Pass the recipe, share the story: Attend a holiday dinner with Chancellor Gaber and The Niner Guide experience with Carly Coupal

October 19, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
turkey dinner

Pass the recipe, share the story: Attend a holiday dinner with Chancellor Gaber

Do you have a beloved side dish or can’t-miss dessert that steals the spotlight every year? Submit your recipe and its story for a chance to attend the second annual holiday dinner hosted by Chancellor Gaber and Chartwells on Monday, Nov. 9.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Nominations are open for the 2027 Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award through Friday, Oct. 30. This award recognizes a full-time, graduate faculty member who embodies outstanding mentorship. Learn more about this award and other updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Open enrollment: Don’t forget to make benefits elections for the 2027 plan year during open enrollment before the Friday, Nov. 6, deadline. Benefits-eligible employees should make elections in both platforms required for enrollment and save a copy of their elections.
  • OneIT maintenance: Microsoft’s October patches will be delivered to University computers on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Since Microsoft fixes more than 1,000 security flaws with this release, install the patches that day; do not delay. Please contact OneIT with questions.
  • Flu vaccine clinic: Student Health is offering flu vaccines for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester. The next clinic is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340.
  • Retirement fund update: Review this UNC System update about the UNC retirement programs, which includes a few changes to the investment lineup for the UNC Optional Retirement Program, the UNC 403(b) Plan, the UNC 457(b) Plan, among other plans. Employees should take action if they have funds invested in one of these and do not want their funds transferred to the replacement option.
  • Emotional wellness: October’s Dimensions of Wellness focus is on emotional wellness, which emphasizes managing emotions effectively, coping with stress and promoting positive mental health. Learn more about UNC Charlotte’s shared framework for health and well-being.
  • Pedestrian-only zone: Central campus became a pedestrian-only zone this August. Read more about the new policy and efforts to make campus safer for both pedestrians and device riders.
  • Catering possibilities: Do you need catering for a campus event? Half Moon Empanadas is available through 9201 Catering. Choose from more than a dozen flavors, including savory, sweet and vegetarian options.

what you need to know: students

  • Flu vaccine clinic: Student Health is offering flu vaccines for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester. The next clinic is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340.
  • December graduates: Pick up your cap and gown and other regalia at the Commencement Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Barnes & Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union.
  • Resident advisor application: The 2027-28 resident ddvisor application is open through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1. Visit the resident advisor website for more information on the position and how to apply.
  • Emotional wellness: October’s Dimensions of Wellness focus is on emotional wellness, which emphasizes managing emotions effectively, coping with stress and promoting positive mental health. Learn more about UNC Charlotte’s shared framework for health and well-being.
  • Commencement: Fall Commencement ceremonies will take place in Halton Arena, located in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, on Friday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 12. View the ceremony schedule.
  • Catering possibilities: Do you need catering for a campus event? Half Moon Empanadas is available through 9201 Catering. Choose from more than a dozen flavors, including savory, sweet and vegetarian options.

the difference is charlotte

Through personal stories, campus traditions and meaningful connections, Carly Coupal strives to make every tour a welcoming and memorable experience. Read more about Coupal’s Niner Guide experience.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Lunch-and-learn: Register for “Science of Cravings,” a worksite wellness lunch-and-learn webinar at 11:30 a.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 20. The webinar will explore the biological and psychological factors that drive cravings, how they influence our choices and what research tells us about managing them in a healthier way.
  • Concur User Group: Attend the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22.
  • 49er Mart users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, and see what will be changing in the 26.3 release/upgrade. Additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.

to-do list: faculty and staff

to-do list: students

upcoming: faculty and staff

  • Get your tickets: Join the Botanical Gardens for its 60th anniversary celebration and fundraiser “An Evening with the Nightshades,” from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13.
  • Commencement: Fall Commencement ceremonies will take place in Halton Arena, located in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, on Friday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 12. View the ceremony schedule.
  • Host a Niner: The School of Social Work is seeking campus partners to host Bachelor of Social Work practicum students for the 2027-28 academic year. They provide valuable support in areas such as outreach and student engagement, case management and follow-up support, program development and more. Contact Amy Peters to discuss placement opportunities.
  • Save the date: The Center for Teaching and Learning announces the fifth annual “AI Summit for Smarter Learning” on May 12, 2027, at the Dubois Center.

upcoming events: students

Register and join the Office of Sustainability and grounds staff for Campus Beautification Day 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.
  • Graduate fall social: The Center for Graduate Life and Learning invites you to join the festivities at the 2026 Fall Social on Oct. 22. Enjoy food, drinks, music and games. Costumes are encouraged.