General News

Food, contests, fun and games are on tap for the annual Staff Council Fall Festival, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
The festival is a free event; however, staff members should bring their UNC Charlotte ID for the BBQ luncheon.
Employees can compete to win prizes in the Fall Festival Bake-off and Photography contests; winners will be announced at noon. Rules and entry forms are on the Staff Council website; the deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 2.

UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Executive Director of UNC Charlotte Center City Jerry Coughter, along with city, county and local business leaders, will participate in groundbreaking ceremonies for the planned First Ward Park at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, at the corner of Brevard and 9th streets.
The event is open to the University community and will include music and refreshments.

As North Carolina’s urban research university, UNC Charlotte is committed to fostering a spirit of civic engagement on campus. 
“Civic engagement and education go hand-in-hand,” said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “UNC Charlotte encourages faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of opportunities to learn about and get involved in the issues, discussions and democratic processes that shape a productive society.”

Badrul Alam , head of the Political Science Department at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, India, will speak at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, in the J. Murrey Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room, as part of the annual International Speaker Series.
In his free, public presentation, Alam will discuss topics from his book “Contours of India’s Foreign Policy: Changes and Challenges” and share his insight on current affairs between India and the United States.

Dawn Floyd, the University’s Title IX coordinator, will be the guest on the Sept. 18 edition of “The Live Wire,” Inside UNC Charlotte’s streaming webcast. She will discuss the University’s commitment to raise awareness of and prevent sexual misconduct.
Employees can watch “The Live Wire” at their desks or on their mobile devices starting at 2 p.m.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) teachers will share bright, new ideas for teaching and learning about energy at a Charlotte Teachers Institute (CTI) event from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville.

Scott Fitzgerald, a faculty member in the Sociology Department and co-author of “Middle Class Meltdown in America: Causes, Consequences and Remedies,” will be a guest on WFAE “Charlotte Talks” at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16. Join the conversation.

The Office of Academic Affairs has created the “Graduation Initiative,” a multistep effort that is designed to clarify degree requirements, reduce barriers to student progression and aid in students’ ability to successfully navigate their respective curriculum. 

The Chancellor’s Reception, part of the University’s staff recognition program, is held to express appreciation to staff and faculty members, and it is an opportunity to socialize and network with colleagues.
This annual event, which is hosted by Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Student Union Multipurpose Room. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.