Modernizing the nation’s electric grid

July 20, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Carolinas Grid Engine

Modernizing the nation’s electric grid

UNC Charlotte is leading the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, one of the nation’s newest U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines. Supported by more than 100 partners across North Carolina and South Carolina and with funding up to $160 million, the initiative will develop technologies to modernize the electric grid, strengthen the regional economy and meet the nation’s growing energy demands.

What you need to know: Faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly Digest: The Office of Legal Affairs training session, “Privacy on Campus: Managing Student and Employee Data with Confidence,” will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26. Learn more about the session, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Performance cycle reminder: SHRA and EHRA Non-Faculty employees are reminded to log in to NinerTalent STAKES to ensure their performance activities are up to date. Need help along the way? Submit your questions or requests through HR Connect.
  • Telework/Remote Agreement reminder: Agreements for 2025-26 end Monday, Aug. 31. Employees with agreements expiring on that date must submit a new request for 2026-27. Please review University Policy 101.22, supplemental procedures, FAQs and the job aid for guidance. For technical issues, submit a help ticket; for other questions, use HR Connect.
  • Part-time student enrollment: Students who are enrolled part-time will be notified about new federal regulations that may affect Federal Direct Loan eligibility and disbursement timing.
  • Road closure: The section of Cameron Boulevard from the John Kirk Drive entrance to the first entrance of Lot 6 will be closed for speed table installation from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 23.
  • Diabetes prevention program: Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes is a 12-month, online program designed to help participants prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. The next session begins Sunday, Aug. 9. Employees enrolled in the State Health Plan can participate at a discounted rate of $30 using code SHP2026.
  • Policy revision: University Policy 210, Out-of-State Academic Activity, has been revised to update governance and communication structures necessary to maintain state authorization compliance and to revise defined terms to comport with the amendments to 34 C.F.R. §668, which is available in the Federal Register (88 FR 74568).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: STUDENTS

  • Attention part-time students: Students who are enrolled part-time will be notified about new federal regulations that may affect Federal Direct Loan eligibility and disbursement timing. You will receive reminders throughout the summer encouraging you to review your enrollment and understand how your credit hours may impact your financial aid.
  • Road closure: The section of Cameron Boulevard from the John Kirk Drive entrance to the first entrance of Lot 6 will be closed for speed table installation from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 23.
  • Join the move-in crew: Help Housing and Residence Life welcome Niner Nation to campus Wednesday, Aug. 12 to Saturday, Aug. 15.

THE DIFFERENCE IS CHARLOTTE

All-in-C on campus

UNC Charlotte ranks No. 17 nationally on SmartAsset’s 2026 Best Value Public Universities list, making it the top-ranked public university in North Carolina. The ranking evaluates more than 500 institutions based on cost of attendance, graduation rates and median earnings 10 years after enrollment, highlighting UNC Charlotte’s strong return on investment.

Ultimate niner challenge bracket

Fans can submit an application to take place in a one-day EA Sports College Football 27 tournament where various prizes will be given out to participants, including team-issued gear and exclusive game-day experiences. One winner will go down in history as the EA Sports College Football 27 Ultimate Niner. The tournament will take place on campus on Monday, August 10. Those selected to participate will be sent further details.

Professional development: Faculty and staff

  • QPR training: The Center for Wellness Promotion is hosting a 90-minute virtual training on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 22.
  • Virtual wellness workshop: Register for “Parental Burnout: How to Overcome Challenges and Thrive through Parenthood” from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 22. This HR training, in partnership with ComPsych, will address the signs and risk factors associated with parental burnout and provide practical strategies to thrive through parenthood.
  • Concur user group: Attend the virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 23. Registration is encouraged through the Learning and Development Portal.
  • 49er Mart users: You are invited to attend the 49er Mart Virtual Forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, July 23. Registration is encouraged through the Learning and Development Portal, and more information can be found on the 49er Mart message board. Additionally, learn more about the 49er Mart 26.2 upgrade.

To do list: faculty and staff

to do list: students