Affordable housing in Charlotte, the 2026 midterm elections and creating connections as an orientation counselor

September 21, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

Affordable housing in Charlotte: What does it take to create opportunity?

The Charlotte Urban Institute explores what it takes for affordable housing to create long-term stability and opportunity for Charlotte residents, examining how housing can influence financial security, quality of life and access to resources that help individuals and families thrive.

Creating connections as an orientation counselor

In this Q&A, sophomore Jenni Eason reflects on what inspired her to become an orientation counselor, the moments she’ll remember most and how the experience is shaping her time at Charlotte.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: UNC Charlotte’s Phi Kappa Phi honor society chapter is in need of a secretary and a president-elect. Learn more about these leadership positions, along with other important updates, in this week’s news digest.
Celebrate Charlotte’s 80th Anniversary: Join the campus community from 10 to 11 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Gage Undergraduate Admissions Center as we commemorate our “oak” anniversary. We’ll mark eight decades of academic excellence, service and impact by planting a new oak tree on campus. RSVP to attend.
Reed Parlier Memorial Scholarship: For Daniel Mendoza, a junior studying computer science and artificial intelligence, receiving the Reed Parlier Memorial Scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility. There are two upcoming ways to support the scholarship and students like Mendoza.
Phishing scam: The Office of OneIT has discovered an active phishing threat targeting University employees and their direct deposit funds. The University will never ask for your password, passcode or two-factor authorization (e.g. Duo) prompt via text, phone or email. Change your password immediately and contact OneIT at 704-687-5500 if you believe you may have entered your credentials on a fraudulent page.
2026 election season: The 49er Democracy Experience is supporting campus civic engagement through voter registration, education and mobilization. Review key dates and campuswide initiatives to stay informed and participate in the 2026 midterm season.
Career Center open house: Stop by the Career Center’s open house from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, to connect with colleagues and explore available resources. Bring professional clothing to donate to the clothing closet, enjoy refreshments and enter for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.
NSF I-Corps training: Join the virtual NSF I-Corps Fall 2026 Regional Course Program to gain hands-on experience in customer discovery, identifying market needs and research commercialization. Teams must include one faculty member and one graduate student. Apply by Thursday, Oct. 1.
Case study winner: UNC Charlotte has won a case study competition hosted by Campus Race to Zero Waste, highlighting zero-waste efforts at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The complete case study is available online.
Social wellness: September’s Dimensions of Wellness focus is social wellness, which emphasizes building and maintaining supportive relationships rooted in respect, mutual care and awareness of others’ feelings and needs. Visit the Dimensions of Wellness website to learn more about UNC Charlotte’s shared framework for health and well-being.

what you need to know: students

Reed Parlier Memorial Scholarship: For Daniel Mendoza, a junior studying computer science and artificial intelligence, receiving the Reed Parlier Memorial Scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility. There are two upcoming ways to support the scholarship and students like Mendoza.
First-Gen Excellence Awards: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards are open through Friday, Oct. 3.
NSF I-Corps training: Join the virtual NSF I-Corps Fall 2026 Regional Course Program to gain hands-on experience in customer discovery, identifying market needs and research commercialization. Teams must include one faculty member and one graduate student. Apply by Thursday, Oct. 1.
SGA fall election: Voting runs 8 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, through 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24. Cast your ballot for class presidents and senator positions — use your voice and vote.
Share your transfer story: In celebration of National Transfer Student Week, transfer students are invited to share their unique journeys to UNC Charlotte and inspire future Niners navigating their own transitions. Submit your transfer tale by Friday, Oct. 9.
Case study winner: UNC Charlotte has won a case study competition hosted by Campus Race to Zero Waste, highlighting zero-waste efforts at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The complete case study is available online.
Social wellness: September’s Dimensions of Wellness focus is social wellness, which emphasizes building and maintaining supportive relationships rooted in respect, mutual care and awareness of others’ feelings and needs. Visit the Dimensions of Wellness website to learn more about UNC Charlotte’s shared framework for health and well-being.
Phishing scam: The Office of OneIT has discovered an active phishing threat targeting University employees and their direct deposit funds. The University will never ask for your password, passcode or two-factor authorization (e.g. Duo) prompt via text, phone or email. Change your password immediately and contact OneIT at 704-687-5500 if you believe you may have entered your credentials on a fraudulent page.

The difference is charlotte

In this Q&A, sophomore Jenni Eason reflects on what inspired her to become an orientation counselor, the moments she’ll remember most and how the experience is shaping her time at Charlotte.

The 2026 election season is underway, and the 49er Democracy Experience is helping the UNC Charlotte community engage in civic life through voter registration, education and mobilization. Check out upcoming dates and campuswide civic initiatives to get involved this midterm season.

Professional development: faculty and staff

AI@Work session: Join Dayle Janus from Digital and Professional Learning for the next “AI@Work” session from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, to learn how to use AI as a brainstorming partner to generate ideas, explore options, gather feedback and improve your daily work.
Concur User Group: Attend the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24.
49er Mart users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24. Registration is encouraged on the Learning and Development Portal, and additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
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.

TO-DO LIST: FACULTY AND STAFF

Fall bucket list: Fall officially begins tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22. Explore 49 things to do this fall to make the most of the season.
Final lake day: Head to Hechenbleikner Lake for the final Lake Day of the fall semester from 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23. Enjoy an afternoon of boating, music, snow cones and more.
Show your Niner pride: Celebrate Niner Nation Week by participating in the Staff Council Door Decorating Contest. Gather your team and decorate a door, office or department golf cart to show your 49er spirit. Register by Monday, Sept. 28.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

TO-DO LIST: STUDENTS

Fall bucket list: Fall officially begins tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22. Explore 49 things to do this fall to make the most of the season.
Vote for the Golden Niner: Voting for this year’s Golden Niner opens Wednesday, Sept. 23, and closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The winner will be announced during halftime of the Homecoming football game against Memphis.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

uPcoming: faculty and staff

Off-cycle performance reviews: Attend “All About STAKES Performance Feedback,” from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 2, a virtual training that equips managers with practical tools for providing timely, effective feedback to SHRA employees.
Canvas collaboration workshop: Join the Center for Teaching and Learning virtually at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, for “Canvas: Collaboration with Groups and Peer Reviews.” Learn strategies for using Canvas groups and peer reviews to create engaging, collaborative learning experiences for students.
OneIT extended maintenance: Learn about extended maintenance work OneIT will complete during fall break, Friday, Oct. 9, through Tuesday, Oct. 13, and how it may affect University technology services.

Upcoming events: students

Celebrate Charlotte’s 80th Anniversary

Join the campus community from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Gage Undergraduate Admissions Center as we commemorate our “oak” anniversary. We’ll mark eight decades of academic excellence, service and impact by planting a new oak tree on campus. RSVP to attend.

Final lake day: Head to Hechenbleikner Lake for the final Lake Day of the fall semester from 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23. Enjoy an afternoon of boating, music, snow cones and more.