Welcome Niners!
Today marks the day of new beginnings. Not only for our country as we swear in a new president but also for the start of our spring semester.
I had very much hoped that my message today could be “Welcome to Campus,” but the pandemic had other plans. While an online start to the spring 2021 semester is not what any of us wished for, Niner Nation proved last fall that it’s possible to teach, learn and stay connected to one another digitally with success — and we’re ready to do so again. I am continually impressed by the creativity and resilience of our student body to make the most of what is a challenging moment in our history.
Our top priority, as always, is the health and safety of our campus community. Please take time to visit NinerNationCares to be reminded of the campus protocols in place to keep us all as safe as possible —and remember to respond every morning to the Niner Health Check in your email.
Equally important is our commitment to supporting your academic success. Your professors have continued to learn about and apply best practices for teaching in virtual formats. They are your best source for answers to questions about your classes. However, should you need additional support, these excellent resources are available to point you toward the assistance you need to succeed. As you care for yourselves, please take advantage of counseling and other services offered by the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), whose team is providing virtual appointments designed to keep you safe.
To students new to UNC Charlotte this semester: Your classmates will emphasize that whether we’re together on campus or engaging digitally, getting involved in University life through clubs, activities or community service makes your Niner experience better. It might seem challenging right now, but you will find that it’s worth the effort. Spring Gold Rush welcomes new and returning students with virtual events that start today. And be sure to RSVP for the Virtual Student Organizations Showcase on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
Finally, please watch your email daily for Niner Insider. This is where you will find “need to know” information about Niner Nation’s news and events. We promise to keep you up-to-date about University operations as we monitor the environment. Most of all, we are excited that you are here and look forward to a successful semester.
Stay safe, and Go Niners!
Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor
YOUR DAILY NEED TO KNOW: FACULTY & STAFF
- Staff Council Officers and Area Reps have been announced and business units have been rezoned, but there are a few vacancies that need to be filled.
- The Graduate School's upcoming Mentor Training session has a few more openings for the Jan. 28-29 session.
- The Center for Wellness Promotion is continuing the Discover Your Wellness Passport Program virtually in Spring 2021 to increase student engagement with campus-wide health and wellness services while earning classroom credit. Faculty may register by Jan. 22.
YOUR DAILY NEED TO KNOW: STUDENTS
- The UNC System Office has prepared Online Learning 101, a resource for students who are new to online learning.
OUR POINTS OF PRIDE
Ph.D. student named a global literacy leader: Candace Chambers, a Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction, is among the literacy leaders named to the International Literacy Association’s 2021 30 Under 30 list.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
- History professor David Goldfield recalls Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Charlotte in the 1960s.
- Alumna Sabryna Gordon's work as the certified athletic trainer at Statesville High School featured in the Statesville Record & Landmark.
- Alumna and international best-selling author Tiffani Teachey participates in a podcast to discuss the importance of STEM education, particularly in young girls.
EVENTS
- 1/21: Graduate Admissions information session - Hear from graduate admissions counselors as well as graduate program directors. RSVP Today.
- 1/23: REMINDER: MLK Challenge - Join your fellow Niners for a “day on, not a day off.”
- 1/26: Learn to create professional presentations and collaborate using Google Slides.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What would you like to see included in this daily email? Complete this form with your feedback. We want to hear from you!