Get ready for spring career fair, insatiable curiosity that inspires others and more

February 12, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Charlotte student networking at career fair

Get ready for the spring career and internship fair

The spring career and internship fair is tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 13, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center and Halton Arena. The event features recruiters, employers and alumni representing more than 125 organizations from the greater Charlotte region. No registration is needed and all majors and class levels are welcome.

  • Plan ahead: Students should plan ahead to account for busy lines. Research the organizations ahead of time and review this career fair crash course video.
  • During the fair: Dress professionally with button downs, blouses, blazers or jackets, slacks or skirts, and dresses. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Attendees will receive a map of the arena with a QR code at check-in with more information.
Michael-Paul (Jack Kelly) James instructing students

The insatiable curiosity of Michael-Paul James

From mechanics to music to entrepreneurship, Michael-Paul (Jack Kelly) James, Ph.D. candidate in business administration with a finance concentration, brings four master’s degrees together with award-winning research and innovative teaching. Read about his dedication to learning and how it impacts the students around him.

what you need to know: faculty and Staff

  • 2026 AI Summit: Register for the AI Summit for Smarter Learning on Wednesday, May 13, at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.
  • Zoom Hub: Zoom has introduced Zoom Hub for its desktop and web portal. It is a new workspace designed to centralize collaboration-related content.
  • First-Gen Excellence Awards: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards open tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, March 15, for first-generation Niners. Encourage your students to apply for the Golden Achievement and the Community Impact Awards, open to graduating first-gen Niners, as well as three new awards open to all first-gen Niners.

what you need to know: students

  • Proposals on media literacy: The Atkins Library Critical Media Literacy Collaborative and the Niner Times are accepting undergraduate and graduate student proposals for their upcoming half-day media literacy conference on Thursday, April 2. Proposals are due tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 13.
  • Graduate Research Symposium: The Graduate Research Symposium is set for Monday, April 6, in the Popp Martin Student Union. Abstracts are due Sunday, Feb. 15. Learn more about this opportunity to gain professional experience or present research.
  • First-Gen Excellence Awards: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards open tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, March 15. Graduating first-gen Niners are encouraged to apply for the Golden Achievement and the Community Impact Awards. This semester, three new awards are open to all first-gen Niners.
  • Apply for honors and awards: Each April, the Honors and Awards Ceremony celebrates a select group of students who made outstanding contributions to UNC Charlotte throughout the year. Applications for this year’s honors and awards are available via NinerEngage through Friday, Feb. 20.
  • CPOS reminder: Starting with fall 2026 registration, Course Program of Study will limit financial aid to courses that apply to your degree program. Before registering later this spring, you’re encouraged to verify your major and review courses in DegreeWorks.

the difference is charlotte

Club ice hockey at Bojangles Coliseum

Charlotte club ice hockey went big for senior night — skating at Bojangles Coliseum after the Charlotte Checkers and topping App State. Read how this new partnership further connects the team to the city.

upcoming events: students

Who’s ready for an action-packed opening weekend? The 2026 Charlotte Baseball season begins at 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, at Hayes Stadium, against San Diego. Softball hosts the Queen City Classic, Feb. 13-15, at Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium.

  • BSU 2016 Party: Charlotte’s Black Student Union is rewinding ten years with music, decorations and fashion inspired by the vibrant and culture-shaping year of 2016 from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room.
  • Valentine’s cardmaking: Show your love this Valentine’s Day by joining BiAS for a fun, creative cardmaking event from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, in the Bioinformatics Building, Room 301. Food and supplies provided.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Effective networking: Register for human resources’ workshop, “Effective Networking: Building Connections in Every Direction,” from 9 to 10:15 a.m., Friday, Feb. 20, in Colvard Building, Room 5092.
  • HR Power Hour: The next virtual HR Power Hour will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18. Sue Edwards, employment specialist, will provide a step-by-step guide to staffing success.
  • Submit proposals: Faculty interested in presenting a lightning talk at the Media Literacy Matters conference, “Empowering Critical Thinkers in a Digital World,” can submit proposals through Friday, March 13.

to-do list: faculty and staff

to-do list: students

  • Niner Insider Trivia: Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, Feb. 14, and we’d ❤️ for you to give this week’s trivia a try! 
  • Gold Rush 5K: Check out photos from the annual Gold Rush 5K held last weekend and see a racer’s POV on the Charlotte Alumni Instagram. 
  • Get food faster: Check out these tips on the fastest ways to get food from campus dining retail locations. Check out these tips on the fastest ways to get food from campus dining retail locations.