An important message from Chancellor Gaber and Vice Chancellor Bailey, “spooky” science and more

October 26, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
spider silk

Spooky science

As Halloween approaches, spiders, bats and other “spooky” creatures are creeping into the spotlight. Sarah Stellwagen, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, is specifically interested in spider silk. She answered questions about the uniqueness of spider silk, potential applications of her research and what the general public should know about spiders.

An Important Message to Niner Nation

Chancellor Sharon Gaber and Vice Chancellor Kevin Bailey share a message about sexual and interpersonal misconduct, support for survivors and the University’s commitment to accountability. Read their message to learn about available resources, reporting options and how we can look out for one another.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • An Important Message to Niner Nation: Chancellor Sharon Gaber and Vice Chancellor Kevin Bailey share a message about sexual and interpersonal misconduct, support for survivors and the University’s commitment to accountability. Read their message to learn about available resources, reporting options and how we can look out for one another.
  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Join Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, former senior advisor in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the U.S. State Department, for her talk on “The AI Power Race: America’s Domestic Resilience, Critical Minerals and Geopolitical Implications” at noon, Thursday, Oct. 29. Learn more about the talk, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Last call for recipes: Submit your favorite holiday recipe and the story behind it for a chance to attend a special holiday dinner with Chancellor Gaber and Chartwells on Monday, Nov. 9.
  • 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.
  • Tuition and fees meetings: Hear recommendations for changes to tuition and mandatory student fees during the Tuition and Fees Advisory Board open meetings at 5 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Harris Alumni Center and at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Cone University Center, Room 341.
  • Get your nominations in: 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.
  • Ride to the polls: Riders can use code VOTE26 for two, free 30-minute rides on Lime e-scooters and e-bikes through Tuesday, Nov. 3.

what you need to know: students

  • Tuition and fees meetings: Hear recommendations for changes to tuition and mandatory student fees during the Tuition and Fees Advisory Board open meetings at 5 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Harris Alumni Center and at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Cone University Center, Room 341.
  • Last call for recipes: Submit your favorite holiday recipe and the story behind it for a chance to attend a special holiday dinner with Chancellor Gaber and Chartwells on Monday, Nov. 9.
  • Get out and vote: Early voting runs through Saturday, Oct. 31. During the early voting period, you can register and vote at any early voting location within your county. 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.
  • Ride to the polls: Riders can use code VOTE26 for two, free 30-minute rides on Lime e-scooters and e-bikes through Nov. 3.
  • Study break: Looking for a fun study break? Head over to Atkins Library today through Friday, Nov. 6, for our 3D Woodland Creatures Scavenger Hunt.
  • Apply to be an RA: The 2027-28 resident advisor application is open through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1. Visit the RA website for more information on the position and how to apply.

the difference is charlotte

alumni exhibit

Retired art professor Roderick MacKillop and his family established three endowments; these include a biennial alumni art exhibition featuring art alumni ceramic artist Sara Catapano ’12 and fiber artist Jen Clay ’10, and two scholarships for art and painting students. Learn more about the exhibition currently at Rowe Galleries and the 11 MacKillop Scholars.

spider silk

As Halloween approaches, spiders, bats and other “spooky” creatures are creeping into the spotlight. Sarah Stellwagen, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, is specifically interested in spider silk. She answered questions about the uniqueness of spider silk, potential applications of her research and what the general public should know about spiders.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • One-on-one consultations: Need teaching or course design support? The Center for Teaching and Learning offers one-on-one consultations with instructional designers to help with Canvas, digital accessibility, course design and teaching strategies; request a consultation.
  • Multi-project planning workshop: Join the Charlotte Urban Institute to learn to prioritize tasks and build a sustainable schedule from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6, in Sycamore, Room 306. The session covers plan drafting and scheduling tasks and deadlines that will help reach long-term goals.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Get out and vote: Early voting runs through Saturday, Oct. 31.  During the early voting period, you can register and vote at any early voting location within your county. 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.
  • Volunteer for SNCURCS 2026: The Office of Undergraduate Research is looking for faculty and staff volunteers to help with the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium being held at UNC Charlotte on Saturday, Nov. 7.
  • State Employees Combined Campaign: Faculty and staff can make a one-time gift or payroll deduction to a 2026 SECC charity this fall, including the Arts & Science Council. Help make a difference in the communities where we live and work.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

upcoming events: students

haunted union

Celebrate spooky season at the Haunted Union from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Popp Martin Student Union. The event will feature a haunted house, Halloween-themed games and activities, a DJ and more!

  • Haunted Coffee and Conversation: Join the University Transfer and Adult Student Center for an adult student meet ’n’ greet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Colvard, Room 2200. Sip on otherworldly brew and enjoy spook-tacular snacks.
  • Niner Ghost Bus: The Niner Ghost Bus will be rounding campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, for candy, treats and spooky selfies. Take a selfie on the bus and tag and follow @CLTAuxServices on Instagram for a chance to win a Charlotte-branded picnic set. Look for the bus labeled “BOO” along the Green Route.
  • Wicks and Wellness: Enjoy an evening of custom candle making, wellness information, food and Halloween trivia with the Center for Wellness Promotion from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, Popp Martin Student Union, Room 261; registration is required.
  • 90s Halloween Party: Join the Caribbean Student Association for an evening of fun, community and celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Cone After Hours.
  • Halloween Union LAN Party: Niner Esports is hosting a full day of tournaments, casual play and campus community, topped off with a costume contest, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, in the Popp Martin Student Union.