New School of Energy signals momentum as Charlotte kicks off academic year and must-have apps for Niners

August 17, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider

UNC Charlotte opens academic year with major momentum, bold goals and expanding opportunities

UNC Charlotte launched the 2026‑27 academic year with unmistakable momentum. At University Convocation, Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, Provost Jennifer Troyer and Vice Chancellor for Research John Daniels delivered a fast‑moving snapshot of record growth, rising national stature and bold initiatives that are propelling Charlotte forward.

Must-have apps for Niners

Make the most of your school year with these must-have apps. From checking assignments and accessing campus resources to managing your 49er ID and getting around campus, these apps can help make life a little easier.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Message from Chancellor Gaber: Welcome to the 2026‑27 academic year. Campus is once again bustling, and it is wonderful to see our students return. We are welcoming approximately 5,100 first‑year students from 97 North Carolina counties, 40 states and 24 countries, along with nearly 3,000 new transfer students to Niner Nation. Read the full message.
  • Academic Affairs Weekly Digest: The Office of Disability Services has been renamed the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation. Learn about the name change, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Upgraded classrooms: The learning space technology team has upgraded 43 classrooms across campus with modern, more reliable audio-visual technology ahead of the fall 2026 semester. Faculty are encouraged to visit their classrooms to familiarize themselves with the new technology and updated login process.
  • Raise funds with Pickstarter: Pickstarter, UNC Charlotte’s crowdfunding platform, helps students, faculty and staff raise money for student organizations with support from University fundraising professionals. Attend the information session at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, to learn more. Applications for fall crowdfunding events close Thursday, Aug. 27.
  • StormReady certification: The Office of Emergency Management has renewed the University’s StormReady certification, a program through the National Weather Service that ensures communities are proactively prepared for all types of extreme weather events.
  • Faculty reminder: The Office of Undergraduate Research is seeking faculty fellows and advisors to provide leadership, mentor students and faculty, and expand opportunities for undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities. Applications close Wednesday, Aug. 26.
  • F&A distribution: Beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, UNC Charlotte will resume distributing recovered facilities and administrative funds to principal investigators, departments, colleges and centers, reflecting a modestly improved federal outlook and the University’s commitment to reinvesting directly in its research enterprise.

What you need to know: students

  • Message from Chancellor Gaber: Happy first day of classes. Campus is alive, and I’m excited to welcome you back for the 2026-27 academic year. Niner Nation is growing, with approximately 5,100 first-year students from 97 North Carolina counties, 40 states and 24 countries, along with nearly 3,000 new transfer students. Read the full message.
  • StormReady certification: The Office of Emergency Management has renewed the University’s StormReady certification, a program through the National Weather Service that ensures communities are proactively prepared for all types of extreme weather events.
  • Green Living Guide: Explore the Office of Sustainability’s Green Living Guide to level up your sustainable lifestyle at UNC Charlotte and make smart choices that save money, cut waste and boost your impact.
  • Military & Veteran Services workshop: The Military & Veteran Services Welcome Workshop on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25 will provide an open Q&A forum for new students, introduce key campus departments and offer guidance through the necessary steps needed to use military benefits.
  • Raise funds with Pickstarter: Pickstarter, UNC Charlotte’s crowdfunding platform, helps students, faculty and staff raise money for student organizations with support from University fundraising professionals. Attend the information session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, to learn more. Applications for fall crowdfunding events close Thursday, Aug. 27.

the difference is charlotte

UNC Charlotte has established a School of Energy, the University’s latest major step in becoming a national leader for grid modernization, energy research and workforce development.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Become a sustainability ambassador: Level up your sustainability knowledge and make a positive difference on campus by applying to become a sustainability ambassador for the 2026-27 academic year.
  • 49er Mart users: The 49er Mart Virtual Forum will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27. Registration is encouraged on the Learning and Development Portal; additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
  • Innovation workshops: Register for the fall Innovate Your Teaching workshops to earn teaching microcredentials, apply for a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grant on AI and explore AI Across the Curriculum resources.

to do list: faculty and staff

to do list: students

upcoming: faculty and staff

  • Bachata Brunch: Purchase tickets for the Latin A/O Alumni Network a Bachata Brunch at 11 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Harris Alumni Center.
  • Legacy lunch: First-year and transfer legacy families are invited to register the Family Weekend Legacy Lunch on Friday, Sept. 25, at the Popp Martin Student Union, room 340.

upcoming events: students

Don’t miss the Gold Rush events happening now through Friday, Sept. 4. All events are free for students and are hosted by UNC Charlotte campus departments and student organizations.