Kick off the fall semester

The 2026‑27 academic year is already gaining speed, powered by the innovative and impactful work of UNC Charlotte’s faculty and staff. With 5,100 first‑year students and nearly 3,000 new transfer students joining us from across North Carolina, the nation and the world, campus is buzzing with possibility — and your leadership is setting the tone.

This back-to-school issue of Niner Insider brings together important resources, timely reminders and new opportunities to help you thrive this semester.

What’s New?

Flex Feast: Flex Feast, formerly known as the 5 Block Feast, can now be used at SoVi, Social 704 and the Bistro at discounted rates. Add funds and check your balance any time in Transact eAccounts.

Renovated alumni facilities: Planning an event this fall or spring? The newly renovated Harris Alumni Center and the Hauser Alumni Pavilion are accepting reservations. The state-of-the-art spaces are perfect for faculty and staff retreats, workshops, celebrations and more.

Academic Affairs name changes: The Office of Undergraduate Education and University College is now University College. Several offices within University College have new names, and Digital & Professional Learning is now the unit responsible for supporting online learning, professional programs and teaching innovation.

Wheels‑free zone: Starting this fall, central campus is a pedestrian‑only area, with scooters, bicycles and other wheeled devices prohibited to enhance safety and create a more walkable experience for Niners.

Student resource hub: Inspired by a suggestion during Lunch with Chancellor Gaber, a new student resource hub has launched. Created by students for students, the hub offers a centralized starting point for academic, financial, safety and campus‑life resources.

Reservable office space: Reserve dedicated office space in Colvard and Denny for up to four hours per day and 16 hours per week. The spaces are ideal for adjuncts, teaching staff and faculty on the go. Check availability and reserve a space.

Syllabus workshop for faculty: Learn about recent syllabus changes, policies and best practices at a new Center for Teaching and Learning workshop offered Friday, Aug. 21, and Tuesday, Aug. 25. Explore the full fall schedule of teaching innovation workshops and register online.

Tickets for Good: Faculty and staff are eligible for free and discounted tickets to concerts, sporting events, shows and other live events through Tickets for Good. Create an account, select the “teachers” category and choose UNC Charlotte to explore available tickets.

Campus improvements: Facilities Management completed a wide range of projects this summer to prepare campus for the academic year, focusing on mobility, infrastructure, building upgrades and new construction.

be prepared

Parking permits: Learn about parking permit options or buy a permit at mypark.charlotte.edu.

Building access reminder: Familiarize yourself with the University building access schedules to know when you may need to use your 49er ID card to access buildings across campus.

49er Mobile ID: Your 49er Mobile ID is your key to campus. Set up your 49er Mobile ID by downloading the Transact eAccounts app and following these installation instructions.

NinerReady: It takes all of us to keep campus safe. Make sure you are prepared by becoming NinerReady and reviewing the classroom safety toolkit.

Required training sessions: Employees are required to complete two online trainings at the start of each academic year in the learning and development portal — the active assailant response training and Niners Know, the University’s Title IX training. Additional training sessions will be required throughout the year.

A message from OneIT: As we kick off the new fall 2026 semester, OneIT is here to ensure you have a smooth and successful start. Here are some important updates, helpful resources and exciting new tools to support you.

Finance training hub: Visit the Training Resources Hub, your go-to page for financial training. Bookmark it for future updates and sharpen your skills with the on-demand course, Navigating Finance Fundamentals.

CATS-Pass app: Faculty and staff may buy discounted annual CATS passes for $75. Download the CATS-Pass app and create an account with your Charlotte email address to activate your annual pass.

AI and the Center for Teaching and Learning: Explore AI workshops and 80 faculty use case stories, find ready-to-go AI Literacy modules for students and submit a proposal for a 2026 SOTL grant on AI.

Helpful resources, reminders and rewards

Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential, no-cost access to a wide range of services designed to support the whole person — emotional well-being, financial and legal guidance, work-life resources and everyday life support.

Breakfast with Chancellor Gaber: This popular event returns for the 2026‑27 academic year, offering faculty and staff a chance to engage with Chancellor Sharon Gaber in a relaxed, small‑group setting; reserve your spot.

Campus mail: Mail and Package Services supports mail on campus through interdepartmental mail and campus mail. When receiving off-campus mail, use the University’s address, and include the recipient name, building and office number.

Department catering: Chartwells Catering provides all campus catering services, from breakfast and hot buffets  to bar service and hors d’oeuvres. Groups wishing to use outside caterers for campus events or accept donated food must submit a request through the Food Service Waiver form.

Faculty mentoring and professional development: The Center for ADVANCing Faculty Success supports faculty at every career stage with mentoring, workshops and training. New faculty can join individual mentoring or mentoring circles, and all faculty are encouraged to share ideas for future programming.

Be a leader for sustainability: Check out resources from the Office of Sustainability on ways to help create and support a greener campus and Charlotte community. 

Career development resources: Faculty have free access to career development and mentoring resources through the University’s institutional membership in NCFDD. Activate your membership to access webinars, multi-week courses, writing challenges, peer mentoring, productivity resources and more.

Faculty/staff bookstore discount: Enjoy a 20% discount with your 49er ID at Barnes & Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union on branded merchandise and 49er gear! Some exclusions may apply.

Discounted athletic tickets: Faculty and staff receive exclusive discounts on tickets for Charlotte 49ers athletic events.

FedEx Office print services: FedEx Office in lower Prospector can handle print projects large and small, all at Charlotte-exclusive pricing. Visit the print desk in person, email usa3033@fedex.com, call 704-687-0809 or use the Print on Demand portal to place your order.