Student Life

Student Matt Tifft scores top 10 finish in XFINITY Series debut

Driving the No. 20 UNC Charlotte Toyota Camry, 19-year-old student Matt Tifft raced to a top 10 finish in the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway Saturday, Sept. 26. The car was decked out in UNC Charlotte colors and logos, and the driver and crew wore UNC Charlotte-branded suits, too.

The ADA at 25 – more doors opened, more work to accomplish

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); its passage enacted federally mandated, wide-sweeping changes in employment, transportation, communication and education, especially at the post-secondary level.

Gena Smith, director of disability services at UNC Charlotte, considers the ADA the broadest civil rights legislation of the 20th century.

‘Energy Careers for Veterans’ scheduled

ROTC cadets and alumni/student veterans have the chance to network with representatives from companies in the energy industry during “Energy Careers for Veterans,” scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Motorsports Research Lab.

As part of the event, an NHRA top fuel dragster, sponsored by the U.S. Army and part of Don Schumacher Racing (DSR), will be on display. A DSR crew member will be present to answer questions about the dragster.

EPIC, the Motorsports Engineering program and the University Career Center are cosponsoring this opportunity.

WOW celebrates new academic year and #NinerPride

Week of Welcome (WOW) is an annual tradition and helps the University kick off the academic year with opportunities for social engagement and campus involvement. More than 60 events will take place between Friday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 30.

The focus of WOW is to celebrate #NinerPride and welcome all new and returning students to campus and will offer various opportunities for engagement within the UNC Charlotte community, said Emily Jensen, associate director for new student services and family services in the Division for Student Affairs.

Burford receives Charlotte Pride’s ‘Harvey Milk Award’

Charlotte Pride honors outstanding individuals each year with the “Champions of Pride Awards” in recognition of their demonstrated exemplary work and dedication to the LGBTQ community. This year, Josh Burford, assistant director for sexual and gender diversity in the Multicultural Resource Center, was honored with the Charlotte Pride “Harvey Milk Award.”

Sixth class of Levine Scholars named

Fifteen young leaders from high schools across the United States, including 11 from North Carolina, have been named to the sixth class of UNC Charlotte’s Levine Scholars Program. They will join the University starting with the fall 2015 semester.

SAC Fitness Center to close for summer renovations

When the Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC) Fitness Center reopens this fall, students and visitors will enjoy new equipment and increased workout space. Starting Thursday, May 7, the fitness center will close for summer renovations. It is expected to reopen in August.

Additional features will include an expanded check-in and welcome area, improved lighting and increased accessibility. Private showers will be added to the men’s locker room, and both locker rooms will have private dressing areas.

‘Study Days’ activities to help students navigate final exams stress

The Student Union and the Office of Student Activities are teaming up to provide a variety of stress-relieving activities to encourage student success throughout final exams from Thursday, April 30, through Wednesday, May 6.

Students can enjoy activities such as Donut Stress, Game Day, Spa Day, Puppy Therapy, Coffee Break, a Zumba Glow Party and a Disney movie marathon.

The events scheduled are:

Thursday, April 30

8 to 10 a.m., Donut Stress, Student Union Rotunda

Student study abroad photography on display in Student Union

The sixth annual Study Abroad Student Photo Exhibit will be displayed Monday, April 27, through Sunday, May 10, in the Student Union. An opening reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 29.

The exhibit features photography taken by UNC Charlotte students while they were abroad; photos were submitted in four categories: self-portrait, defining moment, landscape and portrait.

For more information, visit the Student Union Gallery and the Office of Education Abroad.

‘Countdown to AIDS Walk’ to raise awareness of HIV

On Thursday, April 23, the Multicultural Resource Center will sponsor a “Countdown to AIDS Walk” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Union to sign up individuals to participate in Charlotte’s annual AIDS Walk, scheduled for Saturday, May 2.

The April 23 event will include music and entertainment, along with interactive HIV educational displays and presentations.