Keeping their voices alive: A moving student performance, volunteer at Spring Commencement, battle bots in action and more

Resounding resistance: Charlotte students give voice to professor’s research of Holocaust defiance 

Sixteen Charlotte choir members recently brought to life the stories of Jewish partisans with “Partisan Song: Stories and Music of Holocaust Resistance” in performances in Charlotte and New York City. Take an inside look at the program and its reception.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: The Office of Assessment and Accreditation has selected ten recipients to receive its excellence designation. Learn more about the recognition event on Tuesday, April 21, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
• Volunteers needed: Volunteer support is needed for Spring Commencement ceremonies to assist guests and graduates.
• Timeline announced: The Division of Academic Affairs is moving forward with implementation of the University’s new Faculty Activity Reporting system and has released an initial timeline to help faculty prepare for the transition.
• Department merger in CHESS: The College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences will merge the Department of Writing, Rhetoric & Digital Studies into the Department of Communication Studies, effective July 1.
• Student Success Summit recap: Campus leaders recently came together at the Student Success Summit to examine how first-time-in-college students entering with 30 or more credits experience the University.
• Retirement planning: Check out the latest PIER newsletter from the UNC System to see what’s new on the updated retirement engagement website.
• Did you know?: UNC Charlotte donated nearly 1,000 refurbished computers in 2025 to Eliminate the Digital Divide, a nonprofit that provides laptops to families lacking access to essential technology at home.

what you need to know: students

• Commencement is coming: Spring Commencement is less than 30 days away! Don’t miss these countdown-to-commencement events, including the Forever a Niner celebration event on Thursday, May 7. Be sure to review these FAQs ahead of the ceremonies.
• Apply for Niner 9: Applications are now open for the next Niner 9, nine students recognized during Homecoming festivities who embody the pride, spirit and traditions of Niner Nation. The deadline is significantly earlier than previous years with applications closing Sunday, Aug. 9, before the start of the new academic year.
• Did you know?: UNC Charlotte donated almost 1,000 refurbished computers in 2025 to Eliminate the Digital Divide, a nonprofit that provides laptops to families lacking access to essential technology at home.
• Earth Month film series: Join the Office of Sustainability and campus partners for film screenings and panel discussions throughout April. The next screening is “The Rights of Nature: A Global Movement,” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, in Klein College of Science, Room 104.

the difference is charlotte

Brian Schoellner, a junior mechanical engineering major, turned a childhood passion for battle bots into the Charlotte Combat Robot Club. Take a look inside the student organization as it prepares to host Robot Rumble, the largest battle bot tournament in the state.

upcoming events: students

Don’t miss swag, fun, food and fellowship for Charlotte’s first-gen community at First-Generation Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at Star Quad.

• Silent disco: Join the Center for Wellness Promotion for Niners at Night: Silent Disco Party on Thursday, April 23. Connect with peers while enjoying music and refreshments, including mocktails.
• Party for the Planet: Join student organizations for an evening of fun and activities centered around environmental sustainability from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, at Belk Plaza.

professional development: faculty and staff

• Workshop for health professionals: Register for “Crisis Response Planning for Suicide Risk Management” from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, April 15.
• Upcoming Concur training: The next Concur for purchasing card (non-travel) virtual training is at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 16. Register on the learning and development portal.
• Attention managers: Refresh your skills by reviewing the performance management cycle for SHRA employees, and join an open virtual Q&A session at 10 a.m., Friday, April 17. Register on the learning and development portal.
• Wellness webinar: Register for “How to Receive Criticism and Make it Work for You” from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. This workshop explores why we become defensive, delivers tips for knowing when your “hot button” has been pushed, and how to accept and integrate useful criticism.
• 49er Mart users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, April 23. Registration is encouraged through the learning and development portal, and additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Thursday trivia results: Way to go Niner Nation, you crushed our 4/9 Day trivia! Nearly 70% of respondents got a perfect score.
• Meet your Staff Council rep: Get to know Staff Council representatives, alternates and executive board members during Coffee and Conversation, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room.
• Book a financial advisory session: CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, the independent advisory firm that works on the UNC Retirement Programs, is conducting virtual individual advisory sessions that include retirement, general financial planning and investment education. Make an appointment for a session this month.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

• Thursday trivia results: Way to go Niner Nation, you crushed our 4/9 Day trivia! Nearly 60% of respondents got a perfect score.
• Explore summer courses: The summer 2026 schedule is available; register today! 
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.