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.
Featured
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.
Slate, the New Admissions CRM, is Live
Graduate Admissions migrated to Slate, the new admissions CRM, the week of Nov. 21. Details about the system implementation as well as the system login and training materials are available in GPDNet under GPD News/Resources.
Get Ready for Fall Commencement
Commencement is planned for Dec. 17-18 in the Dale F. Halton Arena located in the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
Graduating students can pick up their regalia (caps and gowns) at the campus bookstore, located in the Popp Martin Student Union, through November 30.
Academic Affairs provides more information on Commencement Ceremonies and how to reserve your cap and gown.
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.
Sargent Leads 3MT Competition
Amanda Sargent, Ph.D., Organizational Science, was selected the first place winner of the 2021 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition with her presentation, “What is it about “Who You Know” That Gets You Ahead?”
Other winners included:
Farida Yasmin, Ph.D., Biology – 2nd Place for “Into the Wild: Wild Soybean as our Savior!”
Shanique Lee, Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction – 3rd Place for “Loving and Leaving the Classroom: Contextualize the Attrition of Black Women Teachers in Urban Schools.”
Kelsey Sikon, M.S., Civil Engineering – People’s Choice Award for “Presence of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants.”
The event recording is available on YouTube. Read more about the 3MT at the Center for Graduate Life and Learning.
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..
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.
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.
Admissions Application and eGRAD Unavailable Nov 16-21 for Slate Migration
Graduate Admissions is transitioning to a new recruitment and admissions system (Slate) and mygradschool.uncc.edu AND eGRAD will be brought down on Nov. 16 at 12 am.
Graduate Program Directors are encouraged to make recommendations on all Ready for Review applications prior to Nov. 16 or wait until after the Slate go-live on Nov. 22.
All current eGRAD users will have access to Slate as soon as the system is live; training documentation for decision makers and committee members will be provided online. Virtual and face-to-face Slate training will be available beginning the week of Nov 22. Details will be provided soon.
Prospective students are encouraged to submit their application and supporting materials (via mygradschool.uncc.edu) on or before Nov. 16, otherwise they can submit materials in Slate beginning Nov. 22. Similarly, recommendation providers who have not submitted a reference for a prospective student are encouraged to do so by Nov. 16. Otherwise, they will be sent a link to complete the recommendation in Slate.
Between Nov. 16-21:
- Data and supporting documents in AdmissionPros will be migrated to Slate
- Prospective students for 2022 will be emailed new system credentials to access the system
- Recommendation providers who have not submitted a reference will be provided information to do so in Slate
- Graduate Program Directors and admissions committee members will be emailed the link to access Slate.
Reports Out on Student Loan Debt, Enrollment and Degrees
2020-2021 and 2019-2020 Graduate Loan Summary Report
This report, available for download, provides details on federal loan debt by students in graduate programs based on enrollment status by aid year. Have questions about the data? Insights into how the information should be considered and/or compiled for 2021-2021? Join the Graduate School for a Graduate Student Debt Question and Answer Workshop on Wednesday, October 27th, between 11 am and noon. Feel free to drop in (virtually!) anytime.
CGS/GRE 2020 Survey of Graduate Enrollment & Degrees
The downloadable document is the only national survey that annually collects data on first-time and total graduate enrollment across 1) all fields of study and 2) by degree level. The Fall 2020 survey was sent to 763 U.S. institutions and received a 73.1% response rate.
The downloadable document is the only national survey that annually collects data on first-time and total graduate enrollment across 1) all fields of study and 2) by degree level. The Fall 2020 survey was sent to 763 U.S. institutions and received a 73.1% response rate.
Message on Projections from Johnna Watson
Dear Colleagues,
The Projections Manager, located in GPDNet, is now open for enrollment and graduation projection submissions. The information you provide is used to help guide efforts to effectively manage your graduate program enrollment; it’s also vital from a University perspective to better understand program capacity/delivery, future enrollments/graduations, and resources required to support graduate education.
Based on information provided last year, the Graduate School made a request for resources to help two programs grow enrollments, which Academic Affairs provided beginning fall 2021. Additionally, resources and training were strategically provided to support students and programs and aid work to increase recruitment and retention. Given the University’s strategic plan to enroll 7,613 graduate students by 2031, careful planning to achieve the goal is more important now than ever.
Similarly, affirming UNC Charlotte’s commitment to foster access, diversity, equity and inclusion in graduate education, please pay particular attention to ways your program enrollments might reflect a breadth of gender identities, races and ethnicities, nationalities, faith traditions, and other social categories and backgrounds. A new question has been added to better understand program efforts in this regard.
Four open swims are planned to help program directors establish projections and answer any questions related to program capacity and effective enrollment management. For details on the workshops as well as the projections process, please see the attached document. In advance, thank you for your strong support of graduate education and your participation in this year’s cycle to better understand opportunities and challenges in building and retaining the graduate class next year.
Warm regards,
Johnna Watson
P.S. – More details are available for download.
Important Deadlines for Spring
Please note the following deadlines for spring semester:
- November 23-Graduate Program Directors: Last day to recommend admission for an international applicant who resides outside the U.S. and requires a F or J visa.
- December 1-Prospective Students: Last day to submit a degree or certificate application.
- December 12-Newly Admitted International Students who reside outside the U.S. and require a F or J visa: Last day to submit a financial certificate form. (https://isso.charlotte.edu/
future-students/newly- admitted-students/obtain-unc- charlotte-i-20). - December 22-Graduate Program Directors: Last day to recommend admission for applicants.
- January 10-Prospective Students: Final date to submit a post-baccalaureate application.
Update Your "Apply Now" Links
In preparation for the Graduate Admissions migration to Slate (go-live date TBD), please update all “Apply Now” links on your webpages, communications, and materials to the URL below.
Nationwide, Graduate Enrollment Projected to Grow less than 1% through 2029
Nationwide, graduate enrollment is projected to grow by less than 1% from 2021-2029.
The Education Advisory Board (EAB) compiled a downloadable white paper to help institutions better understand the future needs of adult learners and develop strategies to recruit, enroll and retain them. Charlotte’s graduate enrollment is projected to grow 20% over the next ten years, so the work to strategically serve this unique audience must begin now.
Take Action Soon on Catalog Changes
If you need to make changes to next year’s Graduate Catalog for standardized test requirements/changes, please note that October 31 is the strongly recommended deadline for ‘Course Revision’ proposals to be launched and approved by the originator via Curriculog. The earlier you start, the more likely the proposal will reach final approval in time for Fall 2022 implementation, registration, and publication in the 2022-2023 Catalogs. See all Course and Curriculum Deadlines.
NCCGS Fall Conference is Virtual and Free
The 2021 North Carolina Conference of Graduate Schools (NCCGS) all virtual annual conference will be held Oct. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m.-Noon with no registration nor fee required.
Sessions include Engaging Graduate Students in Wellness
and Campus Activities, Mindfulness versus the Anxious Brain, Graduate Student Organizations’ Best Practices and more. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to attend.
and Campus Activities, Mindfulness versus the Anxious Brain, Graduate Student Organizations’ Best Practices and more. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to attend.
The full conference agenda with links to each session is available for download. For more information, please visit the NCCGS conference site.
