AUGUST 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
QUICK LINKS
Upcoming Dates

8/17-19: New International Student Orientation

8/19: Payment Deadline for Fall Semester

8/21-23: Move-In for On-Campus Housing

8/21: Multicultural Resource Center Open House

8/21-8/30: Week of Welcome (WOW)

8/24: New Student Convocation

8/24: First Day of Classes (after 5 p.m.)

8/24: Fall Student Organizations Showcase

9/2: Drop/Add Deadline for Fall Classes


WELCOME TO NINER NATION FAMILY!
Welcome to another year at UNC Charlotte! We are bursting with excitement for the year ahead and cannot wait to see the great things that come from this community. For those who are longtime members of Niner Nation Family, as well as our new additions, I want to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Jordan Holliday, and I joined our office as the Assistant Director for New Student & Family Services working with Parent & Family Programs this past June. This summer, we have welcomed 3,669 new parent and family members through our Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR) program and planned an eventful fall semester ahead.
 
It is my belief that keeping you, our Niner Nation Family members, informed about and engaged in your student's college experience will drive your student to success as a 49er. Throughout the coming year, we will strive to keep you informed through this monthly newsletter, Relatively Speaking, and our bi-annual magazine, Niner Nation Family. Both of these publications ensure that our families have the most up-to-date information and spotlight some of the exciting programs, events, and individuals that make up the 49er community.
 
We will also be inviting you back to campus for family-focused events. In this email, you can read all about our biggest event of the year, Family Weekend, which is newly expanded to include even more programming for our families. This spring, we are excited to expand our engagement opportunities for parents and families and look forward to sharing more information with you soon. Each event gives you another chance to connect with other families, campus faculty and staff, and the amazing students that make up the Niner Nation.
 
As we begin another year, here are some friendly reminders:
  • If your student is living on campus, Housing & Residence Life Move-In is August 21-23. Check their website (http://move-in.uncc.edu) for more information.
  • On-campus meal plans kick off on Friday, August 21.
  • New Student Convocation, which is mandatory for all new students, is on Monday, August 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Detailed information about New Student Convocation can be found on the website (http://studentconvocation.uncc.edu/students).
  • Fall semester classes start on Monday, August 24 at 5 p.m. All other classes begin on Tuesday, August 25.
  • Books are available now at Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte, located in the Student Union. Books can be returned for a full refund until the end of the drop/add period on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
  • Encourage your student to reach out to their Academic Advisor early in the semester to help them prepare for the next semester and receive guidance on their academic path at UNC Charlotte.
  • Family Weekend is coming up September 25-27. Registration for the program will open on Monday, August 17 at noon (EST). 
Niner Nation Family is here to support your family and your student during their time at UNC Charlotte. We are always here for any questions or support you might need. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] and visit our website often at http://parents.uncc.edu.
 
Go  Niners!
Jordan Holliday
Assistant Director for New Student & Family Services
Niner Nation Family
Dean of Students

FAMILY WEEKEND IS COMING!

Family Weekend is our largest on-campus program for parents and families and a tradition that we do not want you to miss. This year, our program will be taking place Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. Each day is filled with fun events that will allow you to connect with other students, families, and faculty/staff, learn more about UNC Charlotte and all its exciting offerings, cheer on our Charlotte 49ers, and see more of our beautiful campus.
 
In this email, you will find more information about the schedule for Family Weekend, available packages for registration, and information about how to register for the program. Registration for Family Weekend will open on Monday, August 17 at noon (EST).

If you have any questions or need more information, let us know by email at [email protected] or by phone at 704-687-0341.

 
FAMILY WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Friday
After checking in for Family Weekend, participants who purchased a dinner ticket will head to our SoVi Showcase to eat in our newest dining facility on campus. South Village Crossing, or SoVi, is designed with an "action station" model, much like Crown Commons, where most of the cooking is on open display and prepared made-to-order. It features many different stations, including an Italian Hearth station, an Asian Station, a Euro Station, and even vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
 
Following dinner, participants will head to the Student Union for the Union Takeover, an exciting event presented in partnership with the Campus Activities Board. This event will include many fun activities, a chance to connect with other students and families, and a live performance later in the evening.
 
Saturday 
Day two of Family Weekend is packed to the brim with opportunities for parents and family members! The day kicks off with engaging 49er 411 Sessions presented by campus faculty, staff, and students about the many interesting things happening around campus. These sessions are our way of continuing to keep our families informed about what is happening on campus, as well as how to best support your student in their 49er experience.

Following 49er 411, Chancellor and Mrs. Dubois will host their annual Family Weekend Brunch, featuring a campus update from the Chancellor, engaging speakers, excellent food, and amazing giveaways, including a $1000 tuition stipend! This long-running Family Weekend tradition is one that you don't want to miss!
 
After the Chancellor's Brunch, participants will have the opportunity to give back to our campus community through on-campus service projects. These projects are a great time to connect with the volunteer spirit of UNC Charlotte.
 
But you're probably wondering, "What about football?"
 
The Charlotte 49ers are kicking off their inaugural season in Conference USA at our Family Weekend game against the Florida Atlantic University Owls. Prior to the game, we will host the first annual Family Weekend Football Tailgate, featuring a barbeque buffet, live entertainment, fun prizes, and tons of Niner Pride! The tailgate is a ticketed event, and tickets should be purchased in either the Charlotte 49ers Football Experience Package or separately for students and season ticket holders.
 
Finally, Saturday will end in Jerry Richardson Stadium as the 49ers take on the FAU Owls in football. Go Niners!
 
Sunday
For those families in town on Sunday, we have some brand new additions to our program. That morning, we will be offering two free fitness opportunities for participants: an outdoor yoga class and a fun run around our main campus. For our adventurous families, join us on the Team Challenge Course on UNC Charlotte's campus, hosted by the Venture program (a small fee is associated with this program).

FAMILY WEEKEND PACKAGES

To participate in Family Weekend, participants must register for one of two packages-the GOLD Package or the GREEN Package. Please note: Current UNC Charlotte students are free; however, they still must be registered for the program in our system.
 
GOLD Package
$30/person
GREEN Package
$15/person
 
We also have many optional add-ons to your registration that allow you to both enhance and customize your experience during Family Weekend.
 
SoVi Showcase (Friday Night Dinner Ticket)
$11/person
Charlotte 49ers Football Experience Package
$20/person
Family Weekend Tailgate Ticket*
$10/person
What a High! - High Ropes for Families*
$12/person
Family Fun Run
Free
Yoga on the Lawn
Free

*Current UNC Charlotte students must purchase a ticket for this event.
 
Full details for all of these packages, including information about what is included in each package and details on dates and times, can be found on the Family Weekend website under "Packages."
REGISTERING FOR FAMILY WEEKEND

Registration for Family Weekend is done entirely online! In order to purchase packages for the program, visit the Family Weekend website and click "Register." On this page, you will find all the information needed to register for Family Weekend, including frequently asked questions, information on parking, and the link to our registration procedures.

When preparing to register for the program, please make sure to have you and your student's information available.

NINER NATION FAMILY NEWSLETTERS

Our monthly newsletter, Relatively Speaking, will kick off at the end of August with campus updates, important dates and deadlines, and some fun profiles of the UNC Charlotte community. Look out for the email in your inbox soon! 
 
We are also always looking for guest contributions to our publications! If you are interested in providing content from a parent's perspective, please email us at [email protected], and we will be in contact with you shortly!