Academic Affairs

Short-term, faculty-led education abroad programs are the fastest-growing and most popular type of program among U.S. study abroad participants.

Cheryl Brown, chair and associate professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, will speak as part of the Great Decisions lecture series at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, at UNC Charlotte Center City.

Margaret Commins, an associate professor in the Political Science and Sociology Department at Queens University, is the second speaker of the 2020 Great Decisions Lecture Series.  Her free public presentation is set for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, at UNC Charlotte Center City.Commins will discuss Michael Shifter and Bruno Binetti’s article from the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions 2020 Briefing Book, “U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle,” and bring in elements from her research to the presentation.

Camps on Campus is the University’s summer programs of academic enrichment camps for children and young people in rising grades one through 12.UNC Charlotte faculty and staff members can register their children before the public starting at 8 a.m., Monday, Jan. 27, by calling 704-687-8900. A valid UNC Charlotte ID is required.Public registration will open at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28.Camps and schedules are on the web:

The Atkins Library Diversity & Inclusion Committee is sponsoring a University-wide book club that will focus on diversity and cultural topics to spark conversations around inclusivity, equity and awareness of human differences in today’s society.The club, created at the recommendation of the provost, is open to all faculty, staff and students. Ryan Harris, head of research and instructional services, will facilitate the first discussion, scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, in the library’s Halton Reading Room.

UNC Charlotte has opened the Carolinas’ first School of Data Science. This interdisciplinary school allows UNC Charlotte to expand on its programs in the field and open up the growing and diverse field of data science to students with varied career interests.

Deborah Thomas, chair and professor in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, is the first speaker of the 2020 Great Decisions Lecture Series.Her free, public talk is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at UNC Charlotte Center City. The talk will focus on Ronald Bee’s article, from the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions 2020 Briefing Book, “Climate Change and the Global Order.”

Commencement is an exciting time for graduates and their families, whether attending one of the ceremonies in person or watching from points around the world via live stream.

Jon Venable will cross the stage during Fall Commencement to accept a bachelor’s degree in geology. This milestone was 20 years in the making, as he left UNC Charlotte in August 1998 just four credit hours shy of finishing.

UNC Charlotte will wrap up the fall 2019 semester by celebrating graduates during three ceremonies this month. Fall Commencement will be Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14.