: faculty and staff

to-do list: students