UNC Charlotte posts record-breaking enrollment for third straight year, COAA Distinguished Alumni Awards, Q+A with the CLT Gold Mine and more

UNC Charlotte posts record-breaking enrollment for third straight year

UNC Charlotte has enrolled 33,045 students for the fall 2026 semester, surpassing the University’s previous record of 32,207 in 2025. This marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment at the University. 

• The difference is in the numbers: Visit a new website that outlines UNC Charlotte’s rankings and impressive points of pride. Share with prospective students, alumni and University partners, and refer to it for up-to-date facts for presentations, meetings, speeches or any communications needs.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Message from Chancellor Gaber: Our campus community thrives on student leadership, and right now, several of our student organizations urgently need faculty and staff advisors for the 2026-27 academic year to comply with new regulations. Without support, many groups will no longer exist on campus. If you can help, review the organizations in need and contact Tavaris Baxter. Read the full message.
• Federal research changes: Faculty engaged in international research or scholarly collaborations are encouraged to review the most updated information regarding foreign institutions and entities the federal government has identified as presenting national security concerns.
• International Festival volunteers: The International Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, is seeking volunteers, including individuals and student groups. Paid opportunities are available as well.
• Sustainable outdoor space: Two new solar-powered picnic tables, funded by the Charlotte Green Initiative, were installed behind McEniry Hall, adding shaded outdoor space for studying, meeting and device charging through clean, renewable energy.
• Research town hall: Register for one of two 45-minute virtual town hall meetings, hosted by the Division of Research, to hear about recent organizational changes in the division, FY26 updates and participate in an open Q&A.
• International education awards: Charlotte Global is seeking nominations for the faculty, staff and student international education awards. See the individual award websites for deadlines and criteria.

what you need to know: students

• Build your idea: The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation connects you with the resources, mentorship, funding opportunities and community you need to bring your ideas to life through the 49er Foundry student business incubator. Applications for the upcoming cohort close at 11:59 p.m., Monday, Sept. 7.
• International Festival volunteers: The International Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, is seeking volunteers, including individuals and student groups. Paid opportunities are available as well.
• International education awards: Charlotte Global is seeking nominations for the faculty, staff and student international education awards. See the individual award websites for deadlines and criteria.
• Distinguished Alumni Awards: Five exceptional alumni were recently honored at the 12th annual College of Arts + Architecture Distinguished Alumni Awards for their achievements across architecture, the arts and design. Hank Foreman ’86, Antonio Nevada Martinez ’11, Davian “DJ” Robinson ’20, Raven Pfeiffer ’20 and KoKo M. Thornton ’97 returned to campus to share their stories with students.
• Faculty-led spring break: Applications are open for the Education Abroad Faculty-Led Spring Break 2027 programs. Explore 25+ programs in 20+ countries and make your spring break unforgettable.

the difference is charlotte

Five exceptional alumni were honored at the 12th annual College of Arts + Architecture Distinguished Alumni Awards for their achievements across architecture, the arts and design. Antonio Nevada Martinez ’11, Hank Foreman ’86, Davian “DJ” Robinson ’20, Raven Pfeiffer ’20 and KoKo M. Thornton ’97 returned to campus to share their stories with students.

Charlotte’s official student section is gearing up for another season of athletics. CLT Gold Mine President Drayton Thrasher shares what students can expect this fall, from giveaways and increased campus engagement to a packed student section cheering on the 49ers.

professional development: faculty and staff

• Make your course accessible: Join the Center for Teaching and Learning at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, to learn about how UDOIT can help you quickly identify and fix common accessibility issues in your Canvas course.
• Purchasing card training: Register for the Concur Purchasing Card training at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, on the Learning and Development portal.
• Worksite wellness webinar: Attend “Importance of Protein at Breakfast,” a worksite wellness lunch-and-learn webinar, at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15. The webinar will explore practical breakfast ideas and simple strategies for incorporating high-quality protein into busy morning routines.
• September workshops: Register for four Unleash Your Niner Potential workshops, presented by the HR learning and development team, centered around time management, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Read about the CLT Gold Mine: CLT Gold Mine President Drayton Thrasher shares what students can expect this fall, from giveaways and increased campus engagement to a packed student section cheering on the 49ers.
• Donate clothes: The Career Center’s Professional Clothing Closet needs men’s small-sized professional clothing, particularly dress shirts and pants. If you have items you are willing and able to donate, please contact Rachel King.

to-do list: students

• Battle of the books: Join Atkins Library’s Battle of the Books competition, a year-long program transforming leisure reading into a fun, supportive community. Applications close Wednesday, Sept. 16.
• Nominate your transfer champion: Nominate a student, faculty or staff member for the Transfer Champion Awards. Nominations are open until 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, to recognize individuals making a positive impact on UNC Charlotte’s transfer community for National Transfer Student Week.

upcoming: faculty and staff

• Nominate your transfer champion: Nominate a student, faculty or staff member for the Transfer Champion Awards. Nominations are open until 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, to recognize individuals making a positive impact on UNC Charlotte’s transfer community for National Transfer Student Week.
• 49er ACE Awards: Honor this year’s 49er ACE Award winners at a luncheon presented by the 49er ACE Network from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28, at the Popp Martin Student Union, room 340.
• LEAD Symposium: Register for Human Resources’ Second Annual LEAD Symposium from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Cone University Center. This year’s theme, Navigating Change with Purpose and Vision, empowers leaders to approach change with confidence, clarity and boldness. 

upcoming events: students

After two years of renovations, the Dalton tower in Atkins Library is officially reopening for the fall semester. Celebrate from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, with activities, giveaways, a resource fair, archival displays, refreshments and more throughout the newly modernized tower.