2015 Welcome Back

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STUDENT NINER MEDIA

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Letter from the chancellor On behalf of the entire Niner Nation community, welcome home!

For our new and continuing students, I hope you have concluded that choosing UNC Charlotte was a great move. As a 49er, you’re a part of one of the most exciting, distinctive and fast-growing universities – and cities – in North Carolina. And, as the state’s urban research university and the only public institution serving Charlotte, we have a lot to offer.

We’ve been busy this summer getting things ready for you. You will notice some exciting changes and improvements around campus. Numerous roadway improvements have been made (and some are still ongoing). Holshouser and other residence halls have been renovated, and Laurel Hall in South Village is now open. Another new addition, the Hauser Alumni Pavilion, will provide a great location for pre-football activities.

This summer also marked an important milestone in my life as a 49er. As of July 2015, it has been my honor to serve UNC Charlotte as chancellor for a full decade. Before that, I served as the university’s provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs for about six years. A significant portion of my professional career has been invested right here, and I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be. This is an incredible place, blessed with fantastic facilities and a tremendously talented faculty and staff, not to mention the most amazing students ever!

The university’s upward trajectory continues, as our enrollment is expected to surpass 28,000 for the first time this year. We continue to add new and improved facilities each year, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of light rail on campus in 2017.

Most importantly, we continue to enjoy a reputation of excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. Just this past year, a UNC Charlotte faculty member, Dr. Pinku Mukherjee, was awarded the UNC system’s highest distinction for research.

Her groundbreaking cancer research and the development of associated technologies to permit early detection of several forms of cancer serve as just one example of the leading scholars and practitioners that students can learn from and work with while enrolled here.

On the athletic front, our football team will kick off its third season – and its first in Conference USA – this fall. We’ll face Presbyterian College in the home opener on Sept. 12. Be sure to come out to cheer your team on to victory and to enjoy the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band as they take the field for the first time ever. Our men’s basketball team is also excited about starting a new season under the direction of our new head coach, Mark Price.

I’ll close with a challenge. To get the most out of your

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NT FILE PHOTO college experience, you really need to be an active participant on campus, both academically and outside the classroom.

There’s no shortage of clubs, teams and opportunities to get plugged in. Explore and discover your university, your world and yourself. These are the best years of your life; make them count!

We’re glad you’ve chosen to stake your claim at UNC Charlotte.

Go Niners!

Philip L. Dubois Chancellor

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CAB ON THE C A L E N DAR Check out what the Campus Activities Board is planning for the fall semester

Leanna Pough A&E Editor

Looking for things to do on campus? Campus Activities Board (CAB) brings 49ers together with fun events.

As the largest student run organization at UNC Charlotte, CAB hosts and plans events from student talent shows to homecoming. CAB kicks things off this year on the Friday before fall semester classes begin.

AUG. 27 - COMEDY SHOW

AUG. 21 - UNION TAKEOVER: LAST DAY OF SUMMER

HOMECOMING

Where: Student Union

AUG. 22 - BLOCK PARTY

Where: Student Union back patio “Usually three thousand students come to that. There’s a performance by True Nation, as well as give aways like T-shirts and water bottles,” says CAB President, Tikaya Downing.

AUG. 23 - 49ER NEW YEAR

Where: James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center What: Live performances and free stuff

AUG. 24 - STUDENT ORGANIZATION SHOWCASE

Where: COED/ CHHS Plaza What: Photo koozies and CAB information

AUG. 26 - 49ER WATER BALLOON FIGHT Where: West Quad

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Who: Comedians from Wild ‘N Out

AUG. 28 - OUTDOOR MOVIE

Where: Jerry Richardson Stadium “Students can come bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit on the field and watch the outdoor movie,” says Downing.

CAB also plans 49er Homecoming events from start to show. Last semester, 49ers shook their axe to Chance the Rapper at Halton Arena. This year, Downing says it’ll be a comedy show for sure.

“We’ve had concerts in the past, but we kind of want to change it up,” Downing said.

This may be sad for some, but for more frugal students, this means lower ticket prices.

OTHER EVENTS IN FALL 2015

As for the end of the semester, CAB offers relaxation events, trips to the first away football game at the Georgia Dome, Scarrowinds and the Panthers vs.

Redskins game on Nov. 22.

For Halloween, CAB’s annual Haunted Union event is sure to scare.

“We’re going to bring in a ghost hunter and he’s going to do a lecture as well as walk around campus to look for paranormal activity,” said Downing.

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While you were out Over the summer, UNC Charlotte’s very own “corpse flower” bloomed Jordan Snyder Editor-in-Chief

UNC Charlotte’s second titan arum – also called the “corpse flower” for its powerful rotting flesh odor – bloomed July 17 at McMillan Greenhouse. The event attracted visitors hoping to witness the 5-foot-4-inch plant and smell its notable scent, which can reportedly travel up to half a mile away.

Named Odoardo – “Odie,” for short – after Odoardo Beccari who discovered the titan arum in 1878, this plant is a rare exhibit as it’s native only to the western Indonesian island of Sumatra.

In captivity, titan arums are expected to bloom about two or three times. In 2007 and 2010, UNC Charlotte’s first titan arum, “Bella,” bloomed and also attracted crowds – about 4,000 people – looking to experience its signature stench. The university obtained two more titan arums in 2008.

But why does the plant stink in the first place?

There are two ways to answer that. First, you can look at what’s actually happening inside the plant to make it smell.

“What’s actually happening is that the base of that plant and along that big horn, there are cells that are producing these compounds, “ said UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens Interim Director Paula Gross. “Plants are

PHOTO BY JORDAN SNYDER really just big chemical factories – they do a lot of manufacturing of unusual chemical compounds for defense or attraction. As organisms that can’t move, they depend on their ability to produce chemicals.”

Some of these chemical compounds are also found in rotten eggs, smelly socks and rotting fish.

The next explanation for the smell is evolutionary. The purpose of the smell is to attract pollinators like flies and carrion beetles, which are drawn to

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rotting meat.

“They’re looking for dead carcasses to produce babies, so this plant is trying to fool them – not consciously – to come lay their eggs,” said Gross. “If they’ve been visiting another [titan arum], they carry pollen and fertilize it, and then that plant will sprinkle pollen on them, and they’ll go on to the next one.”

This event is unique as another nearby garden – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont – had its own corpse flower bloom

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July 13. Horticulturists at Daniel Stowe allowed staff at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens to collect pollen from its titan arum.

“When we found out one was blooming at Stowe, we just couldn’t believe it,” said Gross.

“I mean, what are the chances of that? And then the fact that our two gardens could collaborate” Greenhouse Manager John Denti attempted to pollinate Odie by gently painting the pollen samples on its female flowers.

If pollination is successful, Odie will die, but it will produce berries with two to three seeds each.

The hope is that they will be planted, germinated and possibly ready to bloom in eight to 12 years. If all goes to plan, they will share some of these plants with Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens and other institutions. And according to Gross, for a plant like the titan arum that’s being threatened in its native habitat, it’s important to maintain genetic diversity for the plant to promote its long term survival.

“The web of life on Earth depends on all this diversity. It’s the diversity of that organic life that keeps our planet stable,” said Gross. “Life on Earth is worth preserving.”

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New fall dining options Jordan Snyder Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS UNC Charlotte’s full menu Bojangles’ will open for business by Aug. 24, just in time for the first week of classes and the waves of hungry new and returning students.

At the Student Union, Bojangles’ will be replacing Mamma Leone’s, which was closed for the summer to accommodate for necessary construction and remodeling. Unlike the Bojangles’ Express, which previously operated in the Cone Center’s Main Street Market, this location will offer a full menu (except a kids’ menu), including bone-in chicken.

Fans of Mamma Leone’s can still visit the Prospector location, which will remain in operation.

UNC Charlotte also plans to open a Panda Express and Panda Sushi in Main Street Market. The opening date for these restaurants is tentative, as the dining hours section of the Auxiliary Services website says they will “open after Labor Day.” As part of the change, Main Street Market will no longer offer restaurants Use Your Noodle, Sushi With Gusto and Bojangles’ Express. However, in addition to Chinese cuisine, Panda Sushi will make sure students continue to get their desired Asian cuisine. In the meantime, Subway will remain a viable dining option in the Cone Center.

UNC Charlotte Business Services’ original plan to have all new dining options available in the fall is currently on track, but a firm date for Panda Express and Panda Sushi will be announced later.

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DITCH THE FAST-FOOD Check out these delicious and popular eat spots unique to the university area Alyssa Fronk

Community Editor

MACADO’S – 1 MINUTE (0.1 MILES)

Kicking off our list of recommendations is a great eatery right down the road from campus, literally. Macado’s offers a low price, lengthy menu certain to please any hungry student on a budget. They make killer hot/ cold sandwiches and have a noteworthy list of food and drink specials; for example, $.44 wing night and appetizers under $4.

Editor Recommendation: The Mcduffy sandwich or a Beer Mug Margarita

BOARDWALK BILLY’S – 2 MINUTES (0.5 MILES)

This laid back and beachy-atmospheric restaurant is a popular night hangout among the 49er crowd. Boardwalk Billy’s is known for their delicious ribs, seafood combos, sauces and drink specials. It’s a great choice for a hearty meal or a fun night of affordable drinking (for the 21+ crowd). Don’t believe us? Stop by on a Thursday for a “$2 U CALL IT” night.

Editor Recommendation: Southern BBQ Pork Sandwich or Buffalo Chicken Wrap with sweet-chili sauce

DON PEDRO – 2 MINUTES (.7 MILES)

If you are fiending for some quality Mexican food, look no further than Don Pedro of the university area. The portions are huge, the staff is friendly and every visit there is a guaranteed good time. This is also the best place to take a friend for a birthday

celebration – trust us!

Editor Recommendation: Fresh made guacamole or Polla Con Crema

ISHI – 2 MINUTES (.8 MILES)

Calling all sushi lovers: For authentic, delicious and beautifully presented sushi rolls, Ishi beats out all other competitors.

The sushi is practically gourmet and the atmosphere is very relaxed, giving you the best of both worlds. Ishi also has a full hibachi menu for those who can’t brave raw fish. This is a perfect place to go with friends for a dining treat or to bring the parents when they’re in town.

Editor Recommendation: Rock My Ocean Roll or Kick’n Roll

PELICAN’S SNOBALLS – 5 MINUTES (1.4 MILES)

There is no reason to not visit Pelican’s Snoballs at least once. You can’t find a more delicious, low-cost treat in town. Pelican’s offers a unique menu of over 100 flavors, daring customers to make a creative combination. For under $4 you can walk away with a huge cup of colorful shaved ice, tip included.

Editor Recommendation: Both Margaritas and Grapeade

the diet of any money conscious, food-savvy person. This Japanese express restaurant is known for its speed of service and generous portions. One can easily have leftovers for the next day of late-night studying. You are sure to see several fellow 49ers feasting.

Editor Recommendation: The Chicken Teriyaki & Vegetable Plate

AMELIE’S FRENCH BAKERY – 15 MINUTES (6.9 MILES)

If there is any one place that is the toast of the Queen City, it’s undoubtedly Amelie’s.

Even though it’s a bit of a hike from camps, you will never regret a stop at this wildly charming bakery. The desserts are out-of-thisworld delicious, the French-inspired décor is lovely and the environment is the coolest.

Head over for a late-night study session and a sweet fix with a group of friends – they’re open 24 hours!

Editor Recommendation: French Macaroons or Salted Carmel Brownie

TOYAMA – 7 MINUTES (3 MILES)

Hibachi takeout is a practically a staple in

LEFT: A SELECTION OF SUSHI FROM ISHI, RIGHT: AMELIE’S SIGNATURE MACAROONS AND SALTED CARAMEL BROWNIE. PHOTOS BY ALYSSA FRONK

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4 FOOTBALL UNDER THE LIGHTS 49ers look forward to beating the heat at this season’s night games

Jared Allen Sports Editor

The day Charlotte students and 49er football fans have been waiting for is now only a few weeks away. The Charlotte 49ers will kick off their home opener in the FBS Saturday, Sept. 12 with an afternoon game against Presbyterian. Two weeks following the home opener, the 49ers will introduce fans to their newly erected flood lights and play the first ever competitive football game under the lights in school history.

Charlotte will be playing in the Conference USA this season, which is a division shared by notable teams like Marshall and LA Tech. The lack of FBS football the past two seasons has undoubtedly affected Charlotte football’s attendance.

Due to attendance issues the past two seasons, for various reasons, student ticket allotment will be nearly cut in half this upcoming season, lowering to 4,000.

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With that being said, students and athletic officials are optimistic that attendance at football games will be on the rise this year with newly installed flood lights, allowing the team to play night games for the first time in school history. This is major news because last season, many afternoon games were vacated early due to unbearable heat, which left the student sections relatively empty.

Students and fellow fans received a taste of what attendance at games may look like this upcoming season with the past spring game setting record attendance numbers.

Charlotte’s first ever spring game under the lights last season amassed over 11,000 fans in a stadium that holds only 15,000.

That attendance number is larger than the two previous regular season home games combined.

Those numbers are staggering for an inter-squad exhibition

game.

Head coach Brad Lambert said, “I was extremely pleased with the outcome tonight. The fans never disappoint. It was very cool playing under the lights. We received a taste of what it will be like to play in the fall.”

The play on the field is also set to take a step in the right direction as Charlotte will have three top-notch quarterbacks fighting for the starting position entering week one. Last season’s starter, Matt Johnson, was sidelined in the eighth week due to a torn MCL. Lee McNeill stepped into Johnson’s shoes, posting impressive statistics in the final three games of the year.

McNeill led the 49ers to two wins in the remaining three games, passing for over 900 yards and completing 58.5 percent of his passes.

Entering Charlotte’s third football season, redshirt freshman Brooks Barden will

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enter the fold, attempting to win the starting quarterback position, which, including the two previous standout performers, is still up for grabs.

Students should be optimistic heading into the new football season. High competition for positions within the squad will result in a better all around performance on the field. In addition, new stadium lights will keep students and fans out of the heat for the majority of the year with, at the moment, at least half of the six home games being played at 7 p.m.

Defensive back Cortezz Nixon said, “We’re going into this next season and Conference USA with our heads up high and with a lot of confidence.”

Charlotte will open their season on the road at Georgia State Friday, Sept. 4 before playing the home opener a week later.

DORM ROOM TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS

Nick Cropper News Editor

Dorm rooms – they are not the coziest places, they are not the most upscale, and they are certainly not the largest. However, what dorm rooms lack in interior design, they more than make up for with opportunity.

Dorms are an excellent place to forge new friendships with roommates and people living on your floor. With a few simple tricks, students can make the most out of their experience living on campus before they make the transition to alternative housing like so many UNC Charlotte students do.

Storage space is a problem in the highrise buildings; it goes back to dorms not being the largest of living spaces. Each roommate gets a small dresser, a desk and a wardrobe. To make the most out of your living space, invest in some storage that will fit underneath your bed. The beds can be raised or lowered to accommodate however much space is needed.

Also, consider talking to the resident

advisor (RA) on your floor about making your beds into bunk beds. It is simple to do and saves a lot of space. It allows students to have a little more freedom with the layout of the room and to optimize space.

Students are required to return their rooms back to their original layout when they move out of the dorms, but it is well worth it to have the extra room for activities.

If you are living in one of the highrises, which many freshmen do, laundry can be a hassle if you do not do it at the right time.

There are a total of eight washers and eight dryers located on the basement floor of each highrise that every single student living in that building is going to have to use. The suites do not have this problem because they have washers and dryers located on every floor.

Regardless, attempting to do laundry during the middle of the day can be a

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nightmare. You might find that there are simply no washers available, or if you are late to pick up your clothes, you might find them on top of the machine.

If there is no way for you to avoid doing laundry during the middle of the day, then you should keep an eye on your things. Take your books downstairs with you and work on homework while you wait or hang out with friends. Ideally, if you do not want to deal with people, try and do your laundry either early in the morning or late at night.

Hygiene is important when living with someone in such close quarters. Housing and Residence Life makes sure to clean the halls, common areas and bathrooms during the week, but students are responsible for their rooms. Keep a small vacuum handy, and purchase some cleaning supplies with your roommate.

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Upcoming productions A LOOK AT WHAT THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS THIS YEAR John Lineberger Lifestyle Editor

The Department of Theatre is UNC Charlotte’s go to source for students interested in acting, playwriting, stage production and theatre education. Every year, the Department of Theatre hosts events and student-run productions that are open for any and all to watch their friends and fellow students perform on stage. Although exact dates are not set in stone yet, here’s what you can expect for the 2015-16 school year.

SEPTEMBER – THE PLAYS OF CONSTANCE CONGDON

Constance Congdon joins us for a one-week residency that will include workshops on the craft of playwriting, the playwriting process and readings from her plays, old and new.

One of her notable credits in her 30-year career include her original play “Tales of the Lost Formicans” (produced more than 200 times worldwide). Congdon has taught playwriting at Amherst College since 1993.

OCTOBER – “CORALINE”

A Co-Production with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Location: Wells Fargo Playhouse The play is adapted from Neil Gaiman’s terrifyingly imaginative children’s story, with music and lyrics by Stephin Merritt. You’ll likely remember the film adaption of the story released in 2009.

NOVEMBER – “HAMLET”

Location: Black Box Theatre One of Shakespeare’s most impactful and influential plays in English literature, “Hamlet” is the story of Prince Hamlet.

Betrayed, he must seek revenge for the murder of his father and his uncle’s swift claiming of both the throne and of his mother.

JANUARY – “IT’S A BIRD… IT’S A PLANE… IT’S SUPERMAN” Location: Black Box Theatre

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NT FILE PHOTO A co-production from the Department of Theatre, the Department of Music and theatre alumni presents a musical take on the famed comic book superhero.

MARCH – “HAMLETMACHINE” BY HEINER MULLER

Location: Anne R. Belk Theatre Written in 1977 by playwright Heiner Muller, “Hamletmachine” is a post-modernist drama that is loosely based on the famous Shakespeare play, “Hamlet.” The play does not follow a standard plot, but uses a sequence of monologues where the protagonist breaks the fourth wall and reflects on his role as an

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actor.

APRIL – “36 IN 6: A CELEBRATION”

Location: Anne R. Belk Theatre This is the beginning of the department’s project to perform the entire Shakespeare canon by performing six events per year for six years. In the time it takes to perform all 36 works, some students will have entered and graduated from UNC Charlotte.

So, if plays, stage production or Shakespeare is something you’re into, then you should definitely keep an eye out this year for a chance to go see one of the theatre department’s productions in live action.

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Tailgating the 49er way These tips will ensure you have the best time when you’re getting ready for the big game Alyssa Fronk

Community Editor

BOJANGLES

Trust us, no tailgate is complete without these legendary North Carolina-rooted chicken and biscuits. The food is delicious, low price and will keep you fueled for a day of cheering on our beloved 49ers.

BEVERAGES OF CHOICE

Hydration is important! Remember, H20 will never do you wrong.

For more information on the UNC Charlotte Alcoholic Beverage Policy, view the official document located on the Parking and Transportation Services tab of the uncc.edu webpage.

CHECK YOUR CAR

If you are a current on-campus resident, your parking lot may be used for tailgating. To avoid being towed, check pats.uncc.edu to know which lots will be turned into a no-park zone. Be sure to move your car the night before game day. You have been warned.

SOCIAL MEDIA NT FILE PHOTO College football is almost back, and the first Charlotte 49ers home game of 2015 is a few weeks away. But what do fans love just as much – if not more – than cheering our team to victory? Tailgating, of course! Whether it’s your first or 49th time, here is a Charlotte approved checklist to kickoff another glorious season of tailgating.

CHARLOTTE 49ER GREEN APPAREL

Follow @NTimes_Sports for live game day tweets and updates and @Niner_Times for game recaps. Posting pictures? Use the #uncc, #StateofCharlotte, #Charlotte49ers and #NinerNation hashtags to get maximum likes or a shout out on the 49er jumbotron. Bonus points if you get a selfie with the “Uh-Huh” guy.

49ER ATTITUDE

Most importantly, remember to have a friendly attitude and exhibit good sportsmanship at every Charlotte athletic event. Remember, we are a 49er family!

You better sport your #NinerPride and rep our school’s official game day colors! Follow @Charlotte49ers on Twitter for updates on game day themes.

RESERVE YOUR (FREE) STUDENT TICKET

Head to ticketreturn.com to reserve your student ticket before every game. Make sure to bring your 49er ID for admission.

FRIENDS

Come one, come all! Football games and tailgates are always more fun when you’re with a crowd. You can buy tickets for your guests at ticketreturn.com or at the public entry gate on game day (but tickets may be sold out).

TAILGATING PASS

Student tailgating is permitted in Lots 5, 5A and 6. The space is on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure to arrive early. Tailgating permits must be obtained the Tuesday prior to game day online and are free for students. Permits and additional info is available at pats. uncc.edu.

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A virtual trip to the market The Campus Market offers students a safer alternative for buying and selling unwanted items Jordan Snyder Editor-in-Chief

The Campus Market is a college-centric Craigslist-like service that aims to prioritize student safety while reducing their carbon footprint. According to their website, The Campus Market is operational at 22 universities along the east coast – seven of which are North Carolina schools, including UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington and Duke. UNC Charlotte students can expect access to the website soon, as co-founder Brad Stinson is currently planning on having the service available by the end of August.

Stinson and co-founder Heather Morrow are both from North Carolina, which explains the prevalence of availability in our state.

“We thought this would be a good starting point because it made it easier for us, in the beginning, to reach out to students and schools that we could physically visit,” said Stinson.

They founded the company in January 2015, motivated by the abundance of students throwing away their lightly used belongings, as well as the low return students usually see when selling back their textbooks.

“We knew that if we created an environment that could be used by students for these purposes, they would come,” said Stinson.

Despite being a fairly recent startup, students have come.

Since the company’s launch, the website has gained over 17,000 registered users, and Stinson expects to have over 30,000

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAMPUS MARKET students registered by the end of September. With this school year rapidly approaching, he’s confident in more growth, saying it has “no signs of slowing down” and the number of successful transactions between students “will increase exponentially.”

But what sets The Campus Market apart from Craigslist

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and other similar swap ‘n shop services?

Most notably, the company is unique in its focus on student safety, its dedication to sustainability and its decision to partner with local businesses.

On the safety issue, The Campus Market requires students to sign up with their school-

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specific .edu email address. This measure filters out students who attend other universities, as well as people who aren’t college students. Further, it eliminates the hassle and worry of driving long distances to meet up with potentially shady buyers and sellers.

Regarding sustainability, the company aims to reduce unnecessary wastefulness and increase money in students’ pockets. Anyone who has paid attention around move out time at the end of the school year has noticed dumpsters filled with lamps, chairs, desks and so on.

The option to buy and sell within the local campus community might save these gently used items from a needless trip to the landfill.

A section dedicated to ridesharing and carpooling also serves to cut down on carbon emissions and foster ties between fellow students.

And when it’s finally time to get rid of those textbooks (or leave them on the shelf to collect dust), selling directly to another student could net a bigger return than the campus bookstore would offer, as well as save the buyer a considerable amount of money.

Lastly, The Campus Market plans to partner with local businesses, designating them as pick up spots for students who want to complete transactions in public. The participating businesses will see an increase in foot traffic, and Stinson hopes to provide students who utilize the pick up spots with discounts.

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welcome home niners!

live life to the fullest. live on campus. housing and residence life | housing.uncc.edu | 704.687.7501 |

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unc charlotte Hrl

@unccharlottehrl

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33 HIDDEN GEMS IN THE UNC CHARLOTTE COURSE CATALOG Casey Aldridge Opinion Editor

As the semester approaches, most students won’t need reminding that courses are right around the corner. Registration – if not completed already – won’t be getting any easier with time and ought to be prioritized.

At this point in the game,

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you’re best off if you’ve already signed up for your fall 2015 courses, or at least partially registered. Still, a number of students – for whatever reason – won’t have been able to register yet or will have a few openings in their schedule to fill.

So, for students who need to fill a liberal studies requirement or who are simply looking for interesting electives to register for, I’ve taken the liberty of digging through the course catalogue in its entirety to highlight some of the hidden gems at UNC Charlotte.

For example, “Sexing Shakespeare” is offered as a liberal studies credit through the English department.

Listed as LBST 2101 with multiple offerings and accommodating hours, the course explores “historical and contemporary meanings of gender, sexuality, subjectivity and desire” in Shakespearean England and his works.

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“Social Action through Music” (MUSC 2001), applies – as it indicates – music to social issues and justice.

“Bollywood and Religion” (FILM 3050/RELS 3000) looks at how the “world’s largest cinema industry” sheds light on “key aspects of religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent.”

“Disney: Gender, Race and Empire” (WGST 3050) addresses “how ideologies of gender, race, class, and sexuality are constructed in early and recent animated films of Walt Disney.”

Then, there’s a course titled “Seeing is believing – I can’t believe my eyes: Storytelling, Movies, Science Fiction” (ENGL 2090) uses sci-fi to teach about the human phenomenon of storytelling, our constructs of the supernatural and the natural world and how we perceive and relay them.

The depth and specificity of each of the aforementioned classes does, admittedly, catch attention. They combine varied and diverse interests into innovative curriculum, and for that reason, many of them are – for the time being – full.

But, when you’re sitting in microeconomics or chemistry and want to drop and pick up something more interesting, consider “Tricky Dick: Richard

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Nixon, Poker and Politics” (AMST 3020). It’s a course that will fill your writing-intensive requirement while investigating President Nixon’s gambles as a “formidable poker player” and as a politician.

Or there’s “Modern China, From the Ming to Mao, 16602005” (HIST 3002) for a nonWestern history perspective on an emerged industrial superpower.

Dr. Barbara Thiede offers “Why God Lies” (RELS 3000) for a secular, non-theological approach to the nature of God in the Hebrew Bible and, as the course title suggests, why God lies, and I can personally vouch for that professor.

The important thing is to find classes that engage you enough to get to campus and achieve your academic goals. Whether that’s “Blood, Sweets and Beers: Forbidden Food in Literature and Culture” (LBST 2212) or that accounting or chemistry course that I know I wouldn’t be able to put up with, the important part is crafting a college experience that’s exciting and applicable for you.

And, of course, it’s important that you keep a proactive eye towards the spring semester so I don’t have to keep writing articles like these.

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MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF FALL 2015 Hunter Heilman Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again, where we put away the summer blockbuster in lieu of some movies a bit more serious, trading superheroes for super spies, trading comedies for Oscar dramas and trading bad horror films for slightly less bad Halloween films. Bring it on. But what’s going to be worth your time and money this fall at the movie theater? Will there be anything? Or should you just stay in this semester to binge watch all of “The X-Files” in preparation for the new series this January?

I mean, you can do both, as I will, but there are definitely some winners among this fall’s lineup. These are in no particular order.

They’re just awesome on their own.

“THE GREEN INFERNO,” DIR. ELI ROTH, SEPT. 25

Doesn’t everyone love seeing a group of stupid college students get slowly eaten alive by an indigenous tribe who don’t need the help these kids think their offering? Because I do. Sure, “The Green Inferno” might come across as somewhat insensitive, but judging from how much horrific fun “The Green Inferno” looks, I’m sure it’ll be much more condescending to those throwing themselves into situations they don’t understand. But who cares about the social context of a horror movie about cannibals? I want to see people being eaten in all its glory.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

“BLACK MASS,” DIR. SCOTT COOPER, SEPT. 18

Don’t ask me why I keep holding out hope for Johnny Depp’s career, because after the atrocity that was “Mortdecai,” I shouldn’t. It should be time to throw in the towel for Depp’s career and move on, but “Black Mass” has a hold on me. It doesn’t seem to be a Johnny Depp movie from the get-go, and seeing Depp in a film far grittier than anything he’s ever done could be a turning point in his career from quirky character actor to serious character actor. Let’s add the impressive cast of Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Dakota Johnson, Corey Stoll, Peter Sarsgaard and Kevin Bacon, along with talented directorial work from Scott Cooper. I think “Black Mass” is going to be far more than any typical Johnny Depp vehicle. Just don’t hold it against me if it sucks.

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“EVEREST,” DIR. BALTHASAR KOLMÁKUR, IMAX 3D SEPT. 18, 2D AND REALD 3D SEPT. 25

I don’t think it takes much explanation to describe what “Everest” is about. It’s a true story about a group of climbers who experience peril on the insane slopes of the world’s largest mountain. It’s a pretty simple story, but what sets this film apart is the A-list cast involved, including Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley and Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as it’s marketed usage of 3D, primarily the IMAX 3D format. The film promises to be tension filled from start to finish, showcase great performances and provide one of the better 3D experiences of the year.

“THE WALK,” DIR. ROBERT ZEMECKIS, IMAX 3D SEPT. 30, 2D AND REALD 3D OCT. 5

If “Everest” is going to provide one of the better 3D experiences of the year, “The Walk” is going to be the best 3D experience of the year. Granted, the film provides less wondrous action than “Everest,” but “The Walk,” from its trailer, seems to provide a more fun and in-

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your-face 3D experience. “The Walk” represents the return of Robert Zemeckis’s wonder to the big screen, after taking a dramatic left turn with “Flight.” Joseph Gordon-Levitt seems to be giving his all, and “The Walk” looks like the fall movie to be experienced, not just seen.

“THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 2,” DIR. FRANCIS LAWRENCE, NOV. 20

If you like “The Hunger Games” as a film series, there’s no doubt that, like me, you’re excited to see the saga come to full cinematic fruition. It’s hard not to be immediately drawn in by Jennifer Lawrence’s magnetic performance as Katniss Everdeen. The world building of “The Hunger Games” and its sequels is all top notch, bringing some of the best that young adult literature has to offer outside of the “Harry Potter” universe. Bring your tissues for this one, as no fan will be leaving this movie without feeling something.

Regardless of emotional reaction, if the consistency keeps up with this final installment, there’s no doubt “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” will deliver the epic finale we deserve.

“LEGEND,” DIR. BRIAN HELGELAND, OCT. 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

“THE MARTIAN,” DIR. RIDLEY SCOTT, OCT. 2

Call it “Black Mass” mixed with “The Parent Trap,” “Legend” features veteran actor Tom Hardy playing dual roles of identical twin British crime lords Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who terrorized London in the 1950s and 1960s. Reggie is more level-headed and Ronnie more sociopathic, and the film chronicles their rise and fall within the London crime scene before their ultimate incarceration in 1969.

With Hardy being at the top of his game, the talented ensemble cast surrounding them and director Brian Helgeland behind the camera, I have complete faith in “Legend.”

Here we go, another Ridley Scott film. While he does exist under my limited list of “do no wrong” directors, I think we all can admit that “Exodus: Gods and Kings” was rather underwhelming. Here’s hoping that “The Martian” fares better, but if the movie is even half as good as the book it’s based on by Andy Weir, there should be no problem. While space movies such as “Gravity” and “Interstellar” have been cluttering the box office lately, this story of an astronaut stranded on Mars proved itself to be a wonderfully impressive piece of literature with tons of cinematic potential. Given the insanely large A-list cast, directorial work and incredible source material, there’s no doubt that “The Martian” should succeed in the areas where it matters most.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCASFILM

“STAR WARS: EPISODE VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS,” DIR. J.J. ABRAMS, DEC. 18

This has to be the most complicated film to talk about on this list, but there’s no doubt that there’s an incredible amount of hype behind this film. Director J.J. Abrams might pull through on this film, much like he did so spectacularly on the “Star Trek” films. His presence gives me the most hope for this film. I keep my faith with “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens,” especially with the return of the original cast. That in itself is enough for me, I hope.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MGM PICTURES AND COLUMBIA PICTURES

“SPECTRE,” DIR. SAM MENDES, NOV. 6

Of course, “Spectre” was going to make this list, after the action masterpiece that was “Skyfall.” The hype could be good or very bad.

On one hand, director Sam Mendes might pull through once more with a beautiful and narratively deep action thriller with the perfect amounts of classic 007 mixed in. On the other hand, it could be “Quantum of Solace” all over again. I doubt “Spectre” will fall into “mediocre Bond” territory, as I have faith in Mendes and the cast.

But while I’m excited, I’m still prepping for a blow, simply due to my insatiable expectations.

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“CRIMSON PEAK,” DIR. GUILLERMO DEL TORO, OCT. 16

It took me six years to see “Pan’s Labyrinth” after its initial U.S. release in 2006, and I promise you, my life has not been the same since. Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy/horror film was a complete tour de force of visual and narrative heft, but since then, del Toro has gone down the blockbuster route with movies like “Hellboy” and “Pacific Rim.” These are all great movies, but to say that I’m excited for del Toro’s return to gothic horror with “Crimson Peak,” would be an understatement. This film looks masterful, beautifully gruesome and wonderfully crafted with its veteran cast of Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain and Charlie Hunnam. Anything less than exceptional won’t do “Crimson Peak” justice.

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Q&A WITH CAMPUS POLICE CHIEF BAKER The UNC Charlotte Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a crime-free campus Sara Carson Staff Writer

Founded in 1970, UNC Charlotte’s Department of Police and Public Safety wasn’t always what it is today. The department now has six different divisions: the patrol division, criminal investigation division, community policing coordinators, bicycle officers, cross-trained SWAT officers and administrative officers.

Currently, the department has 50 sworn officers, six to 15 of which are on-duty during the academic year at any given time.

UNC Charlotte’s officers, however, haven’t always had the same jurisdiction as county and state officers. It wasn’t until 1984 that officers in the department became state certified.

What feature offered by the department do you think is most underutilized by students, and how can it be better utilized?

By far, the newest addition to safety for our students is the LiveSafe App. This app provides our community with the ability to directly contact the UNC Charlotte Police Emergency Tele-Communicator by phone or text. It will also locate the caller offering our officers the exact location of a student needing help.

There are many other fantastic options for safety provided by this unique app. We are hoping that the entire campus community will download the safety app for their personal security.

The UNC Charlotte Police & Public Safety is a state authorized police department focused on

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b b “Nine out of 10 thefts on campus are caused by students leaving valuable items unattended.”

-Police Chief Jeff Baker

crime prevention, dedicated to protecting the welfare and safety of the university and committed to building strong campus and community partnerships that support and advance the research and educational goals of UNC Charlotte.

The ongoing collaboration of our dedicated law enforcement officers and members of the campus community allows us to better respond to the needs of those we serve, and we encourage any input that will assist us in building a culture of safety.

To maximize your academic experience, we encourage you to make choices that will ensure your personal protection. Please feel free to visit our website for more valuable safety tips.

What do you think is the most common misconception students have about the department, and how can it be clarified?

That’s a great question. I think the most common misconception is a belief that we are security guards and not sworn and state certified police officers. We are no different than the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department or any other police department in the state. We share the same in-service training, the same state mandates and the same rules.

What is the leading crime on campus, and how can students avoid it?

The leading crime on campus, hands down, is theft. Nine out

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of 10 thefts on campus are caused by students leaving valuable items unattended. No one should ever leave their smart phone, laptop, book bag or purse unattended. This is a problem everywhere and not relegated to just a university.

What is some advice you can offer students to feel safe at UNC Charlotte?

Students and people should minimize their personal risks in life. We have a very safe campus and our administration has invested a great deal of monetary resources to ensure individual safety.

It’s critical to remember why you are attending a university.

Be sure to download LiveSafe and keep your valuables secure. Avoid substance abuse; it’s no secret that alcohol and drugs negatively impact many life experiences.

Many students are reluctant to report crimes they’ve either witnessed or endured themselves. What can you tell students to make them feel comfortable about reporting a crime?

We are a highly skilled police department that focuses on success. We want to ensure that students are able to pursue their academic dreams in a safe environment. We will assist each and every student in an effort to resolve a situation they are faced with. We are also a very diverse police department and reflect our community.

DON’T GO BROKE FOR BOOKS Skip the lines and save some green with these alternatives to buying new textbooks

Diane Gromelski Copy Editor

Paying for textbooks on top of all the other expenses associated with college can be a struggle, with the average college student spending $563 on books every academic school year according to the U.S. News and World Report. Instead of skipping out on textbooks that can help you ace your classes, look for ways to save as you complete your last-minute buys this fall.

USED TEXTBOOKS

One of the easiest ways to save money on textbooks is to look for used copies at Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte, Gray’s College Bookstore across from campus or through online vendors.

Often in a similar condition to new books, used books can save you hundreds and are usually found near the new copy at the bookstore, offering convenience without the cost of shipping. However, better deals on used books can sometimes be found online

at sites like Amazon, BookFinder and Valore Books.

While buying used books is sometimes more expensive than renting, you can often see a return on your purchase at the end of the semester by selling your books back to the store or online vendor from which you bought them.

Amazon Student and Amazon Prime guarantee that they will buy books back, and Gray’s and Barnes & Noble both offer buyback options. However, you probably won’t be able to sell your books back to the physical bookstores if the school switches to a newer edition or stops requiring the textbook.

GO DIGITAL

If you’ve already purchased a new laptop or tablet for college, consider furthering that investment by buying less-expensive electronic textbooks. Available through sites like Amazon and Chegg as well as a variety

LOOK FOR TEXTBOOKS IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE. PHOTO BY CHRIS CREWS

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of apps, e-textbooks can save you a trip to the store and a bundle of cash.

According to Amazon, buying from their Kindle Textbook service can save you as much as 80 percent on your textbooks. You may even be able to find some of your books for free on the web.

If you are in a class that requires literature books, check to see if your readings are available for free through your device’s bookstore or Project Gutenberg.

Digital textbooks can be more engaging than print and paper for some students, as they often come with a number of features that you won’t find in a traditional textbook.

For example, most e-textbooks can be searched using the “find” function on your device and some even let you highlight and take notes on the page. An added bonus is that you won’t have to lug around a heavy backpack full of thick textbooks.

RENTING BOOKS

Another popular alternative to buying new textbooks is renting books from physical bookstores or online. This is a good option if the class you are taking is outside of your major or not a prerequisite for another class.

While not all books are available to rent at Gray’s and the Barnes & Noble on campus, you can likely find the ones that aren’t on Amazon or Chegg. Renting from an online vendor requires waiting for the book to arrive in the mail, but returning the book is easier than waiting in long lines at Barnes & Noble at the end of the semester.

Simply take the book to your closest UPS store or a UPS drop box on campus; the vendor normally prepays for shipping.

If you aren’t shopping at the campus bookstore or Gray’s, be careful to make sure you get the correct edition of the book so it matches what your professor is teaching.

The simplest way to ensure you are buying the right book is to Google the ISBN number, which can usually be found on the class syllabus or through your 49er Express account.

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P R O M OT E AC A D E M I C I N T EG R I T Y Honest work will ensure your success as student Diane Gromelski Copy Editor

When completing assignments in college, there is nothing more important than adhering to the Code of Academic Integrity, but this can be difficult for students who are not familiar with what academic integrity means. However, students are responsible for adhering to the code whether they understand the meaning or not.

Academic integrity in college often involves plagiarism, the submission of another’s work as one’s own including using another person’s words or ideas or submitting an entire paper written by another. Though plagiarism is the most wellknown version of academic integrity, there are a number of other offenses for which students can be punished. These include cheating on exams by copying another student’s test or using unapproved resources; fabricating or falsifying information; submitting substantial portions of the same work more than once; and aiding another student in an act of academic dishonesty, among other violations.

Academic integrity is important not only because it can cause you to fail a course

or be kicked out of school, but also because it assures the value of every graduate’s degree; promotes academic discourse; and encourages pride in one’s work.

Professors at UNC Charlotte often utilize resources like Turnitin to check the originality of students’ work, greatly increasing the likelihood that students will be caught. Turnitin is a website that can identify previously submitted work from papers turned into other academic institutions as well as information found on the Internet.

If a professor suspects a student has violated the code, they will bring the student before the Academic Integrity Board (AIB). The board is composed of students and faculty who will determine whether the student is responsible and any relevant penalties. The consequences of violating the academic integrity code are based on a number of factors, but can include a formal warning, a reduced grade in the class, disciplinary suspension or expulsion from the university.

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Leave Charlotte now!

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALYSSA FRONK

Alyssa Fronk

Community Editor

School is back in session in grand ole Niner Nation. Now, I’m going to give you a very serious piece of advice: Leave Charlotte ASAP! You might be puzzled because this is one of the best cities/colleges to be at. Sure, the Queen City is an absolute gem of a place to live and study, but there is so much more outside the 704, so much more outside our beloved United States.

I have two words for you: Study abroad.

Take this from an undergrad who has left the country twice to seek international education, seen some of the most beautiful places in

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the world and has enough memories to last a lifetime. I’m absolutely positive studying abroad is for every student passionate about education and anyone with the desire to have enriching life experiences. I will briefly state my case and leave you with the tools to make the next step, if you so wish to take the adventure of a lifetime.

Plus, there are so many programs designed to help college students take the leap abroad.

Whether it’s financial aid, scholarships or internship program, there is literally something for everyone. Think about all the responsibilities that will come after graduation. There won’t be much time to jet off for an adventure abroad.

GO WHILE YOU CAN

TRAVELING IS THE BEST EDUCATION

Fun fact: International travel is significantly easier for students. Most international governments open their borders wide for students seeking higher education.

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Retweet to that. The cross-cultural education you open yourself up to while abroad is richer than any class available. It’s one thing to read about another culture or

foreign customs, politics, etc., but when you directly submerge yourself in that environment, you are guaranteed another level of learning.

Education outside the United States is unlike anything I’ve experienced in a classroom.

Personally, I felt my mind being stretched and challenged every day. You are guaranteed a fresh, global perspective on your field of study – something that can’t always be acquired at a home university.

Oh, and did I mention doing the whole school thing abroad is just plain fun? A change of scenery can work wonders.

Aside from formal education, you’ll learn more about yourself. Of course, everyone’s experience is different, but anyone who has been abroad can agree that you won’t return back home the same person.

INTERNATIONAL BFFS

If I had to pick the best aspect from my time abroad, it would be the deep, beautiful friendships I formed and continue to keep.

It’s amazing how quickly you can bond with mere strangers. Easily connecting with others while abroad could be attributed to the fact that you are actively placing yourself in an environment to meet new people; plus, it’s easy to get along with others who love to travel and explore as much as you do.

These people become family in a matter of weeks, and the memories made together are priceless. Despite the reality of being torn apart once the adventure comes to an end, the bonds still remain. Unfortunately, none of my study abroad friends live close by, but they are still a part of my inner circle. We don’t talk every day, but when we do catch up, it’s like picking up right where we left off.

My study abroad friends know and

my lap if it hadn’t been for studying abroad.

INVALUABLE LIFE EXPERIENCE

understand me in a much more different way than my peers and friends at home. Two years later and I still consider my handful of study abroad friends to be some of my best friends.

The miles don’t matter and have never mattered.

Another perk to racking up so many friends all over the place is that I have an open invite to go visit. They graciously offer to board me if I ever “come their way” and vice versa. The next best thing to a study abroad trip is a study abroad reunion.

PROFESSIONAL PERKS

When all is said and done, your time abroad can open doors in the professional world. Add your international university to a resume, and you are bound to have leg up on other applicants. Since my time in Europe, every employer I’ve talked to has inquired about my global experience. They later shared that it made me stand out from other candidates.

In an employer’s mind, a study abroad alumnus equals an individual who is good with change, open to new experiences, a quick learner and good with all types of people. All those great, employable qualities are what will make you stand out from the pack in the job world, so work it! Personally, I have landed jobs and have been able to take opportunities that would’ve never fallen in

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Anyone who leaves his or her home for an educational/ life experience will undoubtedly change as a person. Let’s face it – leaving your home country to live in a foreign place is the definition of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. There are a million reasons why you shouldn’t miss out on such a rewarding opportunity.

I think about my study abroad experiences every single day and wish I had time to do it all again. Did you know the most common regret of college grads is not studying abroad? If I can promise one thing, it’s that you absolutely will never regret an experience like this.

Studying abroad will be challenging and demanding at times, but the rewards are endless. Going abroad will make you more compassionate as a human, a better global citizen, more willing to take on other adventures, heighten your desire for education and fuel your love for exploring the world.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO?

You’re in luck because UNC Charlotte happens to have a fantastic education abroad office. For more information on their programs, visit edabroad.uncc.edu.

You can set up an appointment to talk to a well-traveled advisor and select a program appropriate for your course of study and personal preference.

Remember, you can always opt for a nonaffiliate program, too, as long as the Office of Education Abroad approves it. So, what are you waiting for?

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