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Greetings, Niner Nation Family!
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We are quickly approaching the end of the semester and another year at UNC Charlotte. As we conclude the year, we congratulate those that will soon become alumni of our institution (now wearing
green robes) and look forward to serving those that will continue on with us next year.
As the semester concludes, make sure to check in with your student about their classes and finals to ensure they finish the semester strong. Also, if you're student is coming home for the summer, it might be a good time to start conversations about what that living situation will look like and what expectations you and your student have for each over the summer months.
If your student is just finishing their first year, this is a great time for conversation: What worked well this year? What might they do differently next year? Are there any new professional or involvement opportunities that they want to take part in next year? Also, make sure to congratulate your student on a successful first year as a Niner. It never hurts to celebrate a little!
For those of you whose students are are coming to the end of their time at UNC Charlotte, congratulations on reaching the goal! A four-year degree is a major accomplishment and only comes as a result of hard work, commitment, and passion. We look forward to seeing all the places that your students go and the impact they have on the world. Though they may no longer be on campus, they will always be a part of the Niner Nation, and that includes family members, too!
In our final newsletter for the year, we have a reflection from our own Kelsey Wilkins about her time at UNC Charlotte, an update on the new student body president and vice president, as well as information about the upcoming summer and things to do around Charlotte. If you're a big 49ers fan, don't miss the Green & White Game on April 22. More information is available at
www.charlotte49ers.com.
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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My Experience as a 49er: Connections Matter
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By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student and Family Services
Hi, my name is Kelsey Wilkins, and I am a senior marketing major here at UNC Charlotte. I am currently an intern for New Student and Family Services in the Dean of Students Office. I am also a part of Alpha Kappa Psi, the coed professional business fraternity.
Throughout my four years at UNC Charlotte, I have grown to love this campus I call home. I didn’t become too involved until I was a sophomore, but my freshman year was not one to forget.
My favorite memory occurred that year when I lived in Lynch Hall. It was one of the first few days of college, when no one really knew each other and students were scared to come out of their rooms; it was the typical first week of college. These two students from the second floor (soon to be known as “The Speaker Kids”) came up to the third floor with a huge speaker and started playing music, causing everyone to peek out of their rooms to see what was happening. This is how everyone on our floor met each other.
The takeaway? Sometimes you have to do something bold to get people to come together. I think people get so caught up in being “cool” and liked by everyone that they shelter themselves and miss out on great opportunities.
I tell new students to go out of your way to meet new people, knock on your neighbors’ doors, and play music that gets everyone out of their rooms. In whatever way possible, try to form connections with the people around you.
I became more involved on campus my sophomore year because of Alpha Kappa Psi. Within the fraternity, I have been able to develop personally and professionally into a confident individual. The best experience I was able to gain from Alpha Kappa Psi was at our Principled Business Leadership Institute. We had the opportunity to network with other chapters as well as business professionals from all over the country.
Getting involved on campus is a great way to get connected to the community around you. Participating in an organization provides the opportunity to accomplish something you enjoy and get leadership experience while doing it. Joining Alpha Kappa Psi was the best decision I could have made at UNC Charlotte, and because of my campus involvement, it made me fall in love with the school even more.
There are more than 350 organizations at UNC Charlotte that students can take advantage of, and I strongly recommend that everyone get involved. Campus involvement keeps you connected and informed as well as encouraging you to form friendships you never thought you would have. Join something that interests you. The best way to love your university is to be involved in what is happening on your campus!
My junior and senior years flew by. Sometimes I wish they would have slowed down, but I am about to graduate while looking for a job and reflecting on my past four years at this amazing school.
I am extremely lucky to call UNC Charlotte my home for the past four years, and I am proud of how the school is constantly growing and developing. It hasn’t been the easiest ride, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thank you, UNC Charlotte, for giving me the opportunity to learn at this institution and for forming me into the person I am today.
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Is Your Student Pursuing Summer Opportunities?
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By Daniel Watson, New Student and Family Services
Niner Nation, are your student’s summer plans all set? If not, we strongly encourage your favorite Niner to wake up and smell the proverbial coffee. Your Niner could broaden horizons in London or Peru through the Office of Education Abroad, gain real-world experience by way of an on-campus or off-campus internship or get a regular job. Here’s how three students are making the most of their summer.
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Andrea Capers
What are your plans for the summer (work, internship, study abroad)?
As a Spanish major, I am planning on studying abroad this summer in San Jose, Costa Rica, for a month.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
Through advertisement/tabling on campus, as well as information from my department
What part are you looking forward to most?
I am excited to be immersed in the culture and stay with a local family and improve my Spanish. Being that I’m adventurous, I’m also looking for the excursions, too!
What do you wish to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain a better appreciation for the Spanish culture and to make connections with those I've met in my host country and those I’ve traveled with in the program.
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Crystal Davidson
What are your plans for the summer (work, internship, study abroad)?
I am the current Week of Welcome (WOW) student coordinator for New Student and Family Services and plan on working alongside my WOW board to prepare and plan for the 2017 WOW Program.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
Word of mouth and social media.
What part are you looking forward to most?
Being able to contribute to a program that will ultimately be the first glance at UNC Charlotte's culture for new students. It will feel great to be able to provide a source for academic services, extracurricular opportunities and, most of all, school spirit and pride for all new and returning students.
What do you wish to gain from this experience?
More experience within the marketing and public relations field, along with management and event planning.
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Shannon Rawley
What are your plans for the summer (work, internship, study abroad)?
I'll be working at Tasha McCaskiel in the UNC Charlotte public relations department.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I was led to this job by a friend of a friend. It’s not what you know, or even who you know, it’s who knows you.
What part are you looking forward to most?
I’m really excited to impact consumer attitudes through brand-presentation events.
What do you wish to gain from this experience?
I’d like to hone my public relations skills, such as developing guest lists and promoting community engagement for upcoming events through social media and direct customer interaction.
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"Summer in Charlotte" graphic by Colleen Tully, New Student & Family Services.
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UNC Charlotte Welcomes New Student Body President and Vice President for SGA
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By Ena Walker, New Student and Family Services
SGA election season has come and gone on UNC Charlotte campus, and candidates' campaigning for Student Body President and Vice President has resulted in welcoming two new students to UNC Charlotte’s highest election Student Government positions. The winning tickets was Tracey Allsbrook for President and Bryan McCollom for Vice President.
Speaking about their platform, Allsbrook and McCollom said: “Our platform centers around three core principles; Advocacy, Accountability, and Action. We will be strong advocates for the Student Body and especially for those who feel marginalized or ignored by the administration of our school. We want the opinions of a majority of our current students to be what guides the policy and initiatives of UNC Charlotte not decisions made by a small minority of non-students.
"Secondly, we want to fight for accountability from those who run our institution. The Student Body pays the bills so we should be at the forefront, the first consulted, in the major decisions about our school. We want to give our fellow students a real feeling of ownership in this great institution.
"Lastly, we are about action. We intend to give our 100% best effort to this office. This is not a resume builder for us, but a passion. The time for talk is over, we need to act!”
Full election results can be seen at
sga.uncc.edu. Allsbrook and McCollom will take office later this month.
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Spring Football Game: April 22 on Campus
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By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student and Family Services
Football season is back for one day only!! The Green-White Spring Game has become a fun tradition for the UNC Charlotte community.
The intrasquad scrimmage is at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Jerry Richardson Stadium, but the whole day is all about showing your support for the Charlotte 49er football team.
Before the game, the campus will be packed with excited fans tailgating. Bring your friends and family for good food, cornhole and a lot of 49er spirit!
After the game, students, families, alumni and other fans can go on the field to take pictures and get the players’ autographs! Come out and support your favorite college football team at the Green-White Spring Game! Whether you are cheering for the green or the white, we all know that it will be a great day to be a 49er!
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Niner Nation Family
New Student & Family Services
Dean of Students Office
UNC Charlotte
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