Entrepreneurship Blossoms at CO-LAB, Submit Staff Employee of the Year nominations and more

February 9, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Co-Lab

Entrepreneurs Learning at Charlotte, Accelerating in Charlotte

CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City is where innovators collide with industry and where entrepreneurial students build companies alongside the professionals and partners who help them scale. Check out the CO-LAB in action.

  • Catalyst Program: CO-LAB has launched its Catalyst Program, a six-week intensive program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform early-stage ideas into launch-ready ventures.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

what you need to know: students

  • Annual Training Reminder: The Environmental Health and Safety Office annual compliance training has been assigned to all faculty, staff and student workers. The training must be completed within 45 days from the assignment date. Access the training in the learning and development portal.
  • Apply Now: Don’t miss out on the chance to earn while you learn. The Office of Undergraduate Research 2026 Summer Scholar applications are due Thursday, Feb. 12.
  • Attention Graduate Students: Showcase your research and gain professional experience at the 25th Annual Graduate Research Symposium. Submit your 250-word abstract by Sunday, Feb. 15.
  • Tax Support: Members of the UNC Charlotte community who earn $68,000 or less annually are invited to have their income taxes prepared without charge through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at UNC Charlotte. Appointments are first come, first served; the first VITA event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20.
  • Package Tracking Form: Mail and package services has created a new package tracking form to better alert the office when a package isn’t delivered as expected. Mail and package services is not responsible for packages delivered by shipping services outside USPS and UPS.

the difference is charlotte

CHHS anatomy visualization table

When UNC Charlotte’s College of Health and Human Services acquired its first anatomy visualization table, the plan was to focus its use in the School of Nursing. More than four years later, the anatomy technology has become a comprehensive, college-wide tool used for both graduate nurse practitioner training and undergraduate anatomy and physiology courses.

upcoming Events: students

Instant Poetry Fundraiser writers and flyer

Give any prompt and get a handcrafted poem at the English Graduate Student Association’s Instant Poetry Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, outside Fretwell Building. Get to know the instant poets — Isabelle Cross, Anna Robinson and Haley McCall.

  • Speed Friending: Come solo or bring a friend to Speed Friending — a fun, low-pressure event to meet new people and make connections — from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 200. Save your spot and select a time slot.
  • Save the date: The annual 49ers4LIFE Blood Drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Schedule an appointment to donate on the Red Cross website; search for sponsor code “49ers4life.”

professional development: faculty and staff

  • CORE Series Panel and Q&A: Join the Urban Institute from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Sycamore Hall, Room 306, for a conversation on co-designing engaged projects with community partners. Led by Associate Professors Colleen Hammelman and Vaughn Schmutz, this session is designed for faculty and staff involved in or interested in community-engaged research and teaching.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards: Each year, UNC Charlotte’s top graduate teaching assistants are honored and recognized for their outstanding and innovative teaching techniques. Learn more about nominations for the Teaching Assistant and Instructors of Record Awards.
  • 49er Mart Users: Attend the virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal and more information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
  • Training for Health Care Professionals: Join the UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center and South Piedmont Area Health Education Center for Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care for Health Care Professionals, presented by Apryl Alexander, Metrolina Distinguished Professor and VPC director, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20.
  • Fireside Chat on Education: Join a candid conversation about the future of education and how Cato College of Education continues to make an impact at Reconnect and Reflect: Fireside Chat with Dean Butler from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25. Enjoy giveaways, warm beverages, appetizers and the chance to share your insights and experiences.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Thursday Trivia Results: Last week’s Niner Insider Trivia tested your Super Bowl knowledge. Twenty-seven percent got all four questions correct. Question four was the biggest challenge; only 38% knew Drake Maye went to Hough High School before transferring to Myers Park.
  • Annual Training: The Environmental Health and Safety Office annual compliance training has been assigned to all faculty, staff and student workers. The training must be completed within 45 days from the assignment date. Access the training in the learning and development portal.
  • Charlotte Checkers Discount: The Charlotte Checkers are offering a ticket discount for Niner Nation to the game at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, at Bojangles Coliseum.
  • Save the date: The annual 49ers4LIFE Blood Drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Schedule an appointment to donate on the Red Cross website; search for sponsor code “49ers4life.”
  • Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

  • Thursday Trivia Results: Last week’s Niner Insider Trivia tested your Super Bowl knowledge. Thirty-six percent got all four questions correct. Question four was the biggest challenge; only 42% knew Drake Maye went to Hough High School before transferring to Myers Park.
  • Charlotte Checkers Discount: The Charlotte Checkers are offering a ticket discount for Niner Nation to the game at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, at Bojangles Coliseum.
  • Tech Trouble?: Don’t let a busted laptop or shattered iPhone screen derail your week — NinerTech’s certified repair team is here to help. Stop by the store in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 124, or visit the website.