A look at Spring Commencement, must-read stories from Niner Nation and more

May 11, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

Celebrating the Class of 2026!

UNC Charlotte conferred more than 5,780 degrees during five ceremonies Thursday, May 7, through Saturday, May 9, in Dale F. Halton Arena in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. See some of the highlights from the ceremonies.

Double the Niner pride: Six sets of twins graduated this semester. A few of them shared their Charlotte experience and what it meant to cross the stage with their twin.
Norm the Niner revealed: Braden Kneeshaw, Norm the Niner 2024-26, made his identity known ahead of commencement.
Commencement photos: From cap-tossing moments to proud families and campus traditions, relive the excitement of Spring Commencement.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: The countdown is on for the 4th annual Charlotte AI Summit for Smarter Learning. Learn about the summit taking place on Wednesday, May 13, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
New center: UNC Charlotte has launched the North Carolina Economic Impact Center, a new initiative designed to provide timely, data-driven analysis on the issues shaping the state and region’s economy, workforce and communities.
Atkins closure: Atkins Library will be closed today, Monday, May 11, through Sunday, May 17, for construction-related work.
Reminder: Buildings will be on card access only through Monday, May 18. All faculty and staff will need their mobile or physical 49er ID card to enter any campus building.
Financial advisory session: CAPTRUST Financial Advisors, the independent advisory firm that works on the UNC Retirement Programs, is conducting virtual individual advisory sessions that include retirement, general financial planning and investment education. Make an appointment for a session this month.
Fanshare Campaign: Charlotte Athletics has an exciting new way for Niner Nation to show up, support and buy in with the launch of the “Charlotte’s Stock Is Rising” Fanshare Campaign. The limited-time campaign gives fans, alumni, families and supporters the opportunity to invest in the future of Charlotte Athletics.

what you need to know: students

the difference is charlotte

A collection of photos from digital features produced by University Communications

This semester, University Communications produced a variety of digital features that explore the ways Niners are making an impact on campus, in the community and beyond. From groundbreaking research into AI deepfakes and airport runways, from Niner love stories to Charlotte’s military community, experience these stories and more.

commencement photos

Relive the excitement of Spring Commencement, from cap‑tossing moments to proud families and campus traditions. Browse the full photo galleries from each ceremony below.

professional development: faculty and staff

49er Mart Users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 28. Registration is encouraged through the Learning and Development Portal, and additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Thursday trivia results: Way to end the semester strong! More than half of all respondents got a perfect score in our Year in Review Trivia.
New open access book: Atkins Library has published “Shaping S-Curves: Choreographic Process in Odissi,” which theorizes choreographic practices in Odissi, an eastern Indian traditional art form.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

Thursday trivia results: Thanks for playing trivia this semester! Over half of all respondents got at least three out of four correct in our year in review trivia.
Gear Up: Check out the 49er Gear Shop’s recently released Gearshop Guide.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.