What’s behind Wegmans’ Charlotte buzz, nominees for Marshall and Rhodes scholarships and more

What’s behind Wegmans’ Charlotte buzz 

Wegmans’ arrival in Charlotte has generated excitement, especially among Northeast transplants. UNC Charlotte marketing professor Mason Jenkins explains how nostalgia, emotional connections and brand loyalty influence shopping habits and build excitement around new retailers.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Open enrollment update: Atrium Health and the State Health Plan reached an agreement that will add all Atrium Health hospitals and physicians to the in-network, Access provider tier for the 2027 Plan year. Make or edit your elections before the end of open enrollment, Friday, Nov. 6.
• Football game day operations: The Charlotte 49ers will compete at 7 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 30, which will cause changes throughout the day to campus operations, including class schedules and parking. You may need to move your vehicle or avoid certain parking areas on campus.
• Get your nominations in: Nominations for the Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement, the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship in Teaching and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Student Success are open until tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 30. Information about these awards can be found on the Office of the Provost website.
• 3MT final round: Join The Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life & Learning for the Three-Minute Thesis final round from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, in Fretwell, Room 100. Don’t miss your chance to witness compelling accounts of brilliant research in just three minutes.
• New name: The Bioinformatics Building will be officially renamed the Session Family Hall in recognition of a generous investment from Belk alumnus RA Session II ’02. Session earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Charlotte.
• EPIC achieves national milestone: EPIC’s energy leadership continues as it becomes the nation’s only commercial lab accredited to test electric motor energy efficiency.
• Renovated Charlotte park: Jennifer Brooks, new assistant professor in the School of Architecture, was the project manager for the renovation of the historic West Charlotte park.

what you need to know: students

• Football game day operations: The Charlotte 49ers will compete at 7 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 30, which will cause changes throughout the day to campus operations, including class schedules and parking. You may need to move your vehicle or avoid certain parking areas on campus.
• Halloween safety: Halloween is a chance to get creative, spend time with friends and enjoy the season. Whether you’re heading to a party, hosting a gathering or celebrating around campus, a little planning can help keep the weekend safe and fun for everyone. As you finalize your costume and plans, keep these tips in mind.
• 3MT final round: Join The Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life & Learning for the Three-Minute Thesis final round from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, in Fretwell, Room 100. Don’t miss your chance to witness compelling accounts of brilliant research in just three minutes.
• New name: The Bioinformatics Building will be officially renamed the Session Family Hall in recognition of a generous investment from Belk alumnus RA Session II ’02. Session earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Charlotte.
• Renovated Charlotte park: Jennifer Brooks, a new assistant professor in the School of Architecture, was the project manager for the renovation of the historic West Charlotte park.

the difference is charlotte

Avery Taylor, Annabelle Hill, Hannah Rowles and Natalie Doerfler have been nominated for the prestigious Marshall and Rhodes scholarships, which provide full funding for graduate study in the United Kingdom. 

professional development: faculty and staff

• Digital accessibility credential: Complete four workshops and submit a UDOIT course scan to earn your Digital Accessibility Champion microcredential.
• November workshops: Register for two Unleash Your Niner Potential workshops, presented by the HR learning and development team, centered around maximizing productivity with AI and change management. View the November schedule. 

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Support crowdfunding: The Charlotte Lifters Club is raising money to purchase specialized competition equipment and help cover travel expenses for student- athletes. Support the club’s crowdfunding campaign by Friday, Nov. 6, and help its members continue building strength and community on and off the platform.
• Plan for retirement: Schedule a one-on-one session with a TIAA financial consultant to learn more about managing your retirement. Registration is required to attend a session between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 3 or Dec. 8, in Cone Center, Room 109.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

• Support crowdfunding: The Charlotte Lifters Club is raising money to purchase specialized competition equipment and help cover travel expenses for student- athletes. Support the club’s crowdfunding campaign by Friday, Nov. 6, and help its members continue building strength and community on and off the platform.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming events: Students

First-Gen week is almost here. Get excited to meet and greet with other first-generation Niners, get some free swag and celebrate your first-generation identity Nov 2-8. 

• Housing panel: Have questions or need tips about living off-campus? Join the virtual off-campus housing panel from 3 to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, for a  discussion hosted by Off-Campus Student Services.
• Legal information: Attend weekly drop-in information sessions, hosted by Student Legal Services, from noon to 1 p.m., every Thursday, to learn more about your legal rights and options.