The semester is underway at UNC Charlotte, and campus is bustling with life. This fall, we have seen many exciting and challenging developments face our campus community. Our Charlotte 49ers began their fourth season of play in Jerry Richardson Stadium, and the Niner Pride grows each year for our team and their success. Also, UNC Charlotte celebrated 70 years of serving students during our inaugural Founder’s Week (Sept. 19-23), which included the naming of the Popp-Martin Student Union for two illustrious alumni of our institution—Karen A. Popp and Demond T. Martin.

In addition to these exciting events, we also hosted our annual Family Weekend program, which welcomed over 1300 participants to campus for a weekend full of campus pride and community building. We were happy to see so many engaged families with the program, and we look forward to continuing to grow the program so even more families can be involved in the coming years. Now, we are planning our second-annual spring event, Spring Family Reunion, that will be taking place on Feb. 25, 2017. Look for more information in our November newsletter!

While our campus community has experienced many highs this fall, we have also faced challenges along with the unrest experienced by the greater Charlotte community. During this time, our students have continued to impress us as they come together to learn from each other, peacefully protest and ask questions. As said by the Chancellor in his messages during the week of Sept. 19, our institution strives to provide a safe place for students to learn from their fellow students, faculty and staff. We are committed to being a place where our students’ education both in and out of the classroom and safety are priorities.

For our October newsletter, we have so much great content that you will be getting two issues! ( Check your inbox next week for Issue II!) In this issue, we not only have articles focused on great resources available for students and families on campus (including NinerTech, Greek Life and Student Financial Aid), we also have articles on how to support resiliency in your student, information on the Common Reading Program, and student perspectives on graduate education.

Two important articles for families included in this issue focus on the new Guest Access Portal and becoming and Authorized User through Student Accounts. These are two fantastic resources for families on our campus, and we encourage you to take a look at that information!

As always, Niner Nation Family is here to support your family and encourage your student’s success at UNC Charlotte. If you ever have questions, comments or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us through email at parents@uncc.edu or by phone at 704-687-0341. Also, make sure to visit the Parent & Family Services website for more information for families.

Go Niners!

Jordan Holliday-Millard
Assistant Director for New Student & Family Services
Niner Nation Family

By Lisa Meckley, Division Communications Manager
Additional reporting by Kelsey Wilkins, New Student & Family Services

Parents, have you ever wanted to go online and quickly view your student's education records and account information? The new Guest Access Portal allows you to do just that. 

With your student’s consent, the Guest Access Portal allows you to view his/her student account information, class registration status, class schedule, holds, grades, unofficial transcripts and/or financial aid.

UNC Charlotte understands that your children’s educational success is important to you. The guest portal was created to ensure that you could stay connected with students’ learning even when they are away from home.

The most important feature about the guest portal is that your child has to give you consent and access to see his/her accounts. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) prevents the University from releasing “personally identifiable student education records” to those that do not have consent or a legal exception. All UNC Charlotte departments recognize this law. Only students are able to give a person access to their accounts, no faculty or staff can grant someone access to a student’s account. Please visit the Legal Affairs Website to learn more about exceptions to the FERPA Law.

To get started, we recommend that you have a conversation with your student regarding sharing his/her information with you or anyone else. During this conversation, your child needs to specifically give you consent to view his/her information. Students should not feel pressured to give their parents access to their accounts.

Once students consent to their parents having access, they can create a guest user account and assign access to the viewable information.  Students can view step-by-step instructions (link to: http://registrar.uncc.edu/guest-access/students) on how to set up family guest access. By gaining access you will not be able to change and edit information on their account; parents will be in a “view-only” mode.

Please keep in mind that due to FERPA laws, your student has the legal right to protect his/her own education records. Therefore, requests for view access to education records should be made directly to your student. Gaining guest access to your student’s accounts can be a helpful way for you to access your student’s educational records. For more information on the Guest Access Portal, please visit UNC Charlotte’s website under the Office of the Registrar tab.

By Caitlin Carey, New Student and Family Services

College is full of challenges, but NinerTech strives to help students in their academic, social and professional lives by providing services and products needed to succeed in the college environment. NinerTech is UNC Charlotte’s on-campus computer store, located on the first floor of the Student Union. The store is in its seventh year of operation and functions as a non-profit arm of the University, with proceeds returned to campus.

NinerTech offers students with a complete package from choices and combinations of Apple, HP and Dell computers and associated products. Each item is priced with an educational discount to ensure students can afford their technological needs.

Additionally, NinerTech offers support and repair of products to help students stay on track. If you or your student visits the store, make sure to talk to any staff member, each Apple Product Certified, about hands-on product demos, and questions about which products fit your student’s needs (including specific college recommendations) and how to use them.

For more information about NinerTech, visit their website at ninertech.uncc.edu/home.

By Carla Eastis, Director of First-Year Programs

This fall, UNC Charlotte students will meet Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner, two young people who’ve changed lives with their community empowerment projects in Kibera, Kenya.

Fall 2016 marks the tenth year of the UNC Charlotte Common Reading Experience, which is designed to help all first-year students in their transition to and engagement with the University. Find Me Unafraid:  Love, Loss, and Hope in an African Slum is the reading selection this fall.  We are truly excited to present this story to our students—the story of a fight against poverty and hopelessness, and the transformation made possible by a true love.

Many students will read Find Me Unafraid as part of their coursework in freshman seminars, liberal studies, or first-year writing.  In May, instructors attended a one-day workshop to learn about Kenyan politics, gender equity in education and international development. As fall classes begin, these instructors will use the book and the background information as a basis for assignments that build critical thinking skills and an understanding of diverse perspectives. 

Perhaps the most exciting part of the Common Reading Experience each year, though, is the author’s campus visit. We are extremely fortunate that both Kennedy and Jessica will be at UNC Charlotte on Thursday, Oct. 20.  They will to speak to students, answer questions and sign books in the Student Union.  

One of the strongest messages in Find Me Unafraid is that young people have the power to have a deep impact on the world.  With its lessons in and out of the classroom, the Common Reading Experience is just one of the UNC Charlotte programs that helps students stake their claim and find their own way to success in college and beyond.

By Erica Lennon, Assistant Director for Clinical Services and Outreach

Today’s college student is typically balancing a lot more than academic demands.  It’s not uncommon for students to be working while in school, participating in or taking on leadership roles within campus student organizations and becoming involved in community issues and groups. With all of these responsibilities and areas of focus, the need for cultivating and enhancing resilience in our students is paramount. Higher levels of resilience have been shown to produce greater academic success and increase overall well-being by lowering anxiety and improving stress management.

One of the ways to enhance resilience and improve stress management is through the use of gratitude. For instance, it is common for students to experience stress related to homesickness while away at college and gratitude can assist in managing these feelings by allowing students to reflect upon the positive things in their lives (e.g. pets, family members, friends) and connect with their appreciation for them. Students can challenge themselves to list 2-3 things each day that they are grateful for in order to assist their brain in becoming more attentive to these positive aspects of their lives.

Another way to improve resilience and effectively manage stress and anxiety is basic self-care, which includes eating healthy, good sleep hygiene, engaging in consistent physical activity and finding activities that allow one’s self to decompress. The mind/body connection is an important one to attend to, and taking care of one’s body assists in a healthier mind. 

Finally, it is important for students to develop social connections while at college, which foster a sense of support and even release oxytocin and dopamine in the brain, which can improve mood and lower stress. It is important for students to surround themselves with resilient role models and to connect with resources on campus.

One resource is the Counseling Center, where we are dedicated to assisting students in effectively managing personal and academic stressors by providing individual and group counseling, consultative services and educational programming. This fall we are offering a group, “Stress for Success,” focused specifically on assisting students in effectively managing their stress and anxiety, as well as channeling their stress effectively to increase their motivation and success. 

Our services are free and confidential and all students are eligible for an initial appointment.  Students who are interested may call us (704-687-0311) or come by in person (Atkins 158) to schedule.

By Christopher Estrada, First-Year Graduate Student pursuing a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice at UNC Charlotte

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I attended UNC Charlotte for my undergraduate degree, and because of this, I interacted with many professors in my department. These professors knew my original goals never included attending graduate school. However, one of my professors, Kathleen Nicolaides, J.D., pushed me to further my education after I completed my undergraduate degree, starting in my  sophomore year.

This past December (2015), I met with another professor, Dr. Matthew Phillips, who really broke down how to get a graduate degree. This made it apparent to me that I would regret not furthering my education, and I am not one to live with regrets. With about three months before the deadline to apply for graduate school, I decided to begin the process and apply.

How many schools did you apply to and why did you choose UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte was the only place where I applied. I selected UNC Charlotte because of the faculty in my department. I love living in Charlotte as well because while the city is big, it is so spread out that it isn’t overwhelming.

What have you learned (or are learning) that's made a difference to you in your program?
In terms of my college career, I learned a lot. The most important thing that I learned was how to be independent. I have a huge support system, but they aren’t always going to be there when things get tough. Learning how to handle issues, taking on life and creating your identity on your own is a highly important lesson that everyone should learn throughout the college career.

What has been your greatest challenge in your program or in graduate school in general?
My greatest challenge entering college was being a first-generation college student and having no idea what the experience would be like. (Editor’s Note: First-generation college student refers to students who are the first in their family to attend college.) College is an experience unlike any other and the best way one can handle it is just to take it head on and really give it all that you have. Heading into graduate school now, I am facing this challenge of having no real idea of what to expect once again.

What advice do you have for any student preparing for graduate school?
My advice for any student on any level, but especially in your undergraduate studies, is to find your niche. I have friends that are involved in many different organizations on campus, from involvement in Greek Life to volunteer opportunities. My own personal niche was getting involved in an on-campus job at the Popp-Martin Student Union. Once you find your niche, you can find people that challenge you to grow and be better than you ever thought you could be.

“The Day of Convocation is a day dedicated to welcome and introduce new undergraduate students (freshmen and transfers) to the UNC Charlotte community.” This year, the Day of Convocation was held on August 22, in the Halton Arena. New students were warmly welcomed by faculty, staff and upperclassmen to the university.

To see what your new student experienced, please access the 2016 Day of Convocation photos on the official UNC Charlotte Flickr!

By Lisa Meckley, Division Communications Manager

As your college students starts down the path to financial independence, we offer these tips to help them budget smarter, keep more cash in their pocket and become financially stable throughout their college career and beyond.

Tip #1: Search for cheaper textbooks
Check to see if Atkins Library has the books for your student’s class in stock. If so, check it out and use it for the semester. It’s free! Barnes and Noble, our campus bookstore located in the Popp-Martin Student Union, offers eBooks and options for renting textbooks.

Tip #2: Free events are the best events!
Campus Activities Board hosts free events on campus, such as bingo, movie nights, block parties, haunted union events and more! Also, students can watch movies for free in the Popp-Martin Student Union theatre.

Tip #3: Teach them to budget
If you set a monthly budget for your students, challenge them to stick to it.  If they know how much they have to spend each month, they may use better judgement when planning extracurricular activities. This website offers interactive tools to encourage your student to learn more about money management.

Tip #4: Earn the green
The University offers a variety of part-time jobs for 10-20 hours per week.  If your student wants some extra spending money, have him or her consider applying to one of these jobs. On campus employers tend to be more flexible when working around final exams and class times.

Tip #5: Don’t major in debt
Controlling how much your student borrows and managing debt is important for his or her future. Read the top 10 ways students ruin their credit and build their credit.

Tip #6: Check out these resources
Review the student tips and videos on this website to help your student make smart money decisions.

By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student and Family Services

It’s time to suit up in the finest UNC Charlotte gear and get ready to watch our favorite football team take the field this fall season.

The Charlotte 49ers football team has put in countless hours on and off the field preparing for this upcoming season, which began on Sept. 1 against the University of Louisville Cardinals. In addition to the players hours of preparation, the coaching staff dedicates a lot of time helping these talented players grow on and off the field. This season will be UNC Charlotte’s fourth season with a football team.

Each year, the school spirit and the team improves, with students cheering louder and the players playing harder. Charlotte 49ers football games are a time when friends and families can come together to cheer for their home team.


Purchasing tickets for any one of these games is easy!  Go to http://packthemine49.com/football/ to purchase season tickets, group tickets or single game tickets. Tickets are priced based on section.

Students do not need to purchase tickets for game. To reserve a student ticket for home football games, students can go to http://www.ticketreturn.com/49ers/SelectEvent.aspx. Students will use their 800# and the password “guest” to request tickets for each individual game.

By Ena Walker, New Student and Family Services

The stereotypes and images that come to mind when people think about Greek Life can range from party animals and U.S. Presidents. However, I am here today to tell you why joining a Greek letter organization can be so beneficial to your student’s college and adult life.

Going Greek was something that was vaguely in the back of my mind but not something completely on my radar as a freshman. My parents told me I couldn’t go Greek until my sophomore year, so that I could take a year with “no distractions.” Many families seen fraternity and sorority life in just this way—as a “distraction.” However, sororities and fraternities don’t distract students from their college life, they enhance it.

I joined my sorority during my sophomore year, and the only thing I regret is not joining sooner. My organization is my support system, my family and my truest friends. They push me to be better, academically, civically and as a young woman. That’s what Greek Life does, it gives you a platform and an extra push.

Don’t get me wrong, Greek Life is not all recruitment videos and step shows, there are expectations in every organization. These include, but not exclusive to, GPA requirements, community service hours and mandatory events. However, these regulations are set to mold every member into an even better version of themselves and help them learn more about time management and responsibility.

While being involved in a sorority has been beneficial for me, Greek Life is not for everyone. However, if your student is looking for a life-long support system, new friends, opportunities to give back and be challenged, all while being supported academically and having fun, then fraternity and sorority life might be for them.

Encourage your student to connect with someone in Greek letters about how to get involved. Encourage your student to do his or her research about the organizations and their values. If your student elects to join an organization, encourage him or her to get excited because joining a Greek letter organization is the best decision I’ve ever made, and it can be the same for them.

The UNC Charlotte Greek system is run by highly-acclaimed and passionate professional staff who want your student to succeed and grow. They create a family environment—a real community between all the organizations that one can learn so much from.

Encourage your student to be better every day, to make a lasting impact, to lead others, and to go Greek! More information is available at greeklife.uncc.edu.