2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, final home basketball games of the season and more

Four Niners honored at 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association honored four exceptional graduates whose leadership, innovation and service are shaping industries and strengthening communities across the region and beyond, during the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27.

Last chance this season to catch Charlotte basketball at Halton Arena

Get ready to pack Halton Arena for the final home games of the 2025-26 men’s and women’s basketball seasons. Women’s basketball faces Rice at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 3; men’s basketball battles UAB at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 4.

• All-access with Anton Bonke: Get to know Charlotte’s 7’2” breakout star, Anton Bonke, in this video profile.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Nominate a colleague for a Faculty GOLD Award by Friday, March 6. Learn more about the awards, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
• Blood drive tomorrow: The annual 49ers4LIFE Blood Drive is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Register to donate at the Red Cross website. Search for sponsor code “49ers4life” to find the drive and schedule your appointment.
• Weather preparedness: March 1-7 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Visit the National Weather Service’s website each day for different weather preparedness tips. The University’s emergency management website also has information on preparing for hazardous weather.
• Financial advisory session: CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, the independent advisory firm that works on the UNC Retirement Programs, conducts virtual individual advisory sessions that include retirement, general financial planning and investment education. Make an appointment.
• State Health Plan webinars: The March dates for the “Understanding Your Medical Plan Options When You Become Medicare-Eligible” series are Thursday, March 5, Thursday March 19, and Tuesday, March 31; register for a session.
• Update your device: University computers not yet running Windows 25H2 or macOS Tahoe will be automatically updated beginning Monday, March 9. OneIT recommends that you manually upgrade now to ensure a seamless transition. Labs and podiums will be deferred until the end of the semester.
• Coming soon: The Office of Human Resources will introduce HR Connect in April. The new centralized ticketing system is a streamlined way for current, former and prospective employees to submit requests and communicate with human resources. HR Connect will enhance confidentiality, ensure consistent support and improve the overall service experience across the campus community.

what you need to know: students

• Distinguished Alumni Awards: The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association honored four exceptional graduates whose leadership, innovation and service are shaping industries and strengthening communities across the region and beyond, during the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27.
• STEM fellowship opportunity: North Carolina Sea Grant is accepting applications for the 2026 NC STEM Policy Post-Graduate Fellowship program until Monday, March 9. This fellowship provides post-graduate opportunities to serve full-time for a year in high-level state offices, focusing on STEM-related policy topics.
• OUR applications: Research looks great on your resume! The Office of Undergraduate Research is now accepting applications for fall 2026 semester; apply by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 26.
• Last week to apply: Abstracts for UNC Charlotte’s 2026 Undergraduate Research Conference are due by 11:59 p.m., Thursday, March 5.
• Looking for a summer job?: Housing and residence life is hiring resident advisors, maintenance assistants, BES custodial staff, conference housing assistants and team leaders, and housing ambassadors. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 6.
• Green Dot Bystander Training: Learn to use your influence to help prevent sexual assault, dating violence and stalking at Charlotte. Attend Green Dot Bystander Training from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 18; a meal and swag will be provided.

the difference is charlotte

Layne Riggs ’24 earned his first trophy of the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in a first-of-its-kind race on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Saturday, Feb. 28. Watch Riggs cross the finish line.

upcoming events: students

The annual 49ers4LIFE Blood Drive is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Register to donate on the Red Cross website. Search for sponsor code “49ers4life” to find the drive and schedule your appointment.

• Grow your side hustle: Join the Black Alumni Chapter for “Side Hustle: Turning Passions into Profits” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Learn from alumni entrepreneurs, gain tips for growing your side gig and expand your network.
• Spectrum Center takeover: Niner Nation is taking over The Hive for UNC Charlotte Night with the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at Spectrum Center.

professional development

• HR Power Hour: The next virtual HR Power Hour will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 4. Krissy Kaylor, director of benefits, will discuss supplemental retirement updates.
• Concur training: Attend the Concur for Travelers virtual training from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, March 5. Register on the learning and development portal.
• Honors Faculty: The Honors College is accepting applications to the Honors Faculty. Nominate a faculty member or self-nominate by Sunday, March 15. Visit the Honors College website to learn more and access the application.
• Attention managers: Refresh your skills by reviewing the performance management cycle for SHRA employees and join a virtual Q&A session at 10 a.m., Friday, March 20, Friday, March 27, or Friday, April 3. Register on the learning and development portal.
• GRS Judges needed: The Graduate and Professional Student Government is seeking faculty and post-docs to serve as judges for the 2026 Graduate Research Symposium.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Thursday trivia results: Last week’s Niner Insider Trivia tested your knowledge of Charlotte landmarks. Over 60% of you got a perfect score — great job! The trickiest question related to Charlotte’s tallest building, Bank of America Corporate Center. Fun fact: At 871 feet tall, it is the tallest building in the Carolinas. 
• Catch a Hornets game: Niner Nation is taking over The Hive for UNC Charlotte Night with the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at Spectrum Center.
• Spotlight a graduate Niner: Students, faculty staff and alumni are invited to recommend a graduate Niner to be featured in content spotlighting the graduate community.
• 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 knowledge of Charlotte landmarks. This was a tough one, only 40% of respondents got a perfect score. The trickiest question related to Charlotte’s tallest building, Bank of America Corporate Center. Fun fact: At 871 feet tall, it is the tallest building in the Carolinas.
• Explore summer courses: The summer 2026 schedule is available. Registration for the semester opens on Friday, March 30.
• Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.