Business Affairs

Light rail extension preparations begin on campus

The CATS Blue Line Extension project, managed by the City of Charlotte Public Transportation Department, continues around campus and toward Center City. Recently, preparations for the light rail to swing onto campus have begun.

Trees across from Miltimore Hall are being removed to accommodate rail tracks and the station that will serve the University community, when it opens in mid-2017 (based upon the current construction schedule).

Once the campus station opens, University leaders anticipate re-planting trees where possible, without obstructing the rail lines.

Zero Waste program returns to Richardson Stadium

The Charlotte 49ers football team is into its second season, which means for home games in Richardson Stadium, the focus is on zero waste.
Last year’s efforts resulted in new initiatives for 2014, according to Brad Green, director of catering and special services for Chartwells, the University’s contracted food vendor.

N.C. DOT bridge replacement to close Hwy 29 near campus entrance

The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to replace the Mallard Creek bridges on U.S. Hwy 29/N.Tryon Street, which will affect traffic around the UNC Charlotte campus for the duration of the approximate 15-month project.
According to the latest information, construction will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 15, weather permitting. The first phase will close the southbound lanes of N. Tryon Street (U.S. Hwy 29) for around seven months (through May 2015). During this time, motorists will be detoured along Mallard Creek Church Road, I-85 and Harris Boulevard.

PPS to hold ‘Operation Medicine Drop’

The UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Department (PPS) will conduct “Operation Medicine Drop” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, in the Student Health Center Multipurpose Room (112H).
During this event, prescription and over-the-counter medications can be brought in, no questions asked, to be safely discarded. Individuals should bring medications in the original bottles that indicate the drug name and dosage; personal information may be removed for confidentiality purposes.

University receives Air Compliance Excellence Award

UNC Charlotte is the recipient of the inaugural Air Compliance Excellence Award from the Mecklenburg County Air Quality (MCAQ); the honor is for local industry air quality permit compliance, pollution reduction and air quality improvement. 

HR, employee impacts from 2014-15 state budget and other legislation

The 2014-15 state budget provides an across-the-board salary increase effective July 1, 2014, for employees who are subject to the State Personnel Act. The salaries of all full-time permanent and probationary SPA employees, including those on time-limited appointments, will be increased by $1,000. Permanent full-time employees who work a 9-, 10-, or 11-month work schedule also will receive the $1,000 increase. Permanent part-time employees’ raises will be pro-rated.
• Employees are eligible for the increase without consideration of performance ratings or disciplinary actions.

Hardin among city’s top CFOs

Elizabeth Hardin, vice chancellor for business affairs, recently was named one of Charlotte’s Chief Financial Officers of the Year by the Charlotte Business Journal. She was honored in the category large nonprofit/government organization.
As UNC Charlotte’s chief financial and administrative officer, Hardin is responsible for the University’s fiscal management and audit, facilities development and operation, human resources, public safety, technical operations and planning, business continuity and auxiliary services.

Orbis Grille at PORTAL to open

The Orbis Grille at PORTAL, a new campus dining facility, opens Monday, Aug. 18, and will feature a vibrant mix of breakfast and lunch fare.
According to auxiliary services, Orbis Grille will offer salads, sandwiches and featured entrees with a “global flavor.” Its Evo grill action station, which is a round, open cook top, offers a  healthy cooking method and chef interaction.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less begins Sept. 8

Register for the next offering of Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less that begins on Monday, Sept. 8.
The 15-week weight-management program Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less was developed by health experts, and it is open to State Health Plan members who can participate for $30 with a $25 refund for those who attend 10 of the 15 sessions.
The course fee must be paid at the first session. Fifteen registrants are needed to form a class. Tina Mendieta from the Mecklenburg County Health Department will lead the program, which will meet at noon in Colvard Building, Room 5092.

Faces – John Renwick

Earlier this year, John Renwick was honored as one of the Employees of the Year in the safety/heroism category for coming to the aid of a campus visitor.
While humbled to be singled out as one of the recipients, Renwick said he was glad he could render assistance to an individual in distress.
Renwick, a facilities management Zone 4 staff member, noticed a stopped car blocking traffic on Alumni Way, near the Residence Dining Hall (RDH) on June 3, 2013. He discovered the man was in diabetic shock.