Academic Affairs

For nearly four decades, UNC Charlotte has held the region’s largest, most culturally diverse festival. Now entering its 39th year, the annual International Festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to experience the world in a day. With more than 50 nations represented, this colorful festival lets individuals engage in a vast array of activities including art, costumes, games, music, dance, and of course, food.

Providing instruction to help first-year and transfer students succeed academically is the focus of the Top 40 Academy, formed in collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning.

The McCormack Scholarship for Nontraditional Student receives support through the Charlotte University City Rotary Club annual golf tournament, which will be Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Skybrook Golf Club in Huntersville.
The tournament is a captain’s choice format with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 26; contact Tim O’Connell at 704-333-1966 or email timoconnell@carolina.rr.com.
The Office of Adult Students and Evening Services awards the McCormack Scholarship.

Fumie Kato, a faculty member in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, is among the five finalists for one of UNC Charlotte’s top honors – the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence. 

Charlotte Engineering Early College, located on the Charlotte Research Institute campus near CRI Deck 1, will open Monday, Aug. 25. The high school’s initial enrollment of 100 freshmen will be dropped off in personal vehicles or in one of six buses operated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Classes get under way Monday, Aug. 25, at the new Charlotte Engineering Early College, located in the shadow of EPIC. It is the first of its kind for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).
The inaugural class of 100 ninth-graders from across Mecklenburg County will delve into a curriculum that focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) courses, with a special emphasis on energy and engineering. A new school building was constructed near CRI Deck 1 for this collaboration between CMS and UNC Charlotte.

Jonathan Crane, associate professor in the Communication Studies Department, is one of five finalists for a prestigious UNC Charlotte honor – the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence. Prior to the official ceremony to name the award recipient, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, Inside UNC Charlotte will profile the other finalists: Fumie Kato, associate professor, languages and culture studies; Tracy Rock, associate professor, reading and elementary education; and Debra Smith, associate professor, Africana studies.

Fumie Kato, associate professor in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, is the 2014 recipient of the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching. Her selection was announced during the annual University Convocation Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Provost Joan Lorden, in revealing the honor, said, “Kato uses her expertise in applied linguistics with emphases on language pedagogy, student motivation and learning strategies to strengthen the degree program and inspire her colleagues.” 

The Washington Center has named UNC Charlotte its New Affiliate of the Year for 2014. The honor recognizes the University’s consistent and exceptional support of and partnership with the Washington Center.
Mike Smith, president of the Washington Center, stated UNC Charlotte and other center award recipients are shining examples of higher education institutions and organizations that place a priority on experiential learning.

Watch a live webcast of today’s University Convocation starting at 9:30 a.m. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Provost Joan Lorden will address faculty, staff and students at this yearly event.