Lessons learned: Graduate student researches impacts of post-Helene road closures, this weekend’s International Festival and more

UNC Charlotte graduate student researches impacts of post-Helene road closures

As the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, Kendrick Grant, a UNC Charlotte graduate student, is researching how road closures impacted residents’ efforts to reach water distribution sites.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Safety and well-being: As a university in an urban setting, it is important to review the safety protocols, services and resources in place to help keep our campus community safe and healthy.
• Solar-powered upgrade: UNC Charlotte’s Facility Operations Building near North Deck received a solar upgrade this fall with 224 rooftop panels that will help power the building and contribute electricity to the Duke Energy electric grid.
• International Festival: Attend the University’s 48th annual International Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Explore cultures from more than 35 nations through international food, cultural booths, live performances, the Parade of Nations and more.
• Flex Feast ticket giveaway: Deposit $40 into your Flex Feast account using Transact eAccounts by Sunday, Sept. 20, for a chance to win four tickets and concessions to the Charlotte 49ers’ Saturday, Sept. 26, home game against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. A winner will be selected Monday, Sept. 21.
• Graduate leadership award: The Thomas L. Reynolds Leadership Award will be presented at the upcoming Graduate Education Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to honor exceptional program leadership and contributions that strengthen UNC Charlotte’s graduate community.
• New library tool: Discover no-cost publishing options and article processing charge waivers with the new Open Journal Finder. 
• Performance cycle reminder: All SHRA and EHRA-non-faculty staff are reminded to log into the NinerTalent Stakes portal to verify that all performance-related tasks are current and complete. Submit questions through HR Connect.

what you need to know: students

• Safety and well-being: As a university in an urban setting, it is important to review the safety protocols, services and resources in place to help keep our campus community safe and healthy.
• Free HIV/STI testing: Student Health is partnering with Mecklenburg County Public Health to offer free HIV/STI testing for students throughout the semester. Testing begins today, Thursday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. in the Waddell Center for Student Health and Wellbeing, and no appointment is required.
• First-Gen Excellence Awards: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards are open tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 18, through Friday, Oct. 3. Explore the awards and apply today.
• Check your spam folder: Mail Services recently switched to a new mail processing software, causing some package pickup notifications to be sent to spam folders. Mark mailservices@qtrak.net as not spam to ensure you receive future pickup notifications.
• Support group: Join the BeHealthier Clinic from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays for a new self-management support group for students with chronic health conditions. Contact Aimee Smith to register.

the difference is charlotte

Levine Scholar Jasmine Oliver, a senior environmental studies major, has been named a 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellow for her commitment to environmental advocacy, research and community engagement.

UNC Charlotte’s Facility Operations Building near North Deck received a solar-powered upgrade. Led by Facilities Management, the building now has 224 solar panels on its roof that will generate clean energy and contribute to the regional Duke Energy electrical grid.

professional development: faculty and staff

• HR Power Hour: The next HR Power Hour will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29. The webinar will guide you through the 2027 open enrollment process and provide time for participants to ask questions about the state health plan and NCFlex benefits.
• Submit a SoTL grant proposal: The 2026 SoTL Grants Program is accepting proposals aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan, including projects exploring the impact of AI on teaching and learning. Proposals are due Thursday, Oct. 1.
• Data Trust workshop: Join Charlotte Urban Institute researchers from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, for the Charlotte Regional Data Trust virtual workshop to learn how to access available data, streamline request processes and put ethical data use into practice.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Join the conversation: In recognition of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, join the Maternal and Child Health Workgroup for a virtual conversation with Michelle Schaefer, founder and CEO of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, from noon to 1 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 18.
• Nominate your transfer champion: Nominate a student, or a 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.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

• International Festival: Attend the University’s 48th annual International Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Explore cultures from more than 35 nations through international food, cultural booths, live performances, the Parade of Nations and more.
• 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.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming: faculty and staff

• Gambrell Faculty Fellowship: The Charlotte Urban Institute is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Gambrell Faculty Fellowship program by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9. Six projects focused on quality of life in the Charlotte region will receive grants of up to $25,000 each.
• Fall Plant Sale volunteers needed: Volunteers are needed for the Botanical Gardens fall Plant Sale, Oct. 8 – 10. Opportunities include moving plants, tagging and pricing, arranging the sale area and assisting during sale days. Volunteers will receive 15% off their entire plant purchase, and parking will be provided.
• 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

The fall Career and Internship Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25. Connect with 125 employers and grad programs offering full-time jobs, internships and co-ops. This event is open to all majors and class levels.

• Drop-in legal advice: Student Legal Services is hosting weekly drop-in hours to share information about your legal rights and options. The first session will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Popp Martin Student Union, room 264.
• National Hazing Prevention Week: Sept. 21-25 is National Hazing Prevention Week, which is meant to empower Niner Nation to come together and raise awareness, educate others and promote prevention. Find out more info on the Stop Hazing website.