Charlotte’s Super Fab Lab is shaping the future of manufacturing, read the Chancellor’s end-of-year message, get ready for commencement and more

April 27, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Two people closely inspect and adjust a robotic arm working on a small assembly in a lab setting.

Inside America’s first public university Super Fab Lab

UNC Charlotte is making a powerful impact on the city of Charlotte and its industries thanks to the Super Fab Lab — one of only six worldwide. Take a look at the technical heart of Charlotte and the people pushing it forward.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • End-of-year message from Chancellor Gaber: As the 2025-26 academic year winds down, I am struck by the sheer velocity of our progress. This was our first full year operating as a Carnegie R1 institution, and you didn’t just meet the standard; you set a new one. Read the full message.
  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Final grading for spring 2026 is now open. Review key grading deadlines, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Pitch Competition tonight: Support students from the College of Computing and Informatics and the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences as they take the stage at the CO‑LAB Ventures Pitch Competition at 5:30 p.m., tonight, Monday, April 27, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City.
  • Outstanding designation: UNC Charlotte received an Outstanding Case Study designation from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education  for its submission, “Shared Stewardship: Adopt-a-Spot at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.”
  • Attention nine‑month faculty: Please complete all employee appraisals and evaluations before leaving for summer break. Log into NinerTalent Stakes to get started and email NinerTalent Stakes with questions.
  • Reminder: UNC System employees can enroll in the UNC Legal Plan through Thursday, April 30. For an affordable monthly fee, participants gain access to a nationwide network of attorneys for help with estate planning, real estate and family matters, and more. MetLife will host an information session at noon, Wednesday, April 29.
  • Atkins closure: Atkins Library will be closed from Monday, May 11, through Sunday, May 17, for construction-related work.
  • April 30, 2019, Day of Remembrance: Niner Nation will honor the lives of Reed Parlier, Riley Howell and our survivors with a wreath-laying ceremony at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 30, at the Constellation Garden memorial outside the Kennedy Building.
  • SHRA supervisors: Appraisals for SHRA employees are due on Friday, May 1. Learn how AI can help streamline the evaluation process.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards: Congratulations to Samantha Cruz, a master’s candidate in kinesiology, and Michele Falla, a doctoral candidate for curriculum and instruction, for earning top honors at the 2025-26 Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards, standing out in a record field of 69 nominations from across the University.

what you need to know: students

  • End-of-year message from Chancellor Gaber: You made this year count, Niners! As the 2025-26 academic year comes to a close, I encourage you to take a moment to think about everything this year held — early classes, late-night study sessions, group projects that somehow came together, big wins, tough moments and everything in between. However it looked for you, you made it through … and that’s worth celebrating! Read the full message.
  • May graduates: Bring your student ID and pick up your cap and gown at Barnes & Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union before the Friday, May 1, deadline. Honor cords for eligible undergraduates will be available for purchase.
  • Atkins closure: Atkins Library will be closed from Monday, May 11, through Sunday, May 17, for construction-related work.
  • Outstanding designation: UNC Charlotte received an Outstanding Case Study designation from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for its submission, “Shared Stewardship: Adopt-a-Spot at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.”
  • Atkins going cashless: Atkins Library will be cashless effective Monday, May 18. Please use a credit/debit card, e-wallet (Apple/Google Pay) or the online payment portal for all transactions.

the difference is charlotte

Annabelle Hill

Annabelle Hill has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Hill will serve as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Malta, representing UNC Charlotte and the United States through teaching, cultural exchange and community engagement.

upcoming events: students

file photo summer 2025 commencement

Calling spring graduates! Join the GOLD Alumni Network and the University Career Center for free food, drinks, games and door prizes from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 27, at Armored Cow Brewing Co. Space is limited; register today. See additional Countdown to Commencement events.

  • 49er Ring Ceremony: Spring 2026 graduates and alumni are invited to participate in the Official 49er Ring Ceremony, from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 7, in Union Theater. The purchase of a class ring is required to participate.
  • Pitch Competition tonight: Support students from the College of Computing and Informatics and the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences as they take the stage at the CO‑LAB Ventures Pitch Competition at 5:30 p.m., tonight, Monday, April 27, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Free AI webinars: Join the American Association of Colleges & Universities virtually April 27-30 for AI Week: From Exploration to Institutionwide Action . Register for a series of free webinars that examine the ways institutions are implementing AI across curricula, policy and practice. Kiran Budhrani, director of teaching and learning innovation for the Center for Teaching and Learning, will serve as a panelist for “How Campuses are Facilitating Change Regarding AI,” from 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 30.
  • Wellness in Motion: Register to reserve your spot for Wellness in Motion: A Morning of Mindful Renewal , from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, in the Cone Center. From tai chi to journaling, this event, hosted by the HR Employee Engagement and Retention team, offers practical tools to support your well-being.
  • Nursing nominations open: The School of Nursing Alumni Council is accepting nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards. This prestigious honor recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, achieved outstanding career milestones and contributed to advancing the mission of the University and the School of Nursing.
  • Engineering nominations open: The William States Lee College of Engineering is accepting nominations for its Alumni Awards Ceremony. These awards honor individuals and organizations whose achievements, leadership and support have made a lasting impact on the college, UNC Charlotte and the engineering profession. Submit your nominations by Sunday, May 31.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Thursday trivia results: Thanks for giving our Earth Month trivia a try and meeting Chad Carwein, our new sustainability officer. This was a tough one; only 5% of respondents got a perfect score.
  • Connect with nature: The Botanical Gardens offers two signature events to help faculty and staff connect with nature for free. The next Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, May 1; the next Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 2. Registration is required for both events.
  • Calling alumni: Charlotte alumni are invited to join spring 2026 graduates for the Official 49er Ring Ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 7, in the Union Theater.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students