Niners Help Rebuild After Helene, Chris Lane ’07 Remembers Charlotte Beginnings and more
Building Bridges: Niner Engineers Support a Community’s Recovery
Since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina one year ago, the paths of three Niner engineers — a determined alumna, a dedicated researcher and a motivated student — have converged to help rebuild the essential bridges of Ashe County.
From Home Runs to Hit Records
Chris Lane ’07 has made his way from open mic nights at Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs to becoming a country music superstar. The former 49er slugger recalls memories from UNC Charlotte in this Q&A.
what you need to know: faculty and staff
- Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: The deadline to submit a proposal for projects that explore AI in teaching and learning to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grants program is Wednesday, Oct. 1. Learn how to submit, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
- Banner Access Audit: The fall 2025 Banner Access Audit for the Finance and Accounts Receivable modules is Oct. 1-31. Supervisors must review Banner access for these modules for employees.
- Open Enrollment: Review the detailed information online to learn more about benefit changes and updates for the 2026 Plan Year, and mark your calendars for Open Enrollment, which will occur Monday, Oct. 13, through Friday, Oct. 31. You can register to join the Benefits Office and State Health Plan and NCFlex representatives for an informational webinar at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6.
- Stay Alert: Be aware of suspicious emails and calls from unverified sources trying to schedule benefits meetings. If you are unsure whether an email or call is credible, reach out to the Benefits Office with the company name and email or phone number used.
- Honors College Proposals Last Call: The deadline to submit Honors College course proposals for summer and fall 2026 and spring 2027 is Wednesday, Oct. 1. Email questions to Cindy Gilson.
- Admin Award: Syreeta Taylor ’24 is the 2025 winner of the Admin Award for Leadership, honoring administrative professionals. She was recognized by the Admin Awards for the Washington, D.C., and Mid-Atlantic region.
- OneIT Maintenance: OneIT will complete extended maintenance during fall break, 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, to 10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12.
what you need to know: students
- FAFSA Opens Soon: The 2026-27 FAFSA will be available beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. The priority deadline is Thursday, Jan. 1, but you are encouraged to complete it early.
- First-Gen Awards Open: The submission deadline for the First-Generation Awards is Friday, Oct. 3. Graduating first-generation students can nominate themselves; explore the requirements for the Community Impact and Golden Achievement Academic awards.
- MHFA Session: Mental Health First Aid teaches skills to respond to someone struggling with distress or suicide ideation. The next student session is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4.
upcoming events: students
Start Campus Sustainability Month strong by checking out the Transportation Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the CHHS/CoED Plaza. Then, plant trees, collect litter and clean up campus during Campus Beautification Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7.
- Annual Study Abroad Fair: Ready to turn your global dreams into reality? Attend the annual Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
- Catch a Volleyball Game: Charlotte Volleyball is off to a strong start. Watch them take on East Carolina at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Halton Arena. Wear all white.
- Shatter the Red Zone: Register to attend a workshop that sheds light on the Red Zone, the period of time when the majority of sexual assaults occur on college campuses. This workshop is scheduled for 5 to 6:30 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 200.
professional development: faculty and staff
- Performance Cycle Reminder: All SHRA and EHRA non-faculty staff are reminded to log into the Niner Talent-STAKES portal to verify that all performance-related tasks are current and complete. Email the performance management team with questions.
- Gambrell Faculty Fellowship: Are you a full-time faculty member whose research focuses on quality of life in the Charlotte region? Consider applying for the Charlotte Urban Institute’s Gambrell Faculty Fellowship.
- OneIT October Training: Learn the latest tips and tricks in AI, WebFOCUS and Google Workspace at a OneIT training in October.
to-do list: faculty and staff
- National Preparedness Month: Stay NinerReady by bookmarking or downloading the University’s customizable emergency manual. Familiarize yourself with its contents to be better prepared to respond during an emergency.
- Attend the Transportation Fair: Learn about sustainable ways to get around campus at the Transportation Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
- Register for ACE Awards: Registration closes Sunday, Oct. 5, for the 49er ACE Awards and Appreciation Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340.
- Upgrade Your iPad: For optimal security and productivity, upgrade your University-issued iPad to the new JAMF.
- Novant Health on Campus: Visit the Novant Health Breast Center Mobile Unit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, in the CHHS/CoEd Plaza. An appointment is required; call (704) 384-7226.
to-do list: students
- Follow Us: Follow Niner Insider on Instagram!
- Make a Housing Plan: Thinking about living off-campus next year? If you’re not sure where to start or you are looking for a change, register for the Virtual Off-Campus Housing Fair at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7.
- Mark Your Calendars: 49er men’s and women’s basketball have released their conference schedules for the 2025-26 season. Make your plan to see the teams in action in Halton Arena.