Fall 2023 Welcome Message for Faculty and Staff
Dear Colleagues,
Happy first day of classes, Niner Nation! The fall always brings renewed excitement and fresh ideas, and this year is no exception.
This fall, we are welcoming our largest-ever class of first time college students (FTIC), an increase of about 7% over last year. We also are welcoming a record class of new graduate students. Our students are from at least 97 North Carolina counties, 49 states and 104 countries around the world.
It’s exciting to see that more and more students are taking advantage of the education and opportunities available only at Charlotte. I want to thank everyone for the role you played in helping us achieve our enrollment goals for this academic year. It was no small feat and took a lot of collaboration and hard work from across the University.
There’s added excitement this fall as the Charlotte 49ers begin competing in the American Athletic Conference. The move brings exciting new competition, including in-state rival East Carolina. We are looking closely at how we can leverage this jump to a bigger stage so it is most beneficial to the entire University, helping to raise our visibility at a national level.
I’m proud of our accomplishments and know there are many more to come. Let’s show that pride together on #WearGreenWednesday, a tradition at Charlotte. Get your Niner gear ready!
Other additions to campus this fall include new academic programs and courses as well as the introduction of a self-driving shuttle called CASSI, a pilot program with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. You can read more about what’s new in Niner Insider on Wednesday, August 23.
As the fall semester begins, we want everyone to stay healthy and safe. Please encourage your students to speak up if they are struggling and to take advantage of the many resources that are available to assist them. The Niner Needs website is a good starting point.
There also are many life and wellness programs available to assist you with your health and wellness needs, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Ginger mobile app, which offers confidential, on-demand emotional and mental health support.
It is truly a privilege to serve as your chancellor. Together, we are building a top-tier, global research university and creating a better future for Charlotte. You are an essential part of this transformative journey. I can’t wait to see the great work we’ll accomplish this year. Go Niners!
Sincerely,
Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor