Convocation Marks the Start of a New Academic Year, A New Look for Niner Insider and more
University Convocation: Spotlight on ‘The Difference is Charlotte’
The city of Charlotte is more than the location of its top-tier research university. At University Convocation, Thursday, Aug. 14, Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber heralded UNC Charlotte’s connection to the Queen City.
A New Semester, an Improved Niner Insider
Some of you may be longtime readers of Niner Insider; others may be seeing it for the first time. Either way, we’ve got exciting new things to share!
what you need to know: faculty and staff
- Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: The Honors College is accepting course proposals for summer and fall 2026 and spring 2027. Learn how to submit a proposal, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
- Health Plan Member Alert: The Office of Human Resources is aware that employees may have received a member alert on Friday, Aug. 15, from the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees regarding new premiums for 2026, approved by the State Health Plan Board of Trustees. HR is working to better understand the changes in premiums and will provide additional information as soon as possible.
- ICYMI: Watch UNC Charlotte’s 2024-25 year-in-review video and explore the annual report website to see the impact of Niner Nation’s collective efforts.
- New Traffic Pattern: The intersection of Craver Road and Mary Alexander Road is now a three-way stop. Please exercise caution when adhering to this new traffic pattern.
- OUR Project Proposals: The Office of Undergraduate Research is accepting submissions for mentored project proposals for the 2026 OUR Spring Research Program.
- Free Estate Planning Guide: August is National Make a Will Month, and there’s no better time to ensure your loved ones are taken care of. Check out this free estate planning guide and workbook; email planned giving to learn more.
what you need to know: students
- Fall Move-In: UNC Charlotte welcomed Niners to campus during fall move-in Wednesday, Aug. 13, through Saturday, Aug. 16. Check out some photos of Niner Nation coming home.
- Chancellor’s Annual Report: In 2024-25, Charlotte reached new heights in research, academic excellence and innovation, earning national recognition and strengthening its impact on the region and beyond. Check out the annual report from Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber.
- New Traffic Pattern: The intersection of Craver Road and Mary Alexander Road is now a three-way stop. Please exercise caution when adhering to this new traffic pattern.
- Norm the Niner Tryouts: Do you have what it takes to be the spirit of Niner Nation? Applications close at 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20.
- Apply to the Niner 9: Nine students who exemplify the values and spirit of Niner Nation will be chosen as the Niner 9, and one outstanding student will be selected the Golden Niner at the Homecoming football game. Applications are open until noon, Sunday, Sept. 7.
The difference is Charlotte
UNC Charlotte is making a bold commitment to students: Before they graduate, every undergraduate can access an internship opportunity to help them build skills, connections and readiness.
professional development: faculty and staff
- Code of Student Academic Integrity Training: Register for the virtual legal affairs training, “Managing Academic Misconduct: What Faculty Need to Know About New Revisions to the Code of Student Academic Integrity,” scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27.
- New CTL Workshops: Register for new workshops from the Center for Teaching and Learning on deliberative pedagogy and holding difficult conversations in the classroom.
- How to Use Apporto: Planning to utilize the Apporto virtual desktop this semester? Review the training overview provided by Apporto.
- AI Helpful Tips: Learn how University-approved AI tool options like M365 Copilot and Google Gemini can support you through key stages of writing.
upcoming events: students
Celebrate the grand opening of the new upper Prospector Building, Wednesday, Aug. 20. Explore the new features including the Charlotte-original Oasis Cafe. Fun events and giveaways are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the first 49 students through the doors get a meal voucher!
- Gold Rush Pep Rally: Meet the teams, learn traditions and wear green to the first-ever Gold Rush Athletics Pep Rally, 7 to 8 p.m., today, Aug. 18, at Jerry Richardson Stadium! After the event, new students are invited to take a 2025 incoming class photo.
- Try Something New: Check out 20-minute fitness demos and get free stuff at the UREC Group Fitness Sampler, from 4 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20.
- Calling First-Gen Niners: Start the semester strong by connecting with fellow first-generation students and build community at the First-Gen Meet and Greet, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room.
- Legacy Students: Register to attend the annual Family Weekend Legacy Lunch by Friday, Sept. 5.
to-do list: faculty and staff
- Take this Poll: What are you most looking forward to this academic year?
- Follow Us: Follow Niner Insider on Instagram!
- Watch This: A video breakdown on Poll Anywhere’s new AI feature.
- Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.
to-do list: students
- Make a Furry Friend: Therapy dogs will be at Atkins Library from 4 to 6 p.m., today through Thursday, Aug. 21.
- Take This Poll: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
- Follow Us: Follow Niner Insider on Instagram!