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National Conference on Undergraduate Research Coming in April

The 2022 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) will be held virtually in April via Zoom and include a variety of events, including a Graduate Fair meet-up. Programs may connect with NCUR student prospects Apr. 6 and 7 for three hours each day.

The fee for programs to participate is $475 and must be paid by Mar. 18.  Please contact Maryanne Marie-Sams if your program plans to participate in the event.

For more information, please visit the NCUR website.

NEW DATE: NC-LSAMP SPRA Research Conference and Recruitment Fair Planned

The NC Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation STEM Pathways and Research Alliance (NC-LSAMP SPRA) Research Conference will be held April 1, 9-5, originally planned for Friday, Jan 28. The event includes a virtual recruitment fair from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Charlotte Admissions staff will participate in the event.

The primary focus is on the recruitment of graduate students but this is also an excellent opportunity to recruit students for summer REUs. 

There is no fee to register for the recruitment fair. 

For more information and to register, please visit the NC-LSAMP SPRA Research Conference registration site. Training on how to use the virtual platform will be available to those not familiar with Hopin. 

For questions, please contact Juanda Johnson-Taylor, jjtaylor@ncat.edu, Angelitha Daniel, aldaniel@ncsu.edu, or Dr. Velinda Woriax, velinda.woriax@uncp.edu.

Personal Finance Course Registration is Live

Financial Literacy: Personal FinanceGRAD 6000/8000 |CRN 27835| 2.0 credits | 5:00-6:40 pm | Thur | Instructor: Dr. Brad Yeckley

Offered through the Center for Graduate Life and Learning (CGLL), this course provides students with a guided tour through financial concepts to build knowledge and skill to make the right financial decisions. Key focus areas include earning, saving, spending, borrowing and protecting.

For questions and more information, please contact Jill Huerta.

UNC Ashville NextFest Recruiting Event Feb. 8

UNC Ashville Career Center will host a recruiting fair Feb. 8, 12-2 p.m. which has a section dedicated to graduate schools.

UNCA students were recently ranked #2 in the country by the Princeton Review for students who “Make an Impact” and 65% participate in UNCA undergraduate research. 

Visit the UNCA Career Center for more information and to register.

Graduate Mentor Award and Scholars Award Recipients Named

Dr. Jean-Claude Thill, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, was awarded the 2022 First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal.  Since 1988, this award has recognized a senior full-time faculty member for outstanding scholarship, research or other creative activity.

The 2022 Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award goes to Dr. Adam Reitzel, Department of Biological Sciences.  Established in memory of the noted professor of biology, the de Silva award recognizes a full-time member of the graduate faculty who evinces outstanding graduate mentoring. 

Ceremonies honoring the two award winners will be scheduled in the spring semester, presided over by the Chancellor, Provost, and other University officers.

Read more about graduate faculty awards at the Graduate School.

CGLL Offers 8-Week Effective Speaking Course

GRAD 6000/8000 CRN 27683/27684 offers grad students a 2-credit opportunity to master oral communication — one of the most important skills in the workplace.  The course, held face-to face Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5:45 the second half of spring semester, provides a step-by-step approach to improve presentation skills and confidence in speaking roles. 

For more information, visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning or contact Dr. Jill Huerta,  jhuerta2@uncc.edu.

Collaborative Training Program Yields Rapid Research Dissemination

The Paper Chase program, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, is focused on developing skills to more effectively communicate about research.

Faculty will learn a team approach to writing, while mentoring to a publishable manuscript. Deadline to register is Jan. 5 through the Office of Undergraduate Research.

First Spring 2022 Enrollment Report Released

The first Spring 2022 enrollment report is now available on GPDNet.  The report, which will be updated weekly, may be downloaded in the GPDNet Graduate School Data section.

The total graduate enrollment goal for Spring 2022 is 5,917 students.

Nominations Open for Thomas L. Reynolds Graduate Leadership Award

Honoring excellence in graduate program administration, the Thomas L. Reynolds Leadership Award recognizes excellent leadership and outstanding service by a Graduate Program Director or Coordinator. Nominations for 2021-22 will be accepted through Jan. 28.

Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators are leadership positions for the University and play an important and pivotal role in the success of our graduate students.  Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators must not only manage and shape the direction of their programs to ensure the academic success of their students, but must also serve as advocates for graduate education at all levels. Doing this well, deserves recognition and praise.

The recipient receives a cash award, an engraved plaque, and their name engraved on a perpetual trophy.  Associate Professor of Architecture Peter Wong was selected to receive the Thomas L. Reynolds Leadership Award for 2020-2021 for his contributions to student success above and beyond his teaching role.

For additional information and to submit a nomination visit the Reynolds Leadership Award web page.

Registration Open for January Mentor Training Session

The Graduate School will offer Mentor Training for graduate faculty Jan. 7, 9:30-4:00.  The session will be held face-to-face in the Student Union. 

Join the 170 faculty who have already completed this training and rated it a good use of time.  The curriculum comes from the Center for the Improvement of the Mentored Experience in Research (CIMER) at the University of Wisconsin. It is highly interactive and includes a variety of useful resources and tools. 

Attendance is limited to 16, so please sign-up early using this form:  https://forms.gle/RskUcL6TzS3RNkmy5

Note: All participants are asked to wear a mask. 

ISSO Updates International Students on COVID-19 and Entry Requirements

As of Nov. 8, foreign nationals including all F-1 students are required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the U.S. For purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use vaccines. In addition to proof of vaccination, travelers entering the U.S. must also show proof of a negative COVID PCR-test administered within the 3 days prior to travel to the U.S.

Travel restrictions are in place for countries where the Omicrom variant has been discovered.  These countries include South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) has communicated frequently with newly admitted, currently enrolled, and OPT international students regarding changing requirements for COVID-19 vaccination and entry requirements.

The following is a list of messages and content that have been shared with targeted students to-date:

  • Message for newly admitted students who accepted their admission offers
  • Stand-alone message for enrolled students and students on OPT
  • Monthly newsletters (October/November) containing the announcement for all enrolled, OPT students and visiting scholars
  • Updates to the ISSO website to reflect the latest CDC guidance on vaccination requirements and travel restrictions

Students with concerns or questions may reference the ISSO website for information or contact the ISSO office (intlsso@uncc.edu, 704‑687‑7781) to schedule an advising appointment. 

Eastern North Carolina Career Fair Planned

The Eastern North Carolina Career Alliance (ENCCA) will host an online career fair Feb. 16, 11-4. 

The event will provide an opportunity to connect with a diverse group of students and alumni from ENCCA’s eight member institutions:

  • Barton College
  • Campbell University
  • Methodist University
  • University of Mount Olive
  • North Carolina Wesleyan College
  • Saint Augustine’s University
  • Shaw University
  • William Peace University

Top majors include biology, business, communications, criminal justice, education, exercise science, game development, interactive design, healthcare administration, information technology, psychology, social work, and sport and recreation management.

To register, visit the ENNCA Career Fair.

Migration to Slate Begins Today

AdmissionsPros was decommissioned at 11:59 pm on Nov. 15 so the migration to Slate can begin. Slate “Captains” Kathy Giddings and Ash Bowers anticipate a Slate go-live on Monday, Nov. 22.

Urge Admitted Students to Attend Graduate School Information Session

Graduate Admissions will offer an information session Nov. 17 at Noon to help admitted students who are undecided about accepting their offer of admission.

Graduate School staff and current graduate students will share information to help admitted students make a decision to continue their education at Charlotte.  Graduate Admissions counselors will review the decision letter, connecting with the program, accepting admission, funding and more.

Please encourage your newly admitted students to register for this informative session. Registration for admitted students is available at mygradschool.uncc.edu..

Training Sessions Planned for Slate Admissions System

As the new Slate admissions system goes live Nov. 22, a series of training opportunities have been scheduled to help ensure a smooth transition. The training, led by Associate Dean Johnna Watson, is highly recommended.

Participants may choose from a live, face-to-face session, online Google Meet session and Q&A session. To register, please visit the Graduate School.

Please note that if you register to attend but can’t make it, please let contact Cherie Ellerbe, ellerb4@uncc.edu, Administrative Support Specialist.

2022 First Destination Survey Launched

The 2022 First Destination Survey, designed to offer insight to shape future curriculum, has now launched.

Faculty is encouraged to promote the survey to graduating students and an example message is provided below:

Graduating this semester? Take the First Destination Survey at https://firstdestinationsurvey.uncc.edu to let us know what you plan to do with your UNC Charlotte degree! The survey will ask you about your plans for post-graduation employment or further academic study, your experiences in our academic programs and the resources you used while you were a student. Completing this survey enhances the value of your degree by supplying us with information to accurately tell the story of a UNC Charlotte education. 

A series of reminders will be sent to students who do not complete the survey after the initial email. The first reminder email will go to students on their UNC Charlotte addresses on Dec. 17 (graduate students) and Dec. 18 (undergraduate students).

The spring 2022 survey will be distributed mid-March.

Session Helps Students with Common Interview Questions

In this CGLL course Nov. 11 at 4 p.m., students can learn how to prepare and practice answers to commonly asked interview questions.  Facilitated by Karen Arrington, Assistant Director and Career Coach at the University Career Center. The session will be held in Cone 268.

To register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.

EducationUSA Offers Europe Open Office Hours for Recruitment Assistance

Join advisers from across Western and Northern Europe for open office hours on Dec. 7 and 9. The advisers will be ready to answer questions from representatives from U.S. higher education institutions about recruitment strategies, scholarship programs, upcoming events, and other items. Dates, times, and countries featured on each day are listed below.

Dec. 7 (Tues.) |  11–12:30 p.m. EST | Featured countries:  Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg | https://iie-org.zoom.us/j/96208267010

Dec. 9 (Thurs.) | 11-12:30 p.m. EST | Featured countries:  Finland, UK, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Spain | https://iie-org.zoom.us/j/95713161140

Germany to Hold Graduate Studies Recruitment Fair in November
EducationUSA will  host its first virtual Graduate Studies Fair for Germany on Tues., Nov. 23, 4-8 p.m. CET.  U.S. higher education institutions will have a virtual booth and host group and one-on-one sessions with Germany’s top students.  EducationUSA advisers will facilitate the event and share educational and funding opportunities.  For more information on how to participate, please contact germany@educationusa.org.

Portugal to Hold Recruitment Fair in November
The Fulbright Commission and EducationUSA Portugal are inviting U.S. higher education institutions to join the EducationUSA Portugal Fair, which will take place virtually Nov. 18.  The fair will offer an opportunity to connect with prospective undergraduate and graduate students.  Registration is now open.  For more information about the event, please contact EducationUSA Portugal adviser Dorian Rosca.

ISSO Details COVID Travel Rules to Incoming Students

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) recently reached out to new students who intend to enroll for the spring 2022 semester to explain new requirements relating to the COVID-10 pandemic.

Following is the text of the ISSO message:

As the Spring 2022 semester approaches, we look forward to welcoming you to UNC Charlotte. As you can expect, COVID-19 will impact your travel plans. Please review the information below BEFORE you commit to international travel. Obtain your COVID vaccine(s) before entering the U.S. After November 8, 2021, all foreign nationals, including F-1 and J-1 students wishing to enter the U.S. must show proof that they are FULLY VACCINATED against COVID-19. See the U.S. government’s October 12, 2021 announcement. In addition to proof of vaccination, travelers entering the U.S. must also show proof of a negative COVID test administered within the 3 days prior to travel to the U.S.

Documentation requirements: Your COVID vaccine must be FDA or WHO approved Your vaccine and COVID test documentation should be hard copy (not on your phone) and in English It is fine to carry back up electronic copies on your phone Your name on your records should match your name as listed on your passport. Note: ISSO staff are not healthcare professionals; you should research what works for you in consultation with your doctor or medical care provider.

What should NEWLY ADMITTED students consider when planning travel to the U.S.?
1. Complete the Financial Certification Form (FCF).
2. Apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee online 3-5 days before your visa appointment and print out the receipt.
4. Follow the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ CDC Requirement for Proof of a Negative COVID test before entering the U.S.
5. Upon entering the U.S., carefully follow the CDC ‘After International Travel’ instructions and obtain a COVID test 3-5 days after travel.
6. Arrive in Charlotte (Charlotte Douglas International Airport-CLT) by January 5th.  Arriving by this date allows you to participate in international student orientation before classes begin on January 10th.
7. Follow UNC Charlotte On-Campus protocols, such as wearing a face covering while participating in UNC Charlotte indoor activities.

Check official websites for up to date information: COVID related travel requirements can change quickly. Therefore, be sure to check official websites for update to date information before you leave home. We hope you all are staying safe and well,

Updated U.S. Travel Policy Requires Vaccination

On Oct. 25 the White House and Centers for Disease Control announced a new vaccination policy that will go into effect for international travelers to the United States on Nov. 8 at 12:01 a.m. EST.  As of that date, foreign national air travelers will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding a plane to the United States.  The guidelines also include new protocols for testing.  Exemptions will be made for noncitizens who are citizens of a foreign country where the availability of COVID-19 vaccination is limited.  Details can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.