Truman Lab awarded $2.1 million grant and 48th International Festival set for Sept. 19

Truman Lab awarded $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health

UNC Charlotte’s Truman Lab has secured a new $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance fundamental research on how cells maintain protein health, a process central to diseases ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders.

48th International Festival set for Sept. 19

UNC Charlotte’s International Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 19, with a day of international food, cultural performances, activities and more. This year’s festival includes a few new experiences:

• Charlotte FC Fan Activation area: Step inside an eSports Mobile Truck to play FIFA, test your skills in a goal challenge and pick up free Charlotte FC merchandise while supplies last.
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Activity Zone: Celebrate the local public library by making crafts, playing international board games and learning about ways the library connects communities.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Remembering 9/11: UNC Charlotte honors the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 through campus reflection and resources to help employees navigate the milestone.
• CPHE Accreditation: Provost Troyer recently met with faculty across all colleges to gather input on the University’s consideration of accelerated accreditation through the Commission for Public Higher Education. After these conversations and further review, the University will move forward in pursuing accelerated accreditation through CPHE.
• Perceptive Content migration: Perceptive Content is being migrated to Softdocs to make campus workflows simpler, fully digital and more accessible. Phase two, which focuses on student-related documents and forms, starts at 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23.
• Congratulations LEADers: The Rise to LEADership Certificate program recently reached an important milestone as its inaugural cohort completed the University’s new professional development initiative for employees preparing to step into future leadership roles.
• Last chance: First-year and transfer legacy families are invited to attend the 2026 Family Weekend Legacy Lunch on Friday, Sept. 25, at the Popp Martin Student Union, room 340. Register by Friday, Sept. 18.

what you need to know: students

• Remembering 9/11: UNC Charlotte honors the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 through campus reflection and resources to help the community navigate the milestone.
• Last chance: First-year and transfer legacy families are invited to attend the 2026 Family Weekend Legacy Lunch on Friday, Sept. 25, at the Popp Martin Student Union, room 340. Register by Friday, Sept. 18.
• Orientation Counselor application: The 2027 orientation counselor applications are open through Thursday, Oct. 1. Orientation counselors serve as peer educators, group facilitators and role models to incoming students and families.
• Truman Lab grant: The University’s Truman Lab received a $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study how cells maintain protein health and their role in diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

the difference is charlotte

UNC Charlotte’s International Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 19, with a day of international food, cultural performances, activities and more. This year’s festival includes new Charlotte FC and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library experiences, alongside longtime favorites such as the Parade of Nations and cultural booths representing more than 35 nations.

Sports writer, bestselling author and Niner Joe Posnanski reflects on how his time at UNC Charlotte helped launch a career that has provided him some of the biggest stages in sports. 

professional development: faculty and staff

• CORE Series: Learn how to connect your teaching and research to local communities from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, in Sycamore 306, during the next CORE Series event. The session will feature 10 lightning-round unit presentations.
• Incorporate AI literacy: Join the Center for Teaching and Learning from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, to learn about ready-to-go AI literacy modules to incorporate into your courses.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Essential security tips: A few basic tips can make a huge difference when protecting your Zoom meetings. Check out OneIT’s quick guide to learn essential security tips all hosts should follow.
• ICYMI: Accomplished sports writer, bestselling author and Niner Joe Posnanski plays rapid fire questions with the Alumni Association. Check it out on Instagram.
• Guess the campus spot: Play “Guess the Campus Spot” by Niner Insider.

to-do list: students

• Check it out: UNC Charlotte golfers Justin Matthews and Seb Cave earned spots in the initial PGA Tour University rankings for 2026‑27, debuting at No. 22 and No. 24, respectively. This places both among the nation’s top collegiate players identified by PGA TOUR University for future professional opportunities.
• Guess the campus spot: Play “Guess the Campus Spot” by Niner Insider.

upcoming events

Explore internship opportunities and build your career skills with the virtual Career Center Meet-Ups. Tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11, the virtual sessions will cover internships abroad, project-based internships and career strategies for healthcare, science and research:

• How to Gain Academic Credit for Internships Abroad from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
• Project-Based Internships from 12:20 to 1:05 p.m.
• Healthcare, Science and Research Internship and Career Strategies from 1:25 to 2:10 p.m.