Meet the 2026 Student Employee of the Year, Levine Scholar pioneers re-entry initiative, HR Connect is live and more

Theo Palermo named 2026 Student Employee of the Year

Many of UNC Charlotte’s more than 32,000 enrolled students gain valuable experience through student employment. Theo Palermo has defied expectations at the Jamil Niner Student Pantry since fall 2024, and was named the 2026 Student Employee of the Year Award.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Help the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution recruit students for the Student Accountability Board, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
• HR Connect: Human Resources has launched HR Connect, a new centralized platform for all HR questions and requests. Faculty and staff can now submit cases, track progress in real time and communicate securely with HR — all in one place. HR Connect enhances confidentiality, speeds up response times and provides a consistent service experience across campus. Please use HR Connect for anything you would have previously called or emailed HR about — whether it’s a quick question, a policy clarification or a request you need help with — so we can support you more quickly and smoothly.
• Wellness in Motion: Ready to recharge? Join fellow faculty and staff for a half‑day well-being experience focused on movement, mindfulness and stress relief from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, in the Cone University Center, beginning in the Lucas Room. From tai chi to journaling, this event, hosted by the HR Employee Engagement and Retention team, offers practical tools to support your well-being. Register to reserve your spot.
• Career Collaborator Awards: The Career Center recently held its annual Career Collaborator Awards Ceremony, celebrating faculty and staff who played a vital role in the career development of students throughout the academic year.
• Spending cutoff deadlines: As the fiscal year winds down, please review the fiscal year 2026 spending cut-off deadlines and other year-end reminders.
• Scheduled Light Rail shutdown: The LYNX Blue Line will shut down for scheduled maintenance on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. Bus bridges will replace all trains; check the CATS Pass app to find bus connections.
• UNC Legal Plan: Employees can enroll in the UNC Legal Plan through Thursday, April 30. For an affordable monthly fee, participants gain access to a nationwide network of attorneys for help with estate planning, real estate matters, family issues and more. MetLife will host an information session at noon, Wednesday, April 29.

what you need to know: students

• Commencement ticket deadline: The deadline for May graduates to reserve commencement tickets is Monday, April 27. Tickets are not required for the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 7.
• Cap and gown photos needed: May graduates, submit a photo of yourself in (or with) your cap and gown, and you could be featured in this year’s commencement pre-show.
• Become a board member: A Student Centers Advisory Board was created to act as the governing body for the Popp Martin Student Union and Cone University Center. Apply to become a board member by Friday, April 24.
• Scheduled Light Rail shutdown: The LYNX Blue Line will shut down for scheduled maintenance on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. Bus bridges will replace all trains; check the CATS Pass app to find bus connections.

the difference is charlotte

Gracie Bricker’s commitment to supporting people impacted by incarceration began at age nine. Now a senior criminal justice and psychology double-major and Levine Scholar, Bricker founded Reignite: Second Chance Scholars, a first-of-its-kind initiative centered around re-entry support, education and empathy.

upcoming events: students

Join student organizations for Party for the Planet from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, at Belk Plaza. Enjoy activities centered on environmental sustainability.

• Book discussion and signing: Register for “Black Atlantic Worlds: Landscape Histories of the African Diaspora,” a discussion on the new volume edited by Oscar de la Torre, professor of Africana Studies, from 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 23, in Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room. Light refreshments will be provided, and an audience Q&A and book signing will follow.
• Late Night Breakfast: The last day of classes calls for a special meal. Late Night Breakfast is from 9 to 11 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, at SoVi Dining Hall; the event is free to students with a valid student ID.
• Grow something meaningful: Explore how caring for plants can reflect how we care for ourselves at a terrarium-building workshop hosted by the Center for Wellness Promotion and Plant House from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 23, at the Student Health Center, Room 293. Participants will receive free food and goodie bags.
• Love of Charlotte Musicale: The Mu Psi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota is seeking performers for its spring 2026 musicale at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, in Cone After Hours.

professional development: faculty and staff

• 49er Mart users: Don’t miss 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.
• Book discussion and signing: Register for “Black Atlantic Worlds: Landscape Histories of the African Diaspora,” a discussion of the new volume edited by Oscar de la Torre, professor of Africana Studies, from 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 23, in Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room. Light refreshments will be provided, and an audience Q&A and book signing will follow. 
• Attention nine‑month faculty: Please complete all employee appraisals and evaluations before leaving for summer break. Log into NinerTalent Stakes to get started. Email NinerTalent Stakes with questions.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Thursday trivia results: Great job on last week’s space-inspired trivia — most of you got three out of four! Fun fact: the 49er Rocketry team is headed to Huntsville, Alabama this week to compete in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative.
• Check out the spring Gearshop Guide: Campus is blooming, and the 49er Gear Shop has released its spring edition of the Gearshop Guide for all of Niner Nation — from graduates to parents to future Niners.
• Learn about Public Safety Technology: The Public Safety Technology office in the Department of Safety and Security manages the University’s safety systems, such as building and classroom access, security cameras, emergency blue-light phones and the LiveSafe mobile app. Learn more about this office, view building access schedules and discover how to request access.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

• Thursday trivia results: Great job on last week’s space-inspired trivia — most of you got three out of four! Fun fact: the 49er Rocketry team is headed to Huntsville, Alabama this week to compete in the NASA University Student Launch Initiative.
• Gear up at NinerTech: Lost a charger? Need new AirPods? NinerTech Computer Store has you covered with everyday tech accessories to keep you powered all semester long. Shop online or stop by the store located at Popp Martin Student Union, Room 124.
• Check out the spring Gearshop Guide: Campus is blooming, and the 49er Gear Shop has released its spring edition for the Gearshop Guide for all of Niner Nation — from graduates to parents to future Niners.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.