University Operations
University to participate in Minority Economic Development Week
The city of Charlotte will celebrate its third Minority Economic Development Week, starting Monday, Oct. 13, and UNC Charlotte will participate in the event.
The University will share event sponsorship with several locally based government agencies and building contractors that are committed to providing streamlined opportunities for minority-owned businesses in Charlotte’s growing economy.
Light rail extension preparations begin on campus
The CATS Blue Line Extension project, managed by the City of Charlotte Public Transportation Department, continues around campus and toward Center City. Recently, preparations for the light rail to swing onto campus have begun.
Trees across from Miltimore Hall are being removed to accommodate rail tracks and the station that will serve the University community, when it opens in mid-2017 (based upon the current construction schedule).
Once the campus station opens, University leaders anticipate re-planting trees where possible, without obstructing the rail lines.
New office to streamline scholarship management
Scholarships help to ease the financial burdens associated with college, and, sometimes, they enable students to better focus on their studies.
The UNC Charlotte Scholarship Office, under the direction of Mark Walter, is a new campus resource that will guide and support all colleges and departments that award endowed and annual scholarships.
N.C. DOT bridge replacement to close Hwy 29 near campus entrance
The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to replace the Mallard Creek bridges on U.S. Hwy 29/N.Tryon Street, which will affect traffic around the UNC Charlotte campus for the duration of the approximate 15-month project.
According to the latest information, construction will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 15, weather permitting. The first phase will close the southbound lanes of N. Tryon Street (U.S. Hwy 29) for around seven months (through May 2015). During this time, motorists will be detoured along Mallard Creek Church Road, I-85 and Harris Boulevard.
Redesigned calculus courses to enhance student success
Calculus courses are foundational for a number of majors, and a recently implemented redesign has created a fresh, modernized approach to the sequence.
Mohammad Kazemi, professor and associate chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, said, “If students do well in Pre-calculus and Calculus I and II, then they can proceed and do well in a number of other disciplines, such as biology, pre-med, chemistry, physics, math, of course, geology, engineering and computer science.”
University launches ‘Graduation Initiative’
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.
Blue Line Extension work near Toby Creek Greenway
Crews will begin clearing trees near the Toby Creek Greenway the week of Sept. 15 where the CATS Blue Line Extension will cross the creek as it heads toward the planned UNC Charlotte station.
Greenway users should exercise caution when crossing the work zone. During times when equipment crosses the greenway, personnel should be onsite to guide greenway users, according to Charlotte Area Transit System officials.
Construction work is expected to continue through the opening of the extension, which is expected in 2017.
New office to oversee University’s Title IX coordination
Colleges and universities that receive federal funding must comply with regulations outlined in Title IX of the U.S. Education Amendments of 1972, which have been revised a number of times since their passage.
New garden to showcase native flora, sustainable practices
A new garden in the works at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens will blend southeastern native flora, sustainable practices and smart home landscape design in a 1/5-acre showplace that will add to the diversity of these public gardens.
HR, employee impacts from 2014-15 state budget and other legislation
The 2014-15 state budget provides an across-the-board salary increase effective July 1, 2014, for employees who are subject to the State Personnel Act. The salaries of all full-time permanent and probationary SPA employees, including those on time-limited appointments, will be increased by $1,000. Permanent full-time employees who work a 9-, 10-, or 11-month work schedule also will receive the $1,000 increase. Permanent part-time employees’ raises will be pro-rated.
• Employees are eligible for the increase without consideration of performance ratings or disciplinary actions.