Relatively Speaking - March 2016

As quickly as we started the spring semester, we are fast approaching the halfway mark. Despite the leap year's added day last month, we are already in March. I am always surprised at how quickly the spring semester seems to move but excited for the coming months that are full of programming, academic checkpoints and beginnings (admission and orientation for new students) and endings (commencement) for our students.

Thank you to the many parents and family members who attended our inaugural Spring Family Reunion on Feb. 13. We were pleased to welcome 150 members of Niner Nation Family to campus to watch our men's basketball team resoundingly defeat the University of North Texas Mean Green, 103-79. Photos from the event are posted on our Niner Nation Family Facebook page. We look forward to hosting the event again in 2017!

February also featured our spring meeting of the Parent & Family Advisory Council. The council met uptown at UNC Charlotte Center City to discuss progress on our goals as well as an exciting new allocations process for the 49er Family Fund. We are recruiting parents and family members to join this group, and if you are interested, please reach out to me via email at [email protected] . More information on the council and ways to give to the 49er Family Fund will be available on our website in the near future.

March, meanwhile, brings an important vote for the state of North Carolina. The Connect NC bond referendum will be voted on by N.C. residents in the March 15 primary elections. In this month's newsletter, Chancellor DuBois provides our Niner Nation Family with more information on the vote and its impact on the UNC system and UNC Charlotte.

As we approach the midpoint of the semester, we also reach spring break, an important holiday for many students. We have included tips to help your student stay safe on spring break and some local opportunities to explore if your student is staying in Charlotte.

Finally, March is an important month academically for students as they take midterm exams and begin thinking about summer and fall courses. Have conversations with your students about progress in their classes and remind them to stay focused on academic success despite the end of the semester approaching. If your student has not already met with his or her academic advisor, encourage an appointment soon to be prepared for class registration at the end of the semester.

As always, New Student & Family Services exists to serve our families and ensure that you are informed and engaged in your student's 49er experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 704-687-0341.

Go Niners!

Jordan Holliday

Assistant Director for New Student & Family Services

Niner Nation Family

Dean of Students

From the Chancellor: Passage of March 15 Bond Would Provide Much-Needed Science Building

Last month's edition of "Relatively Speaking" provided information about an important issue on the ballot during the primary election in North Carolina on March 15.

Public universities, community colleges, state parks, public safety, water/sewer grants and agricultural interests in our state are all included in a $2 billion bond proposal that will provide mission-critical funding without increasing taxes for North Carolina's citizens.

UNC Charlotte, in particular, will receive $90 million from the proposed Connect NC bond. These funds will provide for a new science building that is imperative if we are to continue our current trajectory of growth.

And speaking of growth... Since the last bond was passed in 2000, North Carolina's population has grown by two million people. That is roughly the population of Nebraska! During that same period, enrollment at UNC Charlotte has increased by 76 percent. Our current science building is bursting at the seams and is no longer adequate to meet the needs of this increased student population. A new science building is crucial for current and future students.

I am very pleased to inform you that UNC Charlotte's Parent & Family Advisory Councilhas signed a formal resolution in support of the Connect NC bond referendum. We sincerely appreciate the support of our students' parents and families in this important initiative!

Whether you are registered as a Republican, Democrat or Unaffiliated, everyone gets to vote. I urge each and every one of you to let your voice be heard on March 15. Thank you!

Go Niners!

Philip L. Dubois

Chancellor

Family Members Can Call on Student Assistance and Support Services

Greetings Parents and Family Members!

My name is Larry Gourdine, and I serve as assistant dean for Student Assistance and Support Services within the Dean of Students Office. As parents and family members, you play an important role in the success of your students.

Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) is a new unit within the Dean of Students Office. Our staff members seek to help students experiencing a broad range of issues, concerns or challenges that are interfering with their ability to be successful academically and personally at UNC Charlotte. We also provide support and guidance to faculty and staff about student concerns and guide and support parents and family members seeking help on behalf of their students.

Below is a list of SASS support services that may be helpful to you and other parents and family members... READ MORE

Check Out the Parent & Family Advisory Council

Tammy Ramsay, Vice Chair for the Parent & Family Advisory Council

I have a stepson who will be graduating in May, a son who is currently a freshman and a younger son who is a sophomore in high school whose ONLY college choice is UNC Charlotte! I got involved in the Parent & Family Advisory Council because I wanted to feel a part of my young adults' college experiences. I like what is happening at UNC Charlotte and am honored to have an opportunity to make a difference.

The council is in its inaugural year, and we are excited by the great opportunities that lie ahead. As parents and family members of active UNC Charlotte students, we are getting involved and making a difference. We are devoted to helping raise awareness for the 49er Family Fund, which helps enhance the student and family experience at the University. READ MORE

Student Perspective: Fahn Darkor

Compiled by Caitlin Carey, Niner Nation Family

Fahn Darkor is a junior business marketing major from Greensboro, NC. He is an involved student leader on campus who currently works as a Marketing Student Coordinator for the Office of New Student & Family Services.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The Student Organizations office in the Student Union. Many campus leaders gather there to work on projects, and I enjoy talking with them and seeing what their organizations are working on. They also occasionally have food in there!

Tell us something you are involved with on campus and why you love it!

I am currently the publicity chair for the Black Student Union, and I love everything about it! I get to create and facilitate interactive programs, as well as lead an organization made up mainly of freshmen. Once a month, we take our members off campus for an outing, and it is refreshing being able to learn more about them in a relaxed environment.

Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?

I chose UNC Charlotte because of the dining options! :) Our Auxiliary Services does such a great job of figuring out what the students want and providing those meals to them. From a fully functional Bojangles to Chick-fil-A, you are sure to never go hungry here!

What have you learned (or are learning) that has made a difference to you?

I have learned that you make the best impact on people when you are not consciously aware of doing it.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Coming to terms with my potential and embracing it. Humility is a major key; however, sometimes you just (need to) own up to your capabilities.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Do not force yourself to be somebody or something you are not. Embrace your differences and let them flourish through your personality. #GoNiners

Internships: They Matter a Lot!

David Wolf, Niner Nation Family

Regardless of what industry college students are hoping to enter after they graduate, internships are becoming more and more important to increase the likelihood of securing an ideal postgraduate job. An impressive grade-point average, strong recommendation letters and the ability to handle oneself in an interview remain important; however, internships and work experience have become almost essential in the eyes of employers.

"Relevant experience is the number one thing that employers tell us that they want," said Brooke Brown, senior assistant director in the University Career Center. "My advice for students is typically if you only do one thing while you are in college, it is to make sure you get relevant experience. For most students, that's through internships."

Fortunately, the University Career Center offers plenty of resources to help students acquire these coveted internships. In addition to career fairs every semester, the center offers free assistance for students on their cover letters and resumes.

One of the main ways for students to view internship openings is through Hire-A-Niner. Hire-A-Niner is an online job and internship database, which is strictly for UNC Charlotte students and alumni. Students are able to search for internships and apply directly to the employers. READ MORE

Dinner with the Dean Celebrates DSO Student Leaders

Caitlin Carey, Niner Nation Family

Started in 2009, Dinner with the Dean is a formal, invitation-only annual event to celebrate student leaders in the eight offices of the Dean of Students Office (DSO).

This year's event was Jan. 29 in the Student Union.

"The event serves as good professional development practice in allowing students, as up-and-coming professionals, to practice the fine art of RSVP'ing for an event, dressing professionally, networking with other student leaders and staff within the Dean of Students Office and hearing from a keynote speaker on the topic of leadership," said Christine Reed Davis, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and dean of students.

Student leaders in attendance included orientation counselors, peer mentors and representatives from sorority and fraternity councils and many more.

"My favorite part of Dinner with the Dean is connecting with all of our student leaders," added Davis. "This year we had 162 students come to the event, and I think I took a picture with every one of them!" READ MORE

SOAR Welcomes New Students and Families to Campus

Chelsea Ball, New Student & Family Services

UNC Charlotte hosted a record number of new students and family members during the spring Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR) program. By providing intentional programming and academic advising, SOAR prepares incoming students both academically and socially for their transition to the University and becoming part of Niner Nation.

The two spring SOAR sessions in January transitioned 754 transfer students, 198 freshmen and 632 family members - the largest sessions to date. These numbers are an increase of 128 students and 157 family members from spring 2015.

"Over my three years at UNC Charlotte, growth has been a common theme, and I'm excited to see our spring numbers grow," said Emily Jensen, associate director for New Student & Family Services. "Students are choosing UNC Charlotte because of the diversity, innovation and #NinerPride we offer, and the spirit is contagious." READ MORE

Holi Moli on March 19 Celebrates Indian Culture

Shakira Hall, Campus Activities Board

Holi is an annual Indian festival that celebrates the beginning of spring, and UNC Charlotte has its own fun spin called "Holi Moli."

Students come together and throw paint powders that make clouds of color. There is also music, dancing - and all-around good time.

For the past four years, the Campus Activities Board has offered Holi Moli to help connect the many interests and cultures of the University's diverse student body. It is a highly anticipated event with the attendance growing dramatically each year.

This year, Holi Moli will be take place on Saturday, March 19, on Rec Field 11 at 2 p.m. With attendance projected to be the biggest ever, it will be an event students will not want to miss.

'Hidden Gems' Abound for Students in Charlotte over Spring Break

JaDora Ross, Niner Nation Family

Spring break tends to be associated with excursions to the beach, to another country or with service or mission trips. Many students spend their week of freedom away, leaving their schoolwork and campus behind.

Students unable or uninterested in traveling usually end up at home or in their residence hall on campus. Fortunately, not going away for spring break is not the be-all end-all, especially for students at UNC Charlotte.

The city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina are filled with hidden gems most students do not have the time to take advantage of during the school year. Great Wolf Lodge, the U.S. National Whitewater Center and Crowder's Mountain are just a few of the attractions the greater Charlotte area has to offer. READ MORE

Tips on Staying during Spring Break

JaDora Ross, Niner Nation Family

Whether your student is traveling or staying in Charlotte over spring break, safety is always important. Officer Jerry Lecomte of the UNC Charlotte Police Department offered these tips for students to keep in mind while vacationing.

Spring break is a fun time but be aware that alcohol and drugs may be more accessible. The saying that everything that happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas isn't the case here. Students who incur citations in another state may find the infractions follow them back to UNC Charlotte and that the University's Office of Student Conduct can enforce disciplinary measures. Remember you are a Noble Niner and to make smart decisions.
Always keep your valuables locked up or with you.
Do not go anywhere without proper identification.