Faculty recognized as academic inventors, Crowdfunding clubs aim for national heights and more

Five faculty named to 2026 Class of National Academy of Inventors Senior Members

Five UNC Charlotte faculty members have been named to the 2026 class of Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors, a recognition honoring academic inventors whose work has made a measurable impact through patents, commercialization and mentorship. 

Meet the student clubs and organizations crowdfunding this spring

Over a dozen student orgs and sports clubs have ‘pick’started crowdfunding campaigns to rally support on their way to various national conferences and championships! Help them reach their fundraising goals by Wednesday, March 25.

• Disc golf natty bound: Did you know Charlotte is the second-largest disc golf market in the world? Charlotte disc golf club punched its ticket to yet another Division I National Tournament appearance and is crowdfunding to ensure the program continues to stay at the top of its game.
• STORM’s surge: UNC Charlotte’s Student Organization of Meteorology (STORM) is crowdfunding to send members to the 2027 American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in Denver — the biggest meeting of Meteorologists in the world.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Charlotte Core is recruiting faculty reviewers to rate student work aligned with the critical thinking and communication competencies. Learn how to apply, along with other important announcements in this week’s news digest. 
• Faculty Flourish Week: UNC Charlotte will recognize faculty contributions to learning, research, leadership and community during the inaugural Spring Faculty Flourish Week, March 16-20, sponsored by the Center for ADVANCing Faculty Success. Check out the week’s speakers, challenges, social events and professional development opportunities.
• Attention managers: Refresh your skills by reviewing the performance management cycle for SHRA employees and joining an open virtual Q&A session at 10 a.m., Friday, March 20; Friday, March 27; or Friday, April 3. Register on the learning and development portal.
• Vendor selected: The Division of Academic Affairs has selected Watermark as the vendor to implement the planned online faculty activity reporting system, which will help faculty more easily document their teaching, research and service.
• Niner Nation Serves: Make a difference during Niner Nation Serves this April. Give back in your own way by creating your own adventure or participating in Niner-led volunteer opportunities.

what you need to know: students

• Deadline today: Interested in having a voice in graduate student funding, academic policy and events? Apply for 2026-27 Graduate and Professional Student Government leadership positions.
• Honors College scholarship celebration: The deadline to register for the Crown and Albert Scholars 10th Anniversary Celebration is tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17. All students, faculty and alumni are invited to celebrate, network and view student presentations while enjoying hors d’oeuvres.
• Registration reminder: Course Program of Study limits financial aid to courses required for your degree. Confirm your major and check DegreeWorks now to ensure your schedule is aid-eligible, or connect with your academic advisor.
• Leadership Fellows applications: Develop tangible skills to use in your campus involvements, internships and jobs through the Leadership Fellows program. Applications for fall 2026 are due by Friday, March 27.
• Swap Til Ya Drop: Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at the Swap Til Ya Drop Clothing Swap Shop, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, during the Earth Day Festival in Belk Plaza. Find out how to donate items in advance for tickets redeemable at the festival.

the difference is charlotte

What’s your 5 to 9 look like? New research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology by Ryan Grant, assistant professor of psychological science, examines how employees recover from work stress.

Eight UNC Charlotte students have been nominated for four nationally competitive awards — the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship and the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program.

upcoming events: students

This week, March 16-19, you can make a real impact on Niner students facing food insecurity by donating up to two meal swipes through Swipe Out Hunger. Drop by Social 704 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and SoVi from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 18.

• Green Dot Week: This week, March 16-20, is Green Dot Week. Attend events across campus to inspire action towards a violence-free culture and be entered into a cozy basket drawing.
• New date: Join the Black Alumni Chapter for “Side Hustle: Turning Passions into Profits” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Learn from alumni entrepreneurs, gain tips for growing your side gig and expand your network.

professional development: faculty and staff

• CORE Series workshop: Join Charlotte Urban Institute’s Katie Zager for a hands-on session on using the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Explorer in your research and teaching from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, March 19, via Zoom.
• 49er Mart users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, March 19. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal, and more information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
• Niner Knowledge: Register to attend the next installment of Niner Knowledge on Hidden GEMs from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, via Zoom. Learn to use Google’s free custom tools that amplify your expertise, making your work faster, smarter and more human-centered.
• Recognize struggling students: Register for the next Office of Legal Affairs monthly training session, “When Students Struggle: Recognizing Distress and Taking Action,” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, via Zoom.
• Accessibility awareness: Celebrate Accessibility Awareness Month this April with an information session on the new digital accessibility policy, workshops and drop-in clinics.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Kick off NNG: Last call to register for the Niner Nation Gives Faculty and Staff Kickoff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, Popp Martin Student Union, third floor. Enjoy a complimentary lunch, win bonus funds for your favorite campus causes and hear from Demond T. Martin ’97.
• Get tickets today: Join the Alumni Association for Niner Night at Truist Field as the 49ers take on the Clemson Tigers. Enjoy a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet and more. Early-bird pricing ends Monday, March 23.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

• Visit alum’s exhibition: Laura Lucas ’23 explores the in-between moments that humanize space in her solo exhibition, “The Walls Have Ears,” on display at Rowe Galleries through Friday, March 20.
• Get tickets to Nouveau Now: The dance and music departments present Nouveau Now, a program of stunning choreography and live music performances, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 28, and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at the restored 1927 Carolina Theatre in uptown Charlotte.
• Get tickets today: Join the Alumni Association for Niner Night at Truist Field as the 49ers take on the Clemson Tigers. Enjoy a two-hour all-you-can-eat buffet and more. Early bird pricing ends Monday, March 23.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.