Message of support and resources for Charlotte employees

June 17, 2022
Categories: Chancellor's Messages

Dear Colleagues,

Rising costs in fuel, food and other necessities are being felt nationwide, putting strain on many individuals and families in our campus community. We also understand the delay in legislative increases to salaries further squeezes many budgets. Our employees are the foundation of Niner Nation. We want to offer as much support as we can to those who need it during this stressful time.

Please review the information below about programs and options available to UNC Charlotte employees, and please access these resources if you need them.

Flexible Summer Work Schedules
We recently adopted a University-wide policy providing eligible employees the flexibility to telework. However, I also recognize that many jobs on campus cannot be performed remotely. As summer gas prices are at all-time highs, I have asked Cabinet members to work with their divisions to make allowances as widely as possible for a more flexible summer workweek to reduce travel costs for employees. For example, some employees may be able to work four, ten-hour shifts each week instead of five, eight-hour shifts.

I urge every department leader to review our flexible work policy — and the supporting PIM on the HR website — and look for implementation opportunities that support our staff beginning now and continuing through Friday, Aug. 12.

Jamil Niner Student Pantry
From Thursday, June 23, through Thursday, Aug. 4, the Jamil Niner Student Pantry will be open weekly for any employee experiencing food insecurity.

  • Employee-only shopping hours will be held every Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.
  • Shoppers must register for an appointment in advance using the online registration form. The appointment form opens every Sunday morning at 7 a.m. and closes Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m. Employees may shop on a weekly basis.
  • The pantry offers a variety of free canned, fresh and frozen foods and personal hygiene products. If you are in a position to donate to the pantry to assist your fellow Niners, please review this information.

Employee Assistance Program
Our EAP, offered in partnership with ComPsych, provides a variety of resources for our employees, including financial counseling. If you need support, please reach out to them. More information about all the tools available to you is on the HR website.

Employee Emergency Loan Fund
Employees are eligible to apply for small, short-term loans to help cover unexpected, emergency expenses. These loans are interest-free and are administered through HR.

Thank you for your continued great work for our University. Your dedication makes our success possible, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help you in return.

Sincerely, Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor