UNC Charlotte archaeologist’s research featured on the cover of Science and Alumni Takeover Month: learn from fellow Niners

November 2, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

UNC Charlotte archaeologist’s research featured on the cover of Science

Dennis Ogburn’s pioneering research is highlighted in the cover story of “Science,” bringing international attention to a scholarly debate he helped launch.

Alumni Takeover Month: Learn from fellow Niners

Wondering what life after Charlotte looks like? During the Career Center’s Alumni Takeover Month, UNC Charlotte graduates from a variety of industries and career paths will share their professional journeys, offer career advice and provide an inside look at their day-to-day work.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Community-engaged faculty are encouraged to attend the Charlotte Urban Institute’s multiproject planning workshop at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6. Learn more about the workshop, along with other important updates in this week’s digest.
Final week: Benefits-eligible employees have until Friday, Nov. 6, to make benefits elections during open enrollment. If you haven’t already, make elections in both platforms required for enrollment and save a copy of your elections.
Reimbursements: Nontravel employee reimbursements must be submitted through Concur instead of Softdocs, while nonemployees will use the Student Direct Pay Request process through Softdocs, effective today, Monday, Nov. 2. Read the full article for additional updates.
Tomorrow is Election Day: Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t already, Niners! Review voting information on the 49er Democracy Experience website.
AI Summit proposals: The Center for Teaching and Learning invites you to share AI teaching and learning strategies, innovations and lessons learned at next spring’s AI Summit, “Navigating the Hard Truths of AI in Higher Education”. Proposals open Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Perceptive Content migration: OneIT is in the final phase of moving campus records from Perceptive Content to Softdocs. The remaining files will be migrated Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13. Learn more about the final phase and how you can attend an open swim.
Micro grant recipients: Six research teams were selected for the inaugural ORTIA micro grant by the Division of Research to advance promising technologies and explore their commercialization potential.
Volunteer opportunities: Looking for opportunities to volunteer and serve the greater Charlotte community? Check out the Office of Sustainability’s community opportunities webpage for a running list of free events hosted by local organizations, including creek cleanups, tree plantings, educational opportunities and more.
Fall back, sleep better: UNC Charlotte sleep expert Hannah Peach explains how the end of daylight saving time affects sleep, health and why standard time may be the better long-term choice.

what you need to know: students

Tomorrow is Election Day: Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t already, Niners! Review voting information on the 49er Democracy Experience website.
Graduate workshop: Learn about the Accelerated to Industry program led by the Center for Graduate Life and Learning. Sessions are designed to help graduate students transition to industry careers.
Theater production: Don’t miss the Department of Theatre’s production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” at Belk Theater, Nov. 12-15, and Booth Theater, Nov. 20-22.
TEDxUNC Charlotte Salon series: The next event, “The World We Leave Behind,” takes place Monday, Nov. 16. RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Sustainability takeaways: The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Career Center, hosted the biannual Student Sustainability Summit in October, exploring how sustainability can be integrated into any career path. Justin Lindsay, an EcoRep for the office, shares key takeaways from the summit.
Fall back, sleep better: UNC Charlotte sleep expert Hannah Peach explains how the end of daylight saving time affects sleep, health and why standard time may be the better long-term choice.

the difference is charlotte

Diana Delery James ’81 was chosen as the 2026 School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award recipient by the School of Nursing Alumni Council. She was honored for her distinguished career in healthcare at a recent award ceremony at the Harris Alumni Center.

During National Transfer Student Week, the Transfer and Adult Student Center and Tau Sigma honored outstanding transfer students, faculty and staff at the second annual Transfer Champion Awards. Charlotte welcomed a record 3,154 new transfer students this fall, highlighting the growing impact of the transfer community and the individuals who help students thrive on their journey.

professional development: faculty and staff

AI@Work session: Join Rachel Powell-Rangel, academic advisor, at the next AI@Work session from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6, and discover practical ways to use Google Gems to simplify everyday academic tasks and boost your productivity.
AI tip: Learning and mastering new software and processes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Gemini Guided Learning acts as your interactive coach, walking you through complex tasks step-by-step in clear, easy conversations.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Find your inner peace: Attend “Mindfulness Through Nature Mandalas” with Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens, lead horticulturist, from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Botanical Gardens. Use leaves, branches and petals to create designs while practicing mindfulness, focusing on the present moment and embracing the art of letting go.
Support crowdfunding: The National Society of Black Engineers is raising money to send its members to the 2027 NSBE Annual Convention, where students can build professional connections, develop career skills and explore opportunities in engineering. Support the club’s crowdfunding campaign by Friday, Nov. 6.
Shop Operation Hat Trick: Wear Charlotte. Support veterans. Make an impact. Shop Operation Hat Trick merchandise online or in person at Barnes & Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

Support crowdfunding: The National Society of Black Engineers is raising money to send its members to the 2027 NSBE Annual Convention, where students can build professional connections, develop career skills and explore opportunities in engineering. Support the club’s crowdfunding campaign by Friday, Nov. 6.
Shop Operation Hat Trick: Wear Charlotte. Support veterans. Make an impact. Shop Operation Hat Trick merchandise online or in person at Barnes & Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming: faculty and staff

Theater production: Don’t miss the Department of Theatre’s production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” at Belk Theater, Nov. 12-15, and Booth Theater, Nov. 20-22.
Worksite wellness webinar: Register for “Gut-Friendly Habits for Winter Health,” a worksite wellness lunch-and-learn webinar at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17. The webinar will explore simple and practical ways to support gut health through nutrition, hydration, movement and lifestyle choices during the colder season.
Student Affairs faculty fellow: Apply for the Student Affairs faculty fellow, a one-year position designed to strengthen the division’s research capacity and deepen its understanding of the student experience. Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 30.

upcoming events: students

Military & Veterans Services is celebrating Veterans Week from Nov. 7-14, to honor their service and highlight their history. View a list of events.

Alumni takeover: Join the Career Center to welcome back fellow First-Gen Niners and hear their academic and professional journeys during the Alumni Takeover Month panel from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Career Center.
Find your inner peace: Attend “Mindfulness Through Nature Mandalas” with Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens, lead horticulturist, from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Botanical Gardens. Use leaves, branches and petals to create designs while practicing mindfulness, focusing on the present moment and embracing the art of letting go.