The Spotlight is a feature communication compiled each semester to share opportunities, benefits and resources available to UNC Charlotte Staff members. If you have Spotlight-worthy news, please send your suggestions to Kara Killough, Kara.Killough@uncc.edu, Staff Council Vice Chair, as she is the content manager.
Health and Wellbeing
Dr. Mari Ross

“During my career in higher education, I have acquired the experience and knowledge base in a wide range of departments and functional areas
germane to this role and the Division of Student Affairs,” Ross said. “I was the first sitting AVC for health and wellness at two institutions prior, providing me an

UNC Charlotte Student Affairs
opportunity to develop, lead and champion the health and wellness space from the ground level to strong collaborative and unified health and wellness departments.” 

Dr. Mari Ross joined UNC Charlotte Student Affairs in August 2021 as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Health & Wellbeing. She oversees the Health & Wellbeing Unit that consists of the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Student Health Center (SHC), the Center for Wellness Promotion (CWP) and University Recreation (UREC).

She looks forward to not only engaging with the students but building strong collaboration across campus with wonderful colleagues, the UNC System, and Charlotte community partners.
Upcoming Events
Fall Festival: The Staff Council will be hosting the Fall Festival this year, but with a virtual twist. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Stay tuned for more information.

DEI Training: The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training is now available for staff via Canvas. Log into Canvas: canvas.uncc.edu. Click on Courses. Scroll to Training - Diversityedu - Staff. If you don't see this listed, you can email help@uncc.edu or call the Help Desk and put in a ticket.

University Brand: The University unveiled its new brand effective August 19, 2021. For more information on visual identity, social media, email communications and more, visit brand.charlotte.edu.

For more information on campus events, visit https://campusevents.uncc.edu
School of Professional Studies
The UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies (SPS) is a powerhouse of offerings for learners during any stage of life. They aim to ensure that all learners, regardless of age, level of experience, or previous education, have opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their personal and professional goals with a UNC Charlotte education.

SPS offers more than 30 professional development certificates and certifications plus many more short-form learning opportunities to help professionals advance their careers.

They also directly support over 50 online degrees and graduate certificates by providing marketing and communications, enrollment services, program management, and course development while connecting learners to over 40 evening and weekend programs by referring students to staff in those academic programs for information and support. 

Enrollment specialists and advisors walk students through each stage of the educational journey: from initial inquiry through graduation.
The Dubois Center
Advisors are committed to assisting adult students to develop and implement a plan for achieving their academic and career goals.
Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship Fund
Departments can choose to fund Academic Assistance for qualifying education, and there is a scholarship fund just for staff members, The Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Staff Assembly. The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 30. Awards will be a maximum of $500 per qualified campus/affiliated institution for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The Janet B. Royster (JBR) Memorial Staff Scholarship Fund was created in August of 2011 by the UNC Staff Assembly in memory of UNC-TV employee Janet B. Royster. This scholarship promotes staff development for permanent, full-time, non-faculty employees, as well as recognizes and honors Janet’s leadership and dedication to all UNC employees.

Every year money is raised to support the scholarship fund with the UNC Staff Assembly Chancellor’s Cup Golf Tournament. Support the UNC System staff by participating in a great day of golf at the beautiful Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, NC on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

Application link: https://myapps.northcarolina.edu/staffassembly/awards-scholarships/janet-b-royster-scholarship/
Botanical Gardens
Dr. Jeff Gillman
"It's unique to actually have a Botanical Garden on a university campus and our hope is to connect people and plants."
In 1966, the Botanical Gardens were the brainchild of biology professor Dr. Herbert Hechenbleikner and UNC Charlotte founder, Bonnie E. Cone. They were created to serve as a living classroom for biology students and as a horticulture and botanical resource for the campus and greater community.

Fun Facts about the gardens:
  • 10 acres of outdoor gardens
  • 4500 square foot glasshouse with attached workspace and teaching classroom
  • Offers a spring and fall plant sale (9/30/21 preview sale from 12 to 3pm - Receive 10% discount with UNC Charlotte ID).
  • Become an annual steward to gain access to gardens all across the country as well as special discounts.
  • Attend a public class or family program, offerings here.
  • Visit the Polly Rogers Memorial Sensory Garden (includes plants and interactive musical artwork) opened May 22, 2021.

 Many events can be found on the Botanical Gardens website calendar, including the upcoming Urban Roots Symposium: African Influences on American Crops & Cuisine to be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 at UNC Charlotte Center City.

Registration costs, speaker information, and agenda can be found here.

Urban Research & Community Engagement
Byron White was appointed Associate Provost for Urban Research and Community Engagement beginning August 2020. With his leadership, the Office of Urban Research and Community Engagement has been reorganized to sharpen its focus on connecting UNC Charlotte and the community through research, collaboration, and engaged scholarship that builds a thriving, inclusive region.

His goals include enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships to increase access to community-based learning and community-engaged research, streamlining collaboration among shared research, and expanding community partnerships.

The Office of Urban Research and Community Engagement comprises four primary units: the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, the Women + Girls Research Alliance, the Charlotte Action Research Project, and Engaged Scholarship. 
Golden Nugget Awards
Do you know someone who deserves a little extra gold in their sluice pan for going above and beyond the call of duty, representing UNC Charlotte in a manner we can all be proud of? Then nominate them for a Golden Nugget Award. Visit www.stafforg.uncc.edu and click on Golden Nugget Award.
(Awards are processed monthly. Recipients receive a certificate, writeup and a sweet treat.)