Congratulations to the 2026 Teaching Excellence Award Winners and celebrate Niner Nation Week at Niner-owned businesses

September 28, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

Congratulations to the 2026 Teaching Excellence Award Winners

David Thaddeus, professor of architecture, and Oscar Lansen, teaching professor of history, are the 2026 recipients of the UNC Charlotte Awards for Teaching Excellence. Learn more about these two remarkable educators whose innovation and dedication transform and inspire learning.

Celebrate Niner Nation Week at Niner-owned businesses

Niner Nation Week is here, and alumni-owned businesses are stepping up with exclusive menus, discounts and giveaways to help Niners celebrate. Explore the perks and celebrate these alumni-owned businesses all week.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: The next Legal Affairs training, “Navigating University Travel” is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30. Get additional details on the virtual training, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
Board of Governors summary: The UNC System Board of Governors met Thursday, Sept. 17. A summary of the discussion is available for review.
Flu vaccine clinic: Student Health is offering flu vaccines for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester, with the first clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
Concur updates: Beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, new trips in Concur will automatically include travel allowance incidentals. Non-employees reimbursement will continue to be processed in 49er Mart. Student reimbursements and awards will use the new Student Direct Pay Request process coming soon.
Mock dorm burn: Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-9. Join Environmental Health and Safety and the F.A.S.T. organization to experience a mock dorm room burn, and learn about fire safety at 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, on Field 14A.
Delegated Gmail accounts: You can now read and send emails from your delegated Gmail accounts directly in the Gmail app on iOS and Android devices.
Faculty Flourish Week: Michele Pass, the University’s inaugural Faculty Fellow for Faculty Engagement, Uplift and Networking, is leading new efforts to strengthen faculty connection and community. This year’s Fall Faculty Flourish Week, scheduled for Oct. 5–9, offers faculty opportunities to pause, recharge and engage with colleagues.
Campus Sustainability Month: Celebrate Campus Sustainability Month throughout October with campus and community events that highlight Charlotte’s commitment to a greener, more resilient future.

what you need to know: students

Congratulations: David Thaddeus, professor of architecture, and Oscar Lansen, teaching professor of history, are the 2026 recipients of the UNC Charlotte Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Bookstore theme discount: Show your 49er spirit for Niner Nation Week by dressing for the day’s theme and receive 20% off in-store purchases at the bookstore.
Emerging Leaders: Build your leadership skills, make new connections and get involved through Emerging Leaders. Applications close Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Flu vaccine clinic: Student Health is offering flu vaccines for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester, with the first clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
NSF I-Corps training: Join the virtual NSF I-Corps Fall 2026 Regional Course Program to gain hands-on experience in customer discovery, identifying market needs and research commercialization. Teams must include one faculty member and one graduate student. Apply by Thursday, Oct. 1.
Gambrell Student Research Fellowship: Applications for the 18-month Gambrell Student Research Fellowship, hosted by the Charlotte Urban Institute, open in October. The fellowship offers master’s students from North Carolina or South Carolina community-engaged research experience, professional development, tuition assistance and more.
Delegated Gmail accounts: You can now read and send emails from your delegated Gmail accounts directly in the Gmail app on iOS and Android devices.
Green jobs list: The Office of Sustainability has created a new green jobs list for anyone looking for a position in the sustainability field. The list includes internships, entry-level positions and experienced-level positions.

the difference is charlotte

A dancer for nearly her entire life, Emma Miller is currently sharing her passion with audiences far beyond the studio. The sophomore dance major is gaining attention on TikTok for energetic dance videos that reach viewers around the world.

professional development: faculty and staff

Power Hour reminder: Register for the HR Power Hour at noon, tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 29. The webinar will guide employees through the 2027 open enrollment process and provide time to ask questions about their state health plan and NCFlex benefits.
SHRA performance reviews: Complete off-cycle reviews to help guide performance and professional growth. Review the SHRA Performance Guide and Performance Management Cycle for SHRA Employees for a refresher, or contact nt-stakes@charlotte.edu for support.
October workshops: Register for two Unleash Your Niner Potential workshops, presented by the HR learning and development team, centered around mentorship and being a good team player.
Green jobs list: The Office of Sustainability has created a new green jobs list for anyone looking for a position in the sustainability field. The list includes internships, entry-level positions and experienced-level positions.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Connect with nature: The Botanical Gardens offers two free signature events to help faculty, staff and students connect with nature. The Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, and the Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 3. Registration is required for both events.
Meet Emma Miller: The sophomore dance major at UNC Charlotte has gained attention on TikTok for energetic dance videos that reach viewers around the world. Learn more about Miller in her Q+A.
Thank our alumni:Complete this form to help us recognize and thank alumni who volunteer their time to engage with students.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

Last chance: Voting for this year’s Golden Niner closes at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30. The winner will be announced during halftime of the Homecoming football game against Memphis.
Connect with nature: The Botanical Gardens offers two free signature events to help faculty, staff and students connect with nature. The Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, and the Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 3. Registration is required for both events.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming: faculty and staff

Open enrollment webinar: Attend the open enrollment webinar from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, to learn more about this year’s open enrollment changes and hear from State Health Plan and NCFlex representatives. An open Q&A will occur at the end.
Deadline approaching: The Charlotte Urban Institute is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Gambrell Faculty Fellowship program through 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9.
Mark your calendars: Join the Center for Teaching and Learning at the fifth annual “AI Summit for Smarter Learning,” on May 12, 2027, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.

upcoming events: students

Celebrate Niner Nation Week through Sunday, Oct. 4, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends for a week of celebration, traditions and Niner pride.

Drop-in legal advice:Student Legal Services is hosting weekly drop-in hours to share information about your legal rights and options. Join the next session from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, in the Popp Martin Student Union, room 264.
Mock dorm burn: Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-9. Join Environmental Health and Safety and the F.A.S.T. organization to experience a mock dorm room burn, and learn about fire safety at 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, on Field 14A.
Campus Sustainability Month: Celebrate Campus Sustainability Month throughout October with campus and community events that highlight Charlotte’s commitment to a greener, more resilient future.