Business Affairs

McKim & Creed Inc. has received an Engineering Excellence Grand Award for its work on the PORTAL Building. The honor was presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina at its annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala in Raleigh.

PORTAL, which stands for Partnership, Outreach and Research to Accelerate Learning, is a business incubator and corporate innovation center that offers a unique and flexible environment for emerging enterprises.

UNC Charlotte is ranked 24th among the best government green motor fleets in the United States, according to the website 100 Best Fleets, which recognizes peak-performing fleet operations in North America.

Chris Facente, automotive supervisor in the Facilities Management Department, said creating a sustainable motor fleet supports the University’s commitment to be an excellent steward of the environment and saves money on fuel costs.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines internal auditing as “an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.”

The biannual campus cleanup, tree banding, a transportation fair and a social are among the events planned for the University’s Sustainability Week Oct. 5-9.

In the past fiscal year, UNC Charlotte’s energy consumption has decreased by about 5 percent, resulting in a 1 percent reduction in total utility costs. Yet, gross square footage on campus increased by 4 percent during the same time frame.

Tony Schallert, energy manager in facilities management, noted the reductions are a result of the University’s performance contract that replaced inefficient lighting in older buildings and the more proficient energy-saving initiatives employed in new construction.

Jaime Bochantin, assistant professor of communications and organizational science, and Karen Ward, assistant director of executive education, will be the guests on the Sept. 3 edition of “The Live Wire,” Inside UNC Charlotte’s streaming webcast.

Starting at 2 p.m., Thursday, they will discuss the University’s programs for executives and senior leaders; these offerings provide executives with the latest knowledge and research that they can apply directly to their companies.

Jeff Baker, chief of the UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Department, and Lt. Brian Thomas will be  guests on the Aug. 27 edition of “The Live Wire,” Inside UNC Charlotte’s streaming webcast. Starting at 2 p.m., Thursday, they will discuss LiveSafe, a free mobile device application for UNC Charlotte students, faculty and staff to instantly share safety and security concerns PPS. Students and employees can download the free app on their smart phones and tablets through iTunes and Google Play.

A UNC Charlotte police officer is being hailed as a hero for chasing down a larceny suspect and sustaining a serious head injury just before the individual was apprehended.

Officer Kasey Lowe was injured on Monday, Aug. 24, while chasing a subject who was suspected of stealing laptops, wallets and other personal items from students, faculty and staff  in two campus academic buildings, said UNC Charlotte police chief Jeff Baker.

Lowe was on patrol when she spotted the suspect on the UNC Charlotte campus. She immediately gave chase on foot, Baker said.

The start of the fall 2015 semester is approaching, and University officials advise students and returning faculty to pay close attention to several transportation and construction upgrades, that, until completed, could result in disruptions navigating the UNC Charlotte campus.

Nearly 5,700 students will move into residence halls starting Friday, Aug. 21.  Students, faculty and staff members should anticipate more traffic and plan accordingly when entering or exiting campus, especially on Friday. Campus police will direct traffic on Friday and Saturday.

A new offering of the 15-week weight-management program Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 31.

This program has been developed by health experts, and State Health Plan members can participate for $30 with a $25 refund for those who attend 10 of the 15 sessions.

During the one-hour classroom sessions, an experienced instructor will provide information and motivation for participants to make healthy choices related to nutrition and physical activitiy.