Sara Gagné provides expertise on Charlotte’s chimney swifts and Golden Niner Dacien Montford’s ultimate full-circle moment

October 15, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

Sara Gagné provides expertise on Charlotte’s chimney swifts

As chimney swift populations decline, conservationists in Charlotte, including Sara Gagné, associate professor and chair of UNC Charlotte’s Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, are working to protect the older brick chimneys that have become important habitats for the birds.

Dacien Montford gets an ultimate full-circle moment with Golden Niner victory

From overcoming a life-threatening health scare to becoming a campus leader, Dacien Montford reflects on his journey, the impact he’s made on Niner Nation and the determination that led him to one of the University’s highest student honors — Golden Niner.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Open enrollment: Benefits-eligible employees have just over three weeks left to make elections during open enrollment, which ends Friday, Nov. 6. Make elections on both platforms required for enrollment and save a copy of your elections.
Early voting information: Early voting has started and runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. During the early voting period, you can register and vote at any Mecklenburg County early voting location. For Mecklenburg County residents, the closest early voting location to campus is the Old University City Library located next to University Hospital at 301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard.
Combined Community Campaign: Support the causes that matter to you through this year’s Combined Community Campaign, Oct. 13-Nov. 6. Choose from more than 785 participating SECC charities and give through a one-time gift or payroll deduction.
Understanding LPRs: UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety uses license plate readers to support criminal investigations and campus safety. Learn more about how the cameras are used, how the University is further limiting access to data and the safeguards governing access in the LPR FAQ.
Banner access audit reminder: The fall 2026 Banner access audit for the finance, accounts receivable and financial aid modules is from Oct. 19-30. Supervisors must review employees’ Banner access for these modules.
Graduate mentoring award: Nominations for the 2027 Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award are open until Friday, Oct. 30. The award honors a full-time member of the graduate faculty who embodies outstanding graduate mentoring.
Strengthen your mentorship skills: The Graduate School now offers customized CIMER-based mentor training workshops to help strengthen your mentorship skills and support graduate student success. Submit a request form to schedule an interactive session for your department or academic team.

what you need to know: students

Early voting information: Early voting has started and runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. During the early voting period, you can register and vote at any Mecklenburg County early voting location. For Mecklenburg County residents, the closest early voting location to campus is the Old University City Library located next to University Hospital at 301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard.
Sidewalk and stair closure: The sidewalk and stairway on the south side of the Kennedy Building will be closed for construction through Friday, Jan. 29, 2027. Heavy equipment will be active in the area and temporary emergency egress routes will be marked. Please use caution and follow posted detours and safety information.
Commencement Bell Ringer: The Commencement Bell Ringer is an honored tradition that recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary 49er spirit. Undergraduate and graduate students who are graduating in December are encouraged to apply. Applications close at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.
Housing ambassador: Do you love UNC Charlotte and living on campus? Apply to be a spring 2027 housing ambassador by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25.
Understanding LPRs: UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety uses license plate readers to support criminal investigations and campus safety. Learn more about how the cameras are used, how the University is further limiting access to data and the safeguards governing access in the LPR FAQ.
Dasgupta Lab cancer research: UNC Charlotte’s Dasgupta Lab is working to increase understanding of cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome that affects up to 80% of people with advanced cancer.
Enhanced study tools: Make studying easier with new and enhanced tools from Google Gemini designed to help you prepare for exams, write papers and stay on top of assignment deadlines.
Niner Grind Pass: Unlock unlimited coffee all semester with the Niner Grind Pass, a sustainable and budget-friendly way to get your daily coffee fix on campus.

the difference is charlotte

Michael Schuckers, a professor in the School of Data Science with extensive sports analytics experience, has consulted for National Hockey League and Major League Baseball teams. Read his Q&A about sports analytics in baseball, hockey and football.

professional development: faculty and staff

Course accessibility: Attend the virtual “Part 3: Designing Accessible Course Media” session with the Center for Teaching and Learning at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, to learn how to add captions and transcripts, create clear audio descriptions and apply accessibility checks to recorded lectures and multimedia assignments.
Activity reporting training: Training for the new faculty activity reporting system continues this month. The Watermark-based platform will be used for 2026 annual evaluations to document teaching, research, creative activities and service. Explore in-person, virtual and on-demand training opportunities and additional resources.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Football ticket giveaway: Deposit $40 into your Flex Feast account between Monday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 25, for a chance to win four tickets and concessions for the Charlotte 49ers’ Friday, Oct. 30, home game against the Tulane Green Wave. A winner will be selected Monday, Oct. 26.
Mental health and well-being: Check out the mental health and well-being special edition of Niner Insider that students received yesterday.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

“Much Ado About Nothing”: Actors From the London Stage bring their unique presentation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy to Robinson Hall for three free performances, Oct. 15-17, as part of their campus residency. View event and registration details.
Support Charlotte sports clubs: Sports clubs from Charlotte Lifters to Women’s Club Basketball have “pick-started” crowdfunding campaigns to rally support on their way to national tournament championships. Help these Niners reach their fundraising goals by Friday, Nov. 6.
ICYMI: Check out the mental health and well-being special edition of Niner Insider that was emailed to you yesterday.
Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming: faculty and staff

Plan for retirement: Schedule a one-on-one session with a TIAA financial consultant to learn more about managing your retirement. Registration is required for appointments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Oct. 20, Nov. 3 or Dec. 8, in Cone Center, Room 109.
Reuse Rodeo clothing swap: Bring clothing you no longer wear and trade it for new-to-you pieces from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Belk Plaza.
Campus Beautification Day: Register and join the Office of Sustainability and grounds staff to clean up litter and plant trees on campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. Check-in at the Snyder Deck Silver Line bus stop.
Support Charlotte sports clubs: Sports clubs from Charlotte Lifters to Women’s Club Basketball have “pick-started” crowdfunding campaigns to rally support on their way to national tournament championships. Help these Niners reach their fundraising goals by Friday, Nov. 6.

upcoming events: students

Learn how Erik Byker, interim associate dean of the Honors College, advocates for sustainability in his day-to-day work, and hear his advice for pursuing a career in sustainability. Byker will deliver the keynote at the Student Sustainability Summit, which is open to all students, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, in Cone 210.

Wellapalooza: Join Student Health for Wellapalooza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Discover the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and connect with campus and community resources that support student health and well-being.
Campus Beautification Day: Register and join the Office of Sustainability and grounds staff to clean up litter and plant trees on campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. Check-in at the Snyder Deck Silver Line bus stop.
Reuse Rodeo clothing swap: Bring clothing you no longer wear and trade it for new-to-you pieces from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Belk Plaza.
Citation information session: Student Legal Services is hosting an information session from 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, to help you better understand the potential legal outcomes and options from an underage alcohol citation before your court date.