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Greetings, Niner Nation Family!
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Spring break is here! We had a great February, which welcomed over 200 participants to our second annual Spring Family Reunion. Family members participated in three different service projects both on campus and in the community and built great relationships in the process. Photos can be seen on our
Niner Nation Family Facebook page.
We also held our spring meeting of the UNC Charlotte Family Council last month, which included conversations around emergency management on campus, the Exponential Campaign for UNC Charlotte, and the 49er Family Fund allocations process for student life initiatives. The Council was also excited to adopt a three-year strategic plan to continue to develop the group's initiatives and opportunities for family engagement. For more information about the Council,
check out their updated website.
As we reach the midpoint of the semester, campus is busier than ever. March welcomes many students' midterms and planning for the summer. Included in this month's newsletter, we have tips for families on how to support their students in creating new study habits and locating and succeeding at a summer internship. Both articles offer great perspectives to help your student have the best spring possible!
March is celebrates Women's History Month, and this month's Relatively Speaking looks at the many different ways that women are supported on our campus. This includes our Student Spotlight of Amber Creft (a student leader in SGA), as well as looks at the Women's Leadership Development Program and initiatives for Women in Business. We also have a review of the "Tales From Down There" program by one of our own Family Programs student interns, Ena Walker.
This month can be a hectic one as we begin to race toward the end of the semester, so remember to check in on your student and encourage them to stay on track to finish successfully. This includes focusing on good study habits, making decisions about their summer experiences (work or study) as well as thinking forward to next year's courses and academic experiences. Family members play a key role in helping students clarify these choices, so ask those questions and refer to the
resources on our website to help!
As always, we are here to make sure you stay informed and engaged in the UNC Charlotte experience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at
parents@uncc.edu or 704-687-0341.
Go Niners!
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Jordan Holliday-Millard
Assistant Director for New Student & Family Services
Niner Nation Family
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Effective Study Habits to Make the Grade
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By Colleen Tully, New Student and Family Services
Knowing how to study makes college an easier and more beneficial experience. Below are studying tips to share with your student.
- It’s all about timing: Our brains efficiently process information for the first and final 15 minutes of studying. Focus on one subject for 30 minutes and then give yourself a break.
- Treat yourself: Reward yourself after staying focused for a half hour. Creating incentives makes learning entertaining.
- Posture and mode: Sit at a desk and study with books or printouts instead of a computer. This limits distractions and creates a space specifically designed for studying.
- Hydrated and healthy: Drinking water frequently, eating healthy and maintaining a consistent sleep pattern positively affects your brain’s ability to retain information.
- Retention: Review your class notes daily and write down key information from each chapter or lecture. Also, recruit a friend to teach about your class or rehearse the topic to yourself aloud.
- Resources: For assistance, visit the University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE). Along with tutoring and workshops, the UCAE provides supplemental instruction for certain core classes across academic disciplines.
Remember that helping your student recognize the need for academic assistance can greatly boost his or her confidence and progress at UNC Charlotte.
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'Tales From Down There': A Review
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By Ena Walker, New Student and Family Services
Every year the University puts on its version of “The Vagina Monologues” called “Tales From Down There.” The program I attended was the all-cast version held at the Center City campus. UNC Charlotte’s Center for Wellness Promotion sponsored the show, and all proceeds supported local charities that assist transgender individuals and women’s shelters.
When I was told that I had to attend this production, half of me was excited and the other half was terrified. Since my freshman year, I had been telling myself that I would attend (I had heard great things about it and had been intrigued for a while); however, at the same time I didn’t know if I was mentally prepared to deal with what I assumed would be sad stories. Regardless, my “excited-ness” outweighed my fears so when the day arrived I was ready to go!
The first thing I learned at the performance: there is a piece for everyone. People of different gender identities, races and religions took the stage. As the show started, I began to see the similarities and importance of attending the event.
The second thing I learned was the production didn’t fit into the white, heteronormative feminism that I assumed it would; though, I’m not sure why I made that assumption in the first place. There were black women, transgender women, old and young women — all sharing their stories and reciting pieces to which they related.
One particular one that stood out to me was “Respect,” recited by Kim Turner and written by Kimberly Crenshaw. Kim was so strong and portrayed her emotions in a way that really impressed me. I also enjoyed the pieces about the transgender women who described questioning what her genitalia really meant. The piece specifically helped me to realize a third thing, and that is how far I and so many others have to go in truly understanding the spectrum of sexual orientations and genders.
The piece that hit me the hardest was the one that Jennifer Byrd performed. Her performance reminded me of a quote I once heard, “To be black and conscious in America is to be in a constant state of rage." Well, I guess this can apply to women, too. To be an educated woman means to constantly fight your internal screams, to shoo away micro-aggressions, to constantly put on a smile and make the conscious decision about whether you want to put on a “everything’s fine” mask.
What I loved most about “Tales From Down There” was the complexity of the show. It bounced from sex to activism to empowerment to vulnerability to anger — and back again. I think that perfectly portrays the many facets of women. We cannot be placed in a box, nor will we. That is the one thing that I will remember from the event — that women should embrace our complexity and sexuality, not hide from it as many of us are taught from a young age. I would absolutely encourage other students see “Tales From Down There.” It was educational, it was fun, and it was real.
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49ers Baseball Off to Fast Start,
Big Game March 28
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By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student and Family Services
Grab your gloves and peanuts because baseball season is back and in full swing!
Charlotte 49ers baseball started its season in mid-February and will continue until the end of May, closing the season with playing Marshall before heading to the Conference USA tournament.
Head coach Loren Hibbs has coached at UNC Charlotte since 1993 — that is 24 seasons of Charlotte baseball! He also has led the team to all of its NCAA tournaments and coached the 49ers to 730 wins. Like Coach Hibbs, five seniors and five redshirt seniors have led this team to many victories over the past few years and are still leading the team this season. The team is off to a fast start with a 7-2 record as of March 2.
Charlotte will be playing an in-state rival, N.C. State, on March 28 at BB&T Ballpark in uptown Charlotte. In the past years, this fierce matchup has brought out many fans to cheer on their 49ers baseball team, and this year will be no different. That will be a game you won’t want to miss!
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Student Spotlight: Amber Creft
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By Ena Walker, New Student and Family Services
This month’s Student Spotlight is on Amber Creft, a junior political science major with a minor in journalism and psychology.
Amber is 21 years old and was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before we tell you more about her accolades, here are some fast facts about her. She has one older sister and was raised by a single mother after her father passed away when she was 4 years old. Amber was a cheerleader all four years of high school and ran track her junior year, specifically the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles. Amber was senior class president of her high school, an activity that led to her to pursue student government in college.
At UNC Charlotte, Amber joined the Student Government Association (SGA) the first semester of her freshman year as a freshman at-large senator and has been an SGA member since then. Among other activities, Amber was a 2014-16 Niner Guide, a member of Cheer Nation in 2015-16 and is part of the Women’s Leadership Development Program and the 49er Institute.
She also is the treasurer for the UNCC College Democrats and the journalist for her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Because of her sorority membership and stellar grades, Amber has also been inducted into Order of Omega Greek Honors Society.
Looking forward, Amber hopes to attend law school in hopes of pursuing a career in law and, one day, politics. This summer she will be interning in Washington, D.C., with The Washington Center, focusing on public policy. She cherishes being a student leader, an activist for those who face social injustices and a feminist. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym and watching Netflix.
Amber Creft — a strong leader, advocate and student — is a perfect example of an outstanding 49er.
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WLDP Grooms Women for Leadership,
Offers Networking
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By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student and Family Services
The Women’s Leadership Development Program (WLDP) is a small, application-based initiative that helps students grow as women, communicators and leaders.
Hosted by the Center for Leadership Development each semester, WLDP is a program for student leaders who want to grow and learn from other strong women on campus and in the greater Charlotte area.
From Judy Rose, UNC Charlotte’s athletics director, to Christine Reed Davis, the University’s dean, to Yolanda Trotman, a former Charlotte district court judge — the program offers fellowship and networking opportunities to participants each week during the semester. The program is run by Kim Turner, director of the Multicultural Resource Center; Mindy Sides-Walsh, director of the Center for Leadership Development; and Karen Shaffer, assistant vice chancellor and director of student activities.
“Women’s Leadership is such an amazing program and opportunity,” said Danielle Papandrea, a current participant. “Not only do you get to network with prominent members of the Charlotte community, you also can network with your peers, all of whom are doing fantastic things on our campus.”
Past participant Lauren-Caroline Heider noted, “The Women’s Leadership Development Program gives you relationships that can last throughout your college experience and even beyond. The women in that room may be able to help you achieve a goal one day!”
Overall, WLDP is a supportive space for women to become better leaders as well as a place to grow and network.
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Support Your Student in Landing
a Summer Internship
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By Daniel Watson, New Student and Family Services
Did someone say summer internship? Yes, they did, loud and clear!
A summer internship offers an excellent way for your student to gain valuable career-related experience. Research shows that the most employable college graduates are those who have held a paid internship — ideally two or three during their college years — and their starting salaries are higher.
Here are tips to support your Niner when he or she is searching for a summer internship:
- At the start, remind your student that, like a real job, getting an internship takes work and persistence.
- You can help your student keep track of deadlines and the steps required to complete an application.
- You may yourself be a resource, connecting your student (or one of your student’s friends) with opportunities through your professional contacts.
- Support your student while he or she is waiting for replies and through any rejections.
After your student has secured an internship, here are ways to be supportive:
- Help your student find housing.
- Tackle transportation.
- Pull together a suitable work wardrobe.
- Give your student time to settle in before you visit.
- Be ready with encouragement and emotional support.
The University Career Center offers internships through the University Professional Internship Program (UPIP). These internships are part-time during the fall and spring semesters, typically 10 to 15 hours per week.
Although these internships don’t take place during the summer, they still serve as a great resource to students. The internships offered through UPIP differ significantly from most other student employment positions on campus because they are designed to provide professional knowledge and skill development consistent with major/career goals.
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St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations:
Great Choices in Charlotte
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By Colleen Tully, New Student and Family Services
The day when everything goes green in honor of St. Patrick is fast approaching. Charlotte and the surrounding region host an array of St. Patty’s Day celebrations for families and party-goers.
Here are a few popular events to paint the town green.
21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Charlotte Goes Green Festival
March 18, 2017: This parade and festival combo features traditional Irish music, dancing and vendors for everyone’s amusement. Bagpipers included! Enjoy the uptown green scene for a day. Information on this year’s event: Charlotte’s Pat’s Day.
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7th Annual Green River Revival & Color Me Green 5K
March 11, 2017: Float on down to the U.S. National Whitewater Center to participate in yoga and a
5K race ($35-$42 registration) that morning, watch the river turn green and listen to Major & the Monbacks as well as Motet in concert. The center is hosting its first cornhole tournament, too.
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Belk College Sponsors Women in Business Program
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By Ena Walker, New Student and Family Services
Niner Nation Family had the opportunity to ask Stefani Thachik a few questions about the Belk College of Business initiative, Women in Business (WIB). The program is run through the college’s Robert A. Niblock Student Center for Professional Development. We also caught up with a few of the program’s student ambassadors for comments.
Q&A with Stefani Thachik
What is the mission of your organization? How do you accomplish this mission?
WIB promotes the role of professional women in the Belk College of Business and provides career-developing activities to empower undergraduate students to achieve personal and professional goals and to enter confidently into the business marketplace. WIB supports students by: sharing success stories of women business leaders, offering engagement opportunities for undergraduate students with the Charlotte business community, showcasing attractive career options and providing avenues for skill building to increase confidence and competence for long-term success.
Is WIB open to just women? How many student members do you have?
While the initiative is aimed at women, it is open to any students interested in advancing the progress of professional women. Since we are not a student organization, we do not have student members. We are open to the entire body of Belk College of Business undergraduate students. We have nine student leaders who serve as ambassadors.
What type of events do you put on that helps women advance in the business world?
We have a range of events based on feedback from our student ambassadors and advisory board. Here is a list of some recent ones:
- Mix and Mingle Student Alumni Networking Event
- Coffee Hours: Monthly peer groups with students and guest alumni/leaders to discuss relevant women's topic
- Weekend intensive retreats to build leadership and communication skill
- A book giveaway
- Open Houses to introduce students to the initiative and upcoming event
- CEO Speaker Series event with Susan DeVore of Premier Inc.
How could someone become more involved with your organization?
Business students can learn more about opportunities with WIB through upcoming event emails and our website. In addition, we have a Lean In website that serves as a platform for discussion and provides resources on women's topics. Students can also get more involved by becoming a WIB ambassador. Applications are now open on our website (deadline 3/20) for the upcoming academic year.
What motivated you to get involved in Women in Business?
From my own perspective as an employee, I was excited to become involved with Women in Business because I want to see more women in leadership positions. I have often relied on a strong network of women in pursuing my goals, so I wanted to be able to provide the same resource and support to students at UNC Charlotte. Attending the WIB events has been very empowering and has motivated me to step out of my comfort zone to take on new opportunities at work.
Comments from WIB Student Ambassadors
- Atika Chaudhry: “I attended the retreat and it motivated me to want to be part of WIB. I learned a lot about myself at the retreat, and it was really helpful to prepare for interviews. Watching other speakers have confidence and manage their inner critic was great.”
- Noel Fuller: “I was interested in growing the program. WIB had such potential to grow and change and I could be a part of it from the ground up. Also, I wanted to be able to gain knowledge and hear other perspectives. Being able to shape my own perspective based on all of that was a real draw.”
- Amanda Bill: “Being in the majors I am in, I realized there was a need for something like this, and if I could be a part of it, I could share my experiences and raise awareness about it with other women. I saw the benefits of it directly with connections — I was able to get my internship through meeting with the WIB board. It was a source of growth with my peers and with leaders who wanted to promote the cause of preparing us for the workplace, struggles we may face and how to deal with those as we move forward.”
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March CAB Events: Holi Moli, Spring Talent Show
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By Kelsey Wilkins,
New Student and Family Services
Every year, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosts Holi Moli, the annual festival of colors. This event is typically celebrated in India, but with the help of the Triveni Indian Student Association, UNC Charlotte celebrates this great event.
Students usually wear white clothing or other bright colors and are provided colorful powders that they throw in the air. The powder covers the students, turning the whites into a sea of vibrant colors. Holi Moli will be held on March 18 at 2 p.m. on Rec Field 12. While the celebration is happening, a DJ will be playing music and students will have plenty of great photo opportunities! This is a tradition students won’t want to miss!
The annual Holi Moli celebration comes from India and is a UNC Charlotte tradition.
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CAB also hosts a talent show in both the fall and spring semesters. The spring talent show is March 31 at 7 p.m. in McKnight Hall. Students who want to participate go through auditions, and out of everyone who auditions, only 12 to 15 acts are picked.
Three judges decide the fate of the contestants. A host is also chosen from a select group of people. This year, the host will be Dulce Sloan, a comedian who has appeared on TV shows and is the winner of the 2016 Big Sky Comedy Festival and the 2015 NBC Stand Up Showcase.
The top three winners of the talent show receive cash prizes and, of course, bragging rights.
This annual event has featured some great acts in past semesters, and the talent improves every year!
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Niner Nation Family
New Student & Family Services
Dean of Students Office
UNC Charlotte
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