Solving Global Issues with Bricks, Student Employee of the Year, Doster Announces Retirement, Grab a Goodie Bag and more

April 21, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
building better health

Students Solve Global Challenges Brick by Brick

Could the design of a brick reduce the spread of malaria? A UNC Charlotte course cross-listed between architecture and civil engineering challenges conventional thinking and explores the untapped potential of the humble brick.

Lexue Zhao and Teresa Shook

Lexue Zhao Named Student Employee of the Year

With more than 31,000 students enrolled at UNC Charlotte, many gain valuable experiences and opportunities through student employment. However, few students take distinct ownership of and pride in their work like Lexue Zhao, which earned her the 2025 Student Employee of the Year Award.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Betty Doster to Retire: Betty Doster has announced her intention to retire from her role as special assistant to the chancellor for external relations and partnerships, effective Monday, June 30.
  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Learn about and register for the “Academic Freedom and Institutional Neutrality” webinar hosted by the Office of Legal Affairs at noon, Tuesday, April 29, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Spending Cutoff Deadlines: As the fiscal year winds down, please review the fiscal year 2025 spending cutoff deadlines and other year-end reminders.
  • Light Rail Outage: Lynx light rail will be out of service from 4:30 a.m., Saturday, April 26, through 5 a.m., Monday, April 28. Additional buses will operate during the light rail outage. Log into the CATS Pass App with your Charlotte email address to access your CATS All-Access Pass for fare validation. If you haven’t purchased a discounted All-Access Pass, you may do so for $50.

what you need to know: Students

  • Late Night Breakfast: The last day of classes calls for a special meal. Grab a late night breakfast before finals week from 9 to 11 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, at SoVi Dining Hall. The breakfast is free to students with valid student ID.
  • Light Rail Outage: Lynx light rail will be out of service from 4:30 a.m., Saturday, April 26, through 5 a.m., Monday, April 28. Additional buses will operate during the light rail outage. Log into the CATS Pass App with your Charlotte email address to access your CATS All-Access Pass for fare validation.

event spotlight

Don Dahler '91 and Chris Boyer

Join College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences Dean Chris Boyer in conversation with Don Dahler ’91 about his memoir and uniquely fascinating journalism career from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 24, in Rowe Arts Building, Recital Hall.

upcoming events: students

  • Wellness Promotion Events: Discover the benefits of conscious breathing and meditation at a Mindful Monday session hosted by the Center for Wellness Promotion at 2:30 p.m., today, Monday, April 21, in the Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Room 142, or via Zoom. Don’t miss the ninth annual Play Day hosted by CAPS from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
  • Curiosity, Integrity and Mojo: Join College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences Dean Chris Boyer in conversation with Don Dahler ’91 about his memoir and uniquely fascinating journalism career from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 24, in Rowe Arts Building, Recital Hall.

additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff

  • 49er Mart Virtual Meeting: Register on the learning and development portal to attend the 49er Mart Virtual Forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, April 24. More information is on the 49er Mart message board. 
  • 49er Mart Users: The Purchasing Office has activated a new punch-out catalog, Performance Health Supply LLC (Medco Supply, Masune and Surgical Supply Services), available in 49er Mart.
  • Concur Virtual Forum: Attend the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 24. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal.
  • Programs with Minors Reminder: Effective Friday, April 25, all University-sponsored programs and events involving minors will begin utilizing Teamworks, a new software, for program enrollment and administration. As a reminder, all programs involving minors must be reported to the Office of Risk Management and Insurance at least two weeks ahead of the anticipated start of participant enrollment. Contact Heather Nance with any questions.
  • Supervisor Appraisals Due: Supervisor appraisals for SHRA staff are due Friday, May 2. Log into NinerTalent STAKES to get started or finalize the appraisals. Email questions to NinerTalent STAKES.

only at charlotte

Charlotte dining, Goodie Bag partnership

UNC Charlotte dining has announced a partnership with Goodie Bag to help students save money and reduce food waste. The program goes live today; learn how you can get a $5 credit.

around campus

Campus Beautification Day

Shoutout to all the members of Niner Nation who showed up and got their hands dirty on Campus Beautification Day! Read how you can get involved during the final days of Earth Month.

campus resources

join the niner conversation on social media

There are a lot of ways to stay up-to-date and show your Niner pride. Make sure to follow Charlotte on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

what do you think?

What would you like to see included in this email? Complete this form with your feedback. We want to hear from you!