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TABLE OF CONTENTS 7. 8. 12. 14. 16. 18. 22. 24. 26. 28. 29. 34. 36.
Chancellor’s Welcome Parking Pandemonium All Aboard the Light Rail Fall-ing In Love with the Arts Get in the Spirit with Gold Rush Humans of UNC Charlotte A Clean Slate Fall Into Film Fall Television Roundup Queen City Cuisine Campus Cuisine Fall in Love with the Queen City Campus Construction Update
STAFF: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeffrey Kopp MARKETING DIRECTOR Fred Brown
CONTRIBUTORS: Alexandria Sands, Elissa Miller, Hailey Turpin, Sam Palian, Tyler Trudeau, Madison Dobrzenski, Katelynn Pennington, Pooja Pasupula, Kristopher Harris, Chris Crews, Wes Hicks SALES: Eddy Falls NINER MEDIA ADVISOR: Wayne Maikranz
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Marketing ADVISOR: Kelly Merges
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Graphics & Production: Joshua Wood
James Bourke
OFFICE MANAGER: Kelly Dudden
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Business Manager: Laurie Cuddy
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The Chancellor's Welcome On behalf of the entire Niner Nation community, welcome home! I hope you have come to believe, as I do, that choosing UNC Charlotte is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. As North Carolina’s urban research university, we have the distinction of being the only public institution serving Charlotte, the state’s largest city and an exciting hub of cultural and recreational activities in this region. I am fortunate enough to have served the university since 2005 as its fourth Chancellor. Before that, I was UNC Charlotte’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for almost six years, from 1991 to 1997. The growth that has occurred on this campus in the past two decades is nothing short of phenomenal, and it continues today. Although we don’t yet have the final enrollment figures for the fall semester, we appear to be on track for a new record enrollment approaching 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students. This growth can be attributed to our expanding reputation as an outstanding university with faculty and staff who are truly committed to student success. And we offer amazing opportunities in academics, research, community engagement, the arts, and athletics to provide a college experience second to none. To take full advantage of that experience, you truly need to be an active participant on campus, both inside and outside of the classroom. There’s no shortage of clubs, teams, and opportunities for you to consider as avenues for your personal involvement. These really are the best years of your life; make them count! Our research about students is very clear--busy students are successful students. I’m excited to update you on a few of the important construction projects that are underway, including: the University Recreation Center (UREC) which is going up next to the Student Union (due to be completed next summer); a new Undergraduate Admissions Center (set to open in Spring 2019); and a new science building (construction to begin this fall). And, of course, the beautifully transformed Belk Plaza is a wonderful new addition to the heart of our campus. In addition to new and renovated buildings, we’re also thrilled that light rail has finally made its way onto campus. It was a long wait, but totally worth it! All you need is your student identification card and you are good to go. Lisa and I look forward to seeing you around campus, perhaps at a concert or an athletic event. Remember, our first home football game of the season is coming up in just a couple weeks when we face Fordham University on Saturday, September 1. Hope to see you there! Go Niners!
Student Union photo by Chris Crews. Clock tower photo by Pooja Pasupula
Philip L. Dubois Chancellor
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Parking Pandemonium Tips to ofthat those pesky citations All the important factsavoid about one parking you need to know to avoid a citation By Jeffrey Kopp Editor-in-Chief In the process of researching and applying to UNC Charlotte, you’ve probably heard some things about parking. If you haven’t heard anything...just wait, you will. There is so much to know about parking on campus and it can be a little overwhelming at times. We’re here to help sort out the information and provide you with the correct information straight from PATS (Parking and Transportation Services) themselves. Follow these tips and tricks to be sure that you don’t end up with one of those pesky citations. The most important thing to know right off the bat is that there isn’t any free parking on campus. Therefore, it is smart to plan ahead before moving in, commuting or visiting. There are a variety of different permits available to the UNC Charlotte community, each allowing the driver to park in certain lots and decks. If you are living on campus and have a vehicle, you can purchase a Resident permit. Those residing in South Village are in close proximity to South Deck, a massive parking structure with six floors of spots; those living in North Village have North Deck, another structure with plenty of room to keep your vehicle. If you’re not planning on living on campus, but still need to park, look in the Commuter, which provides access to several of the major parking areas such as West Deck, Union Deck, CRI Deck, among others. The Two-Day Commuter pass is an excellent option for those who only need to be on campus twice a week; just remember
South Deck. Photo by Katelynn Pennington.
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that if you do need to visit campus outside of the two specified days, you’ll need to pay to park in visitor areas. UNC Charlotte is a growing university with a massive population of students, faculty, staff and guests. Because of this, there is an incredibly high demand for parking spaces. A major topic of debate among the campus community is the cost of parking permits with many believing that they are far too high, but it is important to note the funds from the permits are used to build and maintain the various lots and decks. PATS has made purchasing a permit exteremely simple and effortless. Simply stop by the Parking and Transportation Servies office or visit the website (pats.uncc.edu) to purchase a permit online; just remember that you will need a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, the registration for the vehicle and your 49er ID Card. Regardless of what pass you have, it is crucial that you refer the PATS Parking map, which has a complete breakdown of the lots and decks that are accessible to certain. So what happens if you end up with a citation? You can pay your citation three different ways: by mail, by visiting the PATS office, or by using the handy MyPark online portal. The good news is that for your first citation of the school year, PATS will reduce the citation cost by 50% if you pay within 10 business days. You can also appeal a conviction by providing a written statement to PATS within 10 days of being issued the citation. So how exactly can you make the most out of parking at UNC Charlotte? Planning ahead is key. It is wise to be aware of the busiest lots and decks, which are especially crowded at the beginning of each new semester. Parking further away from the center of campus may seem like a odd decision, but it may just save you time when you’re trying to find a spot in the busier lots and decks. For example, trying to park in West Deck during peak class times might leave scrambling to get where you’re going on time. Instead, trying parking in North Deck or Lot 25 and walk or take the bus to your destination. While this may seem inconvient at first, in actuality it will likely help you get where you’re going faster as you won’t have to compete with others for a spot. Parking at UNC Charlotte isn’t the nightmare that some rumors might have you think. If you just pay attention to the guidelines and rules that PATS has laid out, and also plan ahead, it will be smooth sailing for you. Coming up with a solid parking plan will save you from a headache later down the line, especially if you are running late to class. Whether you are a resident, a commuter, or are just visiting, being aware of the parking rules is one of the most imporant things. For more imformation about parking on campus, as well as a full list of citations, permit prices and a complete map of all lots and decks, visit pats.uncc.edu. You can also purchase a permit on the website!
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All Aboard the light rail Everything you need to know about how to ride and where to go By Alexandria Sands Managing Editor Congratulations! You picked UNC Charlotte as your school, which means you are enrolled at one of the few universities in the country with a train on campus. With just your student ID, you have the power to travel to some the best parts of Charlotte — NoDa, Uptown and South End — without ever getting in a car. The light rail may seem intimidating at first, but follow these steps and you’ll be riding like a pro by the second week of classes.
DON’T FORGET YOUR STUDENT ID
Your ID will get you on and off the light rail with no problems. Students pay $25 per semester as part of their tuition for an all-access pass on
the light rail, trolley and the majority of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) transit. When conductors ask to see your ticket, you will show them your ID. Occasionally you won’t be asked for a ticket during your ride, however, you don’t want to be caught empty-handed when they do. If you’re bringing non-students, make sure they pay at the kiosks for the $2.20 one-way or $4.40 round-trip ticket.
DOWNLOAD THE CHARLOTTE LIGHT RAIL APP
The Charlotte light rail app lets you know when the train is arriving and departing from its 26 sta-
tions. During the day, the light rail stops on campus every eight minutes. This app becomes more useful at night when the light rail only makes stops every 20 or so minutes. Make sure you hop on before the light rail stops service around 1:50 a.m. to avoid an expensive Uber ride. Tip: The UNC Charlotte Next Ride app lets you track on-campus buses that can take you to the station from different parts of campus.
KNOW WHERE TO GO (NINER TIMES STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS) Food Truck Friday Station: East/West Boulevard Every Friday, food trucks line up in Sycamore Brewing’s lot from 5-10 p.m. The event has outdoor seating and live music. Trucks vary depending on the night, but some of the regulars include the grilled cheese truck Papi Queso, taco truck Tin Kitchen and Gyro Twins. Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center Station: Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC)/ Arena NBA season starts up again in October, not too long after school starts. Charlotte Hornets games at the Spectrum Center are an affordable way to show some Queen City spirit. Plus, with the light rail, you don’t even have to pay for parking. In years past, they’ve sold tickets to college students for $10 if they were bought at the ticket both within the 90 minutes before the game. Visit nba. com/hornets/collegeoffer soon to get details on this year’s Hornets College Rush schedule.
UNC Charlotte Light Rail station. Photo by Pooja Pasupula.
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New study spots (other than Atkins) Station: 25th Street or CTC/Arena If you’re tired of the Atkins Library scenery, there are some amazing coffee shops along the
light rail perfect for studying. Get off at 25th Street and walk over to Amélie’s French Bakery. This 24/7 café is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and pastry at one of their many tables. They also serve lunch if you’re planning on making it an all-day study sesh. If you want to ride a little further, hop off at CTC/Arena Station and walk over to Coco and the Director to enjoy an atmosphere that encourages you to spend hours there cranking out work — either at a table or on the stadium-style seats with pillows and bean bags. If you get tired of laptops and textbooks, there’s board games and books for customers to enjoy. Be on the lookout for upcoming events Always be looking out for festivals, concerts and other upcoming events. Last semester, when light rail was first operating, students rode to the St. Patrick’s Day festival, March for Our Lives, NCAA basketball tournaments and 49er baseball games in Uptown at the BB&T Ballpark. Here are some free upcoming festivals to put on your calendar this fall:
Photo by Kristopher Harris
Yiasou Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral - Sept. 6-9 Station: East/West Boulevard Freedom in the Park Music and Arts Festival at Freedom Park Sept. 22-24 Station: East/West Boulevard and take a shuttle to the festival for $2 per rider Hola Charlotte Festival in Uptown - Oct. 6 Station: 7th Street
Photo by Kristopher Harris
Interior of Light Rail train. Photo by Pooja Pasupula
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Fall-ing in Love with the Arts A preview of on campus arts performances this upcoming semester By Elissa Miller Arts & Entertainment Editor Every year, UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture curates a busy schedule of theater and dance performances, art gallery openings and concerts to showcase the incredible talent found on campus to the university community. This fall is no different. Whether you are an established fan of the arts or simply looking to experience something new, there is bound to be something for you this upcoming semester! Below is an overview of some of the events held this fall, however, the full schedule can be found at https://coaa.uncc.edu/calendar/ month/2018-08.
I’m really excited about this one. It will also play in the Black Box Theater and will run Oct. 25 - Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 - Nov. 4. Tickets for both shows are $18 with concession prices (ranging from $12 - $8) for a number of groups including UNC Charlotte faculty, alumni, students, seniors and veterans.
Dance The Department of Dance will host two large dance concerts this fall. One consists of performances and choreography from the department’s faculty and guest artists. This (aptly named) Facul-
Theater The UNC Charlotte theater season typically consists of four productions, placing two in the fall semester and two in the spring. This fall consists of two (radically different) plays. The first is “Archipelago,” a play written by UNC Charlotte alum and OBIE Award winner Caridad Svich. It will star two UNC Charlotte theater professors, Carlos Alexis Cruz and Kaja Dunn, and be guest directed by Monica Ndounou of Dartmouth College. The show will run from Sept. 12 - 16 in the Black Box Theater. The second is the theater classic (and inspiration for the iconic Amanda Bynes movie “She’s The Man”) “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare. A comedy centering around a woman named Viola, who has assumed the identity of a man in order to obtain work, and the love triangle that later ensues, it promises to be a fun night at the theater. As a person who is generally a Shakespeare fan,
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“Bonheur et Prosperite” performed during the 2018 Spring Dance Concert. Photo by Jeff Cravotta
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ty Dance Concert will occur on Sept. 28 and 29. The other, the annual Fall Dance Concert, will feature student performers complemented by choreography from faculty and guests. It will run from Nov. 15 - Nov. 18. Both concerts typically explore a wide range of dance styles and topics. They will be held in the Belk Theater and ticket prices remain the same as for the aforementioned theater productions.
Art One of the best parts of college is the opportunity to explore something new and fall in love with it. For me, that experience applies strongly to attending my first art gallery opening on campus. A number of exhibitions are held on campus every year, though this fall there are three that especially stand out on the calendar. The first is the CoAA Global Studies 2018 Exhibition, held in Storrs Gallery. The exhibition aims to be a reflection on students’ study abroad experiences using a number of different mediums, including video, analytical diagrams and drawings. I recently spent six months abroad and am looking forward to seeing how the exhibit conceptualizes that experience. The opening reception will take place on Sept. 14 while the exhibit itself will be on view until Sept. 28. Later in the fall, the School of Architecture is presenting a “symposium and exhibition” entitled “SEE-ING: The Environmental Consciousness Project Symposium.” The showcase will be curated
by Assistant Professor Catty Zhang and on view in Storrs Gallery. The opening reception is scheduled for Oct. 15 while the exhibition will stay open until Nov. 16. The final big showcase currently scheduled for the fall is the Opening Reception for McColl Artist-in-Residence Liz Miller on Oct. 31. According to the event’s listing online, “Miller creates elaborate chain patterns cut from industrial rolls of materials such as felt, vinyl, and leather….these patterns are both elegant and deadly.” Students will also work with Miller to create a piece for display during the exhibition, which will be held in the Rowe Galleries. The works will be on view from Oct. 27 - Nov. 10. All three exhibitions are free.
able. The University Chorale will perform later that month. All of these mid-semester performances will be held in the Belk Theater. The final weeks of the semester are also host to a number of music performances, starting with the Gospel Choir on Nov. 19 in Rowe Recital Hall and ending with the Men and Women’s Choruses on Dec. 4 in the Belk Theater. Ticket prices range depending on the concert, though most are $8.
Music The music department has an especially busy semester this upcoming fall. It has to balance multiple choir groups, faculty and guest performances and various band and orchestra ensembles. In the early fall semester, the Faculty & Friends concert series hosts guest performers and showcases the department’s talented faculty. The first of these concerts will feature the ensembles A Sign of the Times and the Madison Park Quartet, which will perform a tribute to Nina Simone. This concert will be held in Rowe Recital Hall on Aug. 28. Other featured performers in this series include Kirsten Swanson and Eric Millard. During the first week of October, concerts hosted by Jazz Ensemble & Combos, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra are avail-
UNC Charlotte Philharmonia. Photo by Daniel Coston
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Trickster performance. Photo by Pooja Pasupula
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Get in the spirit with
Gold Rush A look at some of the upcoming events happening on campus By Hailey Turpin Lifestyle Editor The new school year is finally underway! Take a look at some of the upcoming Gold Rush events taking place to welcome students to campus.
Saturday, Aug. 18 CAB Block Party: Campus Activities Board will be hosting its annual block party at the Student Union Back Patio from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. UNC Charlotte’s Cheer Nation and DJ JLee will be making appearances throughout the night, so don’t forget to add it to your calendar!
Sunday, Aug. 19 Opening Worship: From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater, you can start off the new year in worship. Sponsored by Charlotte’s Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian and United Methodist churches, all are welcome to come and enjoy fellowship with old and new friends.
Monday, Aug. 20 New Student Convocation: Convocation day is dedicated to welcoming new and transfer students to the university. Students will begin the day at 8 a.m. meeting with the Dean of their colleges. From there, students will walk with their college to Halton Arena to attend the New Student Convocation ceremony. Following that, departmental and collegiate activities and events will take place until 5 p.m. Adult Student Welcome: This event is specifically designed for adult and non-traditional students to learn about services for adults, as well as to meet new people. Food and Prizes are also in store. Head over to Bernard 106 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to find your OASES.
RecFest: Come and learn more about the University’s Recreational clubs and events! Many Programs, services and events will be on showcase at the Northeast Recreational Field Complex (NRFC) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 21 Get Connected with 49er Technology!: Did you know that UNC Charlotte offers FREE software downloads and WiFi connectivity? Head to Kennedy from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about the technology you get just for being a 49er! College of Engineering ENGAGE ME! Program: This program allows new students in the College of Engineering to get engineering resources, tips from current students about life at UNC Charlotte, as well as advice on how to succeed as a new student at the university. The event will be located at Student Union Front Patio (in the case of rain, the event will be held at the SAC Food Court) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Noble Niner: Stop by the Student Union Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to learn the Noble Niner values and grab a free T-Shirt. What’s better than free stuff?
49er New Year and Kickoff Concert: Head over to the Student Activity Center and West Quad for free food, information on campus departments, and a free concert by Jacquees. Starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
Kick it with the Emerging Leaders: Meet alumni and current mentors of the Emerging Leaders Program, as well as learn the requirements and benefits of the program. Event will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Front fields 14A (in the case of rain, location will be Belk Gym Court #4). Norm statue. Photo by Chris Crews
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Student Organizations Showcase: We have over 415 student organizations here at UNC Charlotte, but how do you meet all of them?! From 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the CHHS/COED Plaza, you can meet as many as you want!
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Meet the Dietitian: Dining Services Nutrition Team Members Emily and Lindsay will be located at Crown Commons to answer any of your diet and nutrition questions. Catch them at Crown from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Back to Campus Carnival: Student Government Association (SGA) is hosting a night of games, food, prizes and information on student elections from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Student Union patio. The first 100 students get a free T-shirt! Inflatables and Ice Cream!: Enjoy some food and fun at the Wallis-Lynch Courtyard, and meet the South Village Housing and Residence Life Staff. Event lasts from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Death by Chocolate: Does this really need an explanation? All you can eat chocolate. Student Union. Norm’s. 7 p.m. Be there. Karaoke Night: Get your mic and song ready, cause it’s your chance to shine, as well as hang out with Student Government Association. The even starts at 8 p.m. at Norm’s (this means you can also get all the chocolate you can eat).
Take It or Leave It!: If you’re into thrifting, this is the event for you! The Recycling Office will have gently-used school supplies and items for free! Get the perfect deal at the CHHS/COED Plaza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Game of Life: College Edition: Head to the Star Quad Lawn to play the real Game of Life, which is your years in college. Participants will work with campus partners to work toward “graduating.” You can also enjoy the sweet things in life, like funnel cakes and other carnival foods, along the way. Event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so get a head start on your college life! Dig into Business: Freshman Edition: Calling all freshman Business majors! Here’s your opportunity to meet the Academic and Career Coaching and Professional Development teams. Ask your questions and get the advice you need to succeed. Event starts at 2:15 p.m. and will end at 3:15 p.m. at the Niblock Student Center.
Event starts at 3:45 p.m. and will end at 4:45 p.m. at the Niblock Student Center. UREC Group Fitness Sampler: To sample all the classes offered at UREC, head to Belk Gym from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and find a great new workout! Popsicles on the Patio: Popsicles and meeting the East Village Housing and Residence life staff? Sounds like a great opportunity to meet upperclassmen and RA’s. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Hall Patio. Worship with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Spend your night at CHHS 128 eating doughnuts and worshipping. Sponsored by Charlotte’s Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian and United Methodist churches, all are welcome to come and enjoy fellowship. The event begins at 7 p.m. Drop-In Bubble Soccer: Want to get involved in Intramural Sports but don’t know where to start? Head over to Belk Gym Court #3 at 7 p.m. to have fun and
Wednesday, Aug. 22
Succulents for Dorms: At 10 a.m., students will be able to go to McMillan Greenhouse to pot succulents, and take them home to their dorms! Norm photo by Chris Crews.
HELP! I Want to go Greek!: Wanting to go Greek or learn more information on Greek Life in General? UNC Charlotte’s Fraternity and Sorority Life will be in Student Union 200 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to answer any of your questions or concerns.
Thursday, Aug. 23 Career Carnival 2018: The Career Center is hosting its fall carnival filled with games, activities, prizes and fair food to kick off the new year! The carnival will be held at the SAC Food Court and Courtyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor Fair: This event showcases local businesses to promote their services to incoming students. Located at the CHHS/COED Plaza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tied Together: A tye-dyeing event to meet new friends and get crafty! The first 70 people will be provided with bandanas to dye, but you can bring your own things to recreate. Head to Atkins Library Lower Plaza at 2 p.m. to enjoy an arts and crafts break during your syllabus week.
GlowRage Paint Party: Courtesy of Campus Activities Board, enjoy throwing paint at the new friends you just met. Meet at Rec Field 12 at 8 p.m. It’s sure to paint a great start to the new school year!
University Transfer Center T-Shirt Swap: At this event, new transfer students can exchange their former college t-shirts with each other, meet other transfers, and receive new Niner Pride gear. Event will be located at Colvard 2200 Front Patio from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Combating the FreShman BlueZ: This event, located in CHHS 128, will help new students by providing resources at UNC Charlotte that might be slowing you down and hindering your success. Event starts at 7:20 p.m. and will last until 8:45 p.m.
Dig into Business: Transfer Edition: Calling all transfer Business majors! Here’s your opportunity to meet the Academic and Career Coaching and Professional Development teams. Ask your questions and get the advice you need to succeed.
learn about a new opportunity for physical activity. Niner Nation Pep Rally: Show off your Niner spirit at the Pep Rally, hosted by Charlotte Athletics, Cheer Nation and CAB. Event begins at 7 p.m. in Jerry Richardson Stadium.
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BSU Freshman Convocation: From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in McKnight Hall, the Black Student Union will be holding its annual Freshman Convocation. There you can learn about campus resources, student organizations, the BSU and how to get involved. CAB Wild’n Out Comedy Show: Looking for some laughter and want to see the cast of Wild’n Out live? Catch the show at Student Union 340 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The full list of Gold Rush events is available at nsfs.uncc. edu.
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By Hailey Turpin Lifestyle Editor
“One of the things I’m looking forward to is making new friends. I’ve been here for a long time, but I guess school kinda keeps me busy, so I’m going to try to talk to more people. I’m a Masters student so I’m extremely busy, so I haven’t looked into any clubs. I know there is a Psychology club, because I’m working on my masters in Psych, but other than that I’m not really aware of other organizations on campus.”
- Erica Gowan
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Photo by Pooja Pasupula
A Clean Slate
49er football prepares for 2018 season with coaching changes and new offense By Sam Palian Sports Editor After a 1-11 season for the Niners, Brad Lambert and his team are working hard to get Charlotte football where they want to be and a lot more goes into that in just coaching changes. “The new guys have come in and really gelled well with the team. It’s the start of the year and it’s coming together and we’ve just got a good vibe,” Lambert said. “We’ve got to execute though, you know you can come out here and play hard, but you’ve got to execute in crucial moments and that’s been our focus. Whether it’s red zone, whether it’s third down, we’ve got to execute in those critical moments.” Getting better as a team requires everyone to buy in and want to be their best, and junior running back Benny Lemay, who was named a captain this year, has certainly bought in. “We’ve definitely been working hard. It’s more competitive now. I know we’re definitely realizing that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done to be successful. Coach Montgomery is doing a great job of confusing the defense and putting in great schemes and stuff like that,” Lemay said. Coach Shane Montgomery also signed on as Charlotte’s new offensive coordinator and is wiping the slate clean to improve the way the Niners pass the ball. “I know that they struggled on offense last year and for different reasons. And ya know I came in and really didn’t look at last year, just focused on what we have and what we can do with the personnel here,” Montgomery said. “I think the focus now is to see what we can build on from what we did in the spring, install some new stuff, so I think the biggest thing is just trying to see what we do best, trying to see who our best players are and make sure they’re on the field.” Trying to put the best players on the field means figuring out just who those players are and of the decisions that will have to be made in
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the next couple weeks is who Charlotte fans will be seeing in the quarterback position. During the spring game, Chris Reynolds and Hasaan Klugh switched off a bit and now a transfer from Miami, junior Evan Shirreffs will also be competing for the
Juwan Foggie. Photo by Chris Crews
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spot. “We’ll see how that shakes out, who that guy is once we start playing live plays in camp, so we’ll see as that moves along who wins the job. Hasaan might be the quarterback, so if he’s the quarterback we’ll let him just work,” Lambert said. As the quarterbacks compete for the spot and coaches make a decision, new styles of offense are being put in to play to help move the ball better as well. “The biggest thing is we’ve got to get better at the passing game and to do that, it’s not just the quarterback, it’s got to do with everything. We’ve got to be able to run the ball early, we’ve got to be able to stay out of third and long so we don’t have to drop back and throw the ball,” Montgomery said. “So, as much as everybody wants to say we’ve got to be better at quarterback, we’re gonna have to play better as an offense and the more effective we are running the football, that’s gonna help the quarterback and that’s gonna help our passing game.” In order for the Niners to really change the way that they end their Saturday nights, a lot of things are going to be different this year, including quite a few coaching changes. Chris Scelfo was brought on as the new offensive line coach and Glenn Spencer was hired as defensive coordinator and will work alongside Chip West as co-coordinators. James Adams will now oversee the safeties, Brad Queen will now coach defensive tackles, and Charlie Skalaski will continue as special teams coordinator and will now be coaching receivers. As the Niners compete for positions and get better over the next few weeks, they will be preparing for a tougher schedule with games against App State on Sept. 8 and Tennessee on Nov 3. Charlotte’s first game will take place at home against Fordham on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.
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fall into FILM A look at what the big screen has to offer for the fall season By Tyler Trudeau Staff Writer ‘Venom’ - Oct. 5
Plenty of factors have gone into making the latest cinematic venture from Sony Pictures and Marvel a potential success come this October. With its comic-book premise detailing the origins of vicious alien anti-hero Venom, and his host in aspiring journalist Eddie Brock, the project has slowly been gaining steam amid an emerging new cinematic universe. With a star like Tom Hardy on-board as Brock, the kickstarter film for Sony’s budding Spider-Man franchise adjacent to Disney and Marvel Studios could make for a surprising dive into one of the comics’ most iconic adversaries.
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ - Nov. 16
‘The Predator’ - Sept. 14
As the age of countless sequels and reboots continue, another film that seeks to add to the pile comes in Shane Black’s ‘The Predator,’ out this September. Seeking to subtly reinvent the action-horror franchise that began with 1987’s ‘Predator’, the star-studded sequel aims to sell the signature frights (and bloodshed) of the franchise, injected into an edgier, modern thriller. With the writer behind ‘Lethal Weapon’ at the helm, the latest retread of a Hollywood classic could make for either a dull new chapter, or a stunning and visceral update.
‘Halloween’ - Oct. 19
Acting as the second chapter in a five-arc story, the prequel series to J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ franchise takes its latest step into the mythology with November’s ‘The Crimes of Grindelwald.’ Following the first film, which saw young wizard Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) draw out the dark threat of Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp), its sequel yearns to carve out the history behind the villain, starting with his complicated relationship with Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law). Looking to be just as ambitious and expansive as its predecessor, the further adventures within the wizarding world will easily take hold of this year’s Thanksgiving season.
With sequels like ‘The Predator’ and the upcoming ‘Terminator’ film set to shake up the continuities of their established franchises, another bold project seeking to update its legacy is October’s ‘Halloween.’ Set nearly forty years after the 1978 horror icon from director John Carpenter, the story of serial killer Michael Myers evolves further as the film finds him clashing once more with Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode. Even with ten installments already in the books for the slasher series, it seems Myers and his gory exploits still have more to deliver. Let’s just hope the newest Strode-Myers confrontation is one to remember.
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
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Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
‘First Man’ - Oct. 12
From the director of ‘Whiplash’ and ‘La La Land’, the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong comes to the silver screen in the form of Damian Chazelle’s ‘First Man.’ While the number of biographical dramas is far from rare in Hollywood these days, the second team-up of Chazelle and actor Ryan Gosling (as well as composer Justin Hurwitz) looks to be a substantial contender come award season. Telling of the harrowing missions to space that led up to Apollo 11 moon landing, ‘First Man’ could make for a winning feature for both Chazelle and Gosling, as well as a gripping drama of ground-breaking achievement.
‘Night School’ - Sept. 28
While I never really witnessed the rise in acclaim for actress/comedian Tiffany Haddish, who made her film breakthrough in 2017’s ‘Girls Trip,’ it’s primarily the other half of September’s ‘Night School’ that seeks to draw me in this fall. With star Kevin Hart heading up some of the biggest comedies of the past few years, from animated hits like ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ to the newest ‘Jumanji’ chapter, the zany comedian has injected his energetic persona into nearly every project he’s done. While ‘Night School’ surely won’t be his greatest feature as an actor, a no-holds-barred chemistry with Haddish could serve up a similarly sizable offering as Haddish’s 2017 break-out.
‘A Star Is Born’ - Oct. 5
One of the things I’m always fascinated by as a cinephile is whenever an actor I enjoy debuts his first film as a director. With an actor like Bradley Cooper, who has come to balance comedy and drama with ease, stepping behind the camera for October’s ‘A Star Is Born,’ another promising debut has found its way into the spotlight. While its premise of a troubled musician (Cooper) who finds love and success when he teams up with a young aspiring songwriter (Lady Gaga) might seem a bit commonplace in a long line of romantic music-themed dramas, the appeal of Cooper as both star and director, as well as the rising career of Gaga as an actress could set the remake as a must-see this season.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - Nov. 2
Another music-themed feature set to make waves this fall finds itself in the long-awaited Freddie Mercury biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Telling of the rise of British rock band Queen, primarily through the eyes of enigmatic frontman Mercury, the film looks to delve into the personal affairs of the band’s members, all while spilling out a riotous collection of iconic rock ‘n roll hits. With ‘Mr. Robot’’s Rami Malek shaping himself into the flamboyant frontman as he strides towards leaving his mark on the big screen, Bryan Singer’s ambitious drama could easily make for one of the biggest biopics of the year.
Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Anna-Purna Pictures
‘Creed II’ - Nov. 21
Easily grabbing hold of the Thanksgiving season some three years ago, the boxing drama of ‘Rocky’ spin-off ‘Creed’ managed to not only deliver a sensational sophomore team-up between director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan, but also a profound continuation of the Sylvester Stallone series. With its sequel in this November’s ‘Creed II’ seeking to carve away more of Jordan’s Adonis Creed and the troubled legacy of his father, his relationship with boxing legend Rocky Balboa (Stallone) will be tested as old rival Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) returns. While I was never one to crave more boxing-themed movies, the continued story of Creed and his countless trials could pull me in for another riveting face-off.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ - Dec. 14
While ‘Venom’ might seek to establish a darker cinematic universe under the Marvel banner, and we won’t see Tom Holland’s Spider-Man make his return until Summer 2019, another Spider-Man-centric project looks to web up this holiday season. Spinning off a visually-captivating animated story, the origins of Miles Morales finally come to the big screen in December’s ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.’ With Morales taking over the web-slinging persona after an aged Peter Parker passes the torch, the film aims to expand the lore of the Spider-Verse onto the silver screen. With the film having the freedom to tell its own story outside of the already-established big screen adaptations featuring the character, ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ could make for a fun escape into the comic-book legacy of one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes.
‘Mary Poppins Returns’ - Dec. 19
As Disney’s ambitious quest to unearth the nostalgia that made its classic films so wondrous continues, with films like ‘Christopher Robin’ and the upcoming ‘Dumbo,’ one of their most intriguing projects finds itself in the surprising sequel to 1964’s ‘Mary Poppins.’ With December’s ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ set to ensnare us in another rambunctious London-set musical, the Emily Blunt-starrer yearns to recapture the icon that cemented the original as a classic.
‘Aquaman’ - Dec. 21
Riding off the appeal of DC’s last solo outing with 2017’s ‘Wonder Woman,’ as well as the underwhelming yet enjoyable ‘Justice League,’ the origins of Arthur Curry aka The King of Atlantis are finally set to make their big screen debut in December’s ‘Aquaman.’ Evoking the likes of ‘Black Panther’ with its intense power struggle between super-powered royalty, the sixth film in the ever-evolving DC cinematic universe seeks to expand upon star Jason Momoa’s brash sea-god and his underwater world. In what could be a decent opponent to the Marvel powerhouse, minus the obvious cultural significance of the latter, ‘Aquaman’ plans to sell another compelling solo adventure for one of their unlikely of heroes.
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Fall television roundup A look at all of the new and returning shows set to hit the small screen this fall By Jeffrey Kopp Editor-in-Chief ‘Mayans MC’ (FX)- Sept. 4
From 2008 to 2014, FX aired seven seasons of the wildly popular series “Sons of Anarchy,” amassing a dedicated fanbase that still resonates in the diverse television landscape today. Not long after the series wrapped, FX and creator Kurt Sutter announced plans for a spinoff that would follow another group of motorcycle-riding characters. Set in the aftermath of the original series, “Mayans MC” serves as an expansion of the franchise universe that is still guaranteed to be it’s own unique story. Still, fans are very much looking forward to see if any familiar faces from the original canon pop in to make cameo appearances at all. Television viewers can hop back onto the motorcycle and take a ride when “Mayans MC” makes its debut on Sept. 4 at 10 p.m. on FX.
‘The Purge’ (USA)- Sept. 4
‘Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 2’ (Netflix)- Sept. 7
This might just be the most polarizing show on this list. When the first season of Netflix’s fourth entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe launched in 2017, fans and critics alike were left disappointed and angry at the lackluster story, cheap fight choreography and awkward acting. While some viewers may choose to pass on the sophomore season, it does appear (based on released teasers and some behind-the-scenes news) that more effort was made to give fans the iconic comic hero they have been waiting for. With Alice Eve joining the cast, alongside Simone Missick as Misty Night from “Luke Cage,” there looks to be some new life added to the mix. How will the newest season of Marvel & Netflix’s take on the MCU turn out? Fans can binge all ten episodes on Sept. 7 to find out.
‘The Deuce: Season 2’ (HBO)- Sept. 9
Back in 2013, a small-budget flick called “The Purge” hit the big screen and went on to captivate the world over with its fascinating plot. In the years since, two sequels and one prequel have been released to help expand the film universe...and to rake in more money. A television series based on the franchise was bound to happen at some point to help tell a more long-winded narrative set during the most violent night of the year. This miniseries will follow a collection of characters in a town as they fight to stay alive and “release the beast” during those famous 12 hours of chaos. It remains to be seen how exactly the narrative structure of the ten episodes will work, but any fan of the films should definitely tune in to see how things will play out. Be sure to lock down and get comfortable when “The Purge” premieres on Sept. 4 at 10 p.m. on USA.
A series that flew under the radar of many, but managed to garner critical acclaim is HBO’s “The Deuce.” Set in New York City during the 1970s, the story tells the tale recently legalized pornography industry as it grew and affected other industries. This period piece will get to explore slightly different fashion, music and historical events as the second season will jump ahead five years. Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Franco, the series has been lauded for its top notch performances...even if it may not garner much in the way of awards. Still, anyone interested in this time period will likely find themselves engrossed by the rich narrative and compelling characters. The first season can be binged on HBO Go prior to the Season 2 premiere on Sept. 9 at 9 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Photo courtesy of HBO/Warner Bros. Television
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Photo courtesy of FX/20th Television
‘American Horror Story: Apocalypse’ (FX)Sept. 12
Few shows are able to stand the test of time and carry on for 2+ seasons, but here “American Horror Story” is...still trucking along with its scares EIGHT seasons in. The beauty of this anthology series is that while each season is a fresh story with brand new characters, there is still a connective tissue that links everything together. Fans are especially excited for this upcoming batch of episodes due to the fact that co-creator Ryan Murphy has confirmed that it will be a crossover between two of the most popular seasons: “Murder House” and “Coven.” As per usual, the specifics of the plot are locked up tight, but there has been confirmation that many of the series most iconic characters will return, including Sarah Paulson’s Cordelia Goode and Billie Dean Howard, Emma Roberts’ Madison Montgomery and most noteworthy, Constance Langdon, marking Jessica Lange’s return to the series. What exactly does “Apocalypse” in the title refer to? The final scene of the first season just might give you some answers ahead of the Sept. 12 premiere on FX.
Photo courtesy of NBC/Fox Television
‘This Is Us: Season 3’ (NBC)- Sept. 25
This list just wouldn’t be complete without America’s favorite family drama, which is set to return for its third season this fall. Following the Pearson clan these last two years has been quite emotional to say the least. With a plethora of dramatic twists and turns, the series has garnered high praise from fans and critics alike, even managing to sweep award categories when it comes to nominations. This must-watch show dives into the intricacies of a family as they experience love, loss and all of the other highs and lows of life. Helmed by Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, the cast is one of the best on television and is reason enough to tune in when “This Is Us” returns on Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. on NBC.
Photo courtesy of AMC
‘The Walking Dead: Season 9’ (AMC)- Oct. 7
Photo courtesy of Netflix
‘Maniac’ (Netflix)- Sept. 21
When the trailer for this new miniseries first dropped, the Internet exploded with a flurry of excitement and intrigue. With Jonah Hill and Emma Stone starring, alongside Justin Theroux and Sally Field, the cast is just one reason why people are so curious about this new Netflix original. The series will follow Hill and Stone’s characters as they take part in a pharmaceutical trial organized by a mysterious doctor who claims to be able to cure all forms of mental illness. The trailer has major “Stranger Things” vibes while still looking fresh and original. Viewers can watch the full season of the dark comedy when the episodes drop on Sept. 21.
After two highly polarizing seasons of non-stop war, the hit zombie drama is set to enter a new chapter of relative peace and tranquility (which won’t last long). Adapting the comic book’s famed time-jump, the ninth season will pick up a year and a half after the traumatic all out war between the survivors and the Saviors. Incoming showrunner Angela Kang promises “a new beginning” that feels more like the classic seasons of the show while still managing to keep fans guessing. This season is especially noteworthy as series lead Andrew Lincoln has announced that it will be the end of the line for his iconic character Rick Grimes. How will the show fare without its resident walker-slayer? Will he meet a grim fate like so many before him or will that mysterious helicopter factor into his exit? Those questions and more will be answered when the show returns on Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. on AMC.
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Queen City Cuisine Enjoy all the food Charlotte has to offer By Alexandria Sands Managing Editor On-campus eating is not half bad; SoVi is actually pretty great. We have Chick-fil-A, Bojangles’ and my personal favorite, Panda Express. But there are days when you want to venture off campus. If not for something different, then just for fun. In that case, you have two options. Option1:Cheap,close & good
These are the local spots where “all the college kids go,” because they’re cheap and sometimes have student specials.
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Located behind Harris Teeter, Monterrey is your typical Mexican restaurant. But it’s consistently good and you get a sit-down meal for roughly $10 plus tip. Gather with a group of friends (maybe your new roommates) and talk over a bowl of chips and salsa. Most students go for the $9.99 Special 49ers ACP, which is grilled chicken over Mexican rice covered in queso.
Macado’s
Macado’s has specials all week long, but their most popular is the 39 cent wings. The college student’s dream is only on Thursdays from 4-9 p.m. and Sunday from 1-7 p.m. If you aren’t a huge wing fan, then you have the comfort of knowing the lengthy menu also has reasonable prices on wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas and pasta.
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Boardwalk Billy’s
Light rail stop: J.W. Clay Boulevard/UNC Charlotte Boardwalk Billy’s is perfect if you’re looking to make dinner a night-long event. Go here and get a tasty burger, some seafood or wings. The best part about this place, however, is the location (hence the word boardwalk). Right outside is a pond where you can rent paddle boats. Then, stroll on over to Ninety’s Ice Cream next door and get one of their instagramable deserts: cereal milkshakes, cookie dough pops and yum-ee buns (Chinese sweet buns stuffed with ice cream and coated with toppings). It’s a date. Option 2: Charlotte’s best If you want to venture outside university city — which is easy now, thanks to light rail — go for Option 2: all the great food Charlotte has to offer. Charlotte has some of the best food in the state. Just ask Guy Fieri; He’s a regular.
ral-filled walls on your walk down the street.
Price’s Chicken Coop
Light rail stop: East/West Boulevard Price’s Chicken Coop is a Charlotte icon known for serving up the best fried chicken in the state since 1962. Customers walk up to the counter, order and pay with cash only. There’s no customer seating, so where you’re eating is up to you. I found a nearby park to picnic at, but you’ll see people eating off the hood of their cars in the parking lot. Fried chicken meals are served with coleslaw, hushpuppies, french fries and a roll.
Midwood Smokehouse
When Barack Obama visited the Queen City in 2016, he told the crowd he loved North Carolina for its food. “In fact, I will find someplace to stop and get some food before I head back to D.C,” he said. He and Hilary Clinton ended up at Midwood Smoke-
house in Plaza Midwood for some barbecue. This restaurant pulls inspiration from barbecue all across the south, from Texas to the Carolinas.
Vapiano
Light rail stop: Charlotte Transportation Center/Arena Station This place isn’t exclusive to North Carolina, but there’s only a few in the world. If you’re exploring Uptown and want to grab an affordable Italian lunch, this is your spot. They do things slightly different here; you order your meal at a station (pasta, pizza, etc.) and swipe the card you get when you first enter. Then, the chef creates your dish in front of you. You take it to a seat (I recommend sitting outside so you can people watch in the city). At the end of your meal, you hand the hostess your card, pay and grab a cupful of free gummy bears on your way out.
Cabo Fish Taco
Light rail stop: 36th Street (NoDa) This is my go-to spot when people visit me and want to grab a bite. Cabo Fish Taco never disappoints. The go-to meal is two tacos with a side (I recommend the spicy avocado salad). And these aren’t your ordinary tacos; they’re barbecue Mahi, lemon grilled shrimp and honey soy glazed salmon. Chips and corn salsa come soon after you sit down. Plus, this place is in the heart of the arts district known as NoDa, so you can admire the mu-
Priceʼs Chicken Coop. Photo by Alexandria Sands
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Campus Cuisine A handy guide to the UNC Charlotte campus food scene By Madison Dobrzenski Opinion Editor UNC Charlotte has many options when it comes to on campus dining. There are places to get a quick snack, a full course meal and a cup of coffee. They are spread out well enough that you can hopefully find what you need where you need it. In order to take advantage of these options, you have to know what they are.
Building, which is also referred to as the Fretwell Cafe. Peet’s has delicious coffees, teas and snacks. With plenty of seats inside and outside, both Peet’s locations make for excellent places to study or wind down between classes. You are able to use cash, card or your declining balance at either Peet’s location.
Dining Halls: Crown Commons
Crown Commons is one of our two buffet-style dining halls on campus. It is located on the second floor of the Popp Martin Student Union, so it is more accessible to people near the North and East Villages. The dining hall has a pizza station, salad bar, grill station, homestyle cooking station and more. The dining hall labels their meal options as “vegan,” “gluten free,” or “vegetarian,” for anyone who may have allergies or meal preferences. Crown Commons takes meal swipes, declining balance and if you have a guest that doesn’t have a meal plan, they are able to pay to eat. The price is different depending on the time of day.
Coffee Options: Peet’s Cafe
Peet’s Cafe is a popular on-campus coffee shop. At UNC Charlotte, we have two locations for Peet’s. There is one Peet’s in the ground floor of the library, and there is a second location in the Fretwell
Fast Food and Restaurants: Wendy’s
Located in the Popp Martin Student Union, Wendy’s is a great fast food option for lunch or dinner. Wendy’s is one of the on campus dining options that is open late at night, so it is a great stop after those Gold Rush events and any late night activities. You are able to use cash, card or your declining balance at Wendy’s.
Bojangles
Right next to Wendy’s, there are two good breakfast options. One of those options is Bojangles. You may use cash, card or declining balance at Bojangles. Bojangles does close earlier than Wendy’s, so it’s not the best late night choice, but it is a great breakfast, lunch or dinner location.
Einstein Bros Bagels
The second good breakfast option next to Wendy’s is Einstein Bros Bagels. Einstein Bros Bagels has delicious bagels as well as coffee, so Starbucks is not your only coffee option in the Popp Martin Student Union. You may use cash, card or declining balance at this dining facility. Einstein Bros Bagels is only an option for breakfast and lunch, since it closes at 2 p.m., but be sure to take advantage of this delicious option this semester.
SoVi at South Village Crossing
SoVi is our second buffet-style dining hall on campus. SoVi is at South Village Crossing, so it’s more accessible to people that live in South Village or are at the library. SoVi also has a pizza station, homestyle cooking and salad bar. The dining hall labels their meal options as “vegan,” “gluten free,” or “vegetarian,” for anyone who may have allergies or meal preferences. SoVi takes meal swipes upon entry just like Crown Commons, and you are also able to pay or use your declining balance.
card or your declining balance.
Bistro 49
Pizza station at Crown. Photo by Pooja Pasupula
Starbucks
UNC Charlotte has one place to get Starbucks, and that is right next to the bookstore in the Popp Martin Student Union. Starbucks has breakfast food and delicious drink options, and there is seating inside and outside. It can get really busy right before classes, so if you plan on stopping for coffee, leave yourself plenty of time! Starbucks takes cash,
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Bistro 49 is a finer dining facility on campus, located on the same floor as Crown Commons. This is an excellent place to meet a friend for lunch, and often goes missed because of its location down the hall from a dining hall. Despite its hidden location, be sure to check out this dining option when you want to try something different. You may use cash, card or declining balance at Bistro 49.
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The Den
The Den is another great late night option. This dining facility has food by Denny’s and is located at South Village Crossing, so it is most accessible to people in South Village, but it’s worth checking out even if you live somewhere else. You are able to use cash, card or declining balance at The Den.
Prospector
Prospector is located near Smith and the Friday building, and it has a lot of dining options, including ChickFil-A, Salsarita’s, Mama Leonne’s Pizza and Feisty’s Franks and Fries. The option at Prospector that has the
longest hours are Chick-Fil-A, so be sure to check the hours of any place in Prospector that interests you, because you don’t want to walk there to find it’s not open. Your declining balance can be used at any of these dining facilities, as well as cash or card.
Cone Center
The Cone Center is located next to the library, and the lower part has many dining options that are perfect for a quick bite between classes. The Cone Center has Subway, Panda Express and a convenience store to pick up snacks or bubble tea. Your declining balance may be used at any of
these options, as well as cash or card.
Outtakes
Outtakes is a convenience store and market located in the Popp Martin Student Union. At Outtakes, you may purchase snacks and drinks, as well as get a sandwich or soup. Outtakes is a great option when you’re in a rush, but still need a bite to eat. You are able to pay using cash, card or declining balance.
SoVi To Go
At South Village Crossing, on the same floor as The Den, there is a place where you can get SoVi To Go. This is great for someone who needs to eat, but is on the move. Be sure to try this option, especially if you live in South Village.
SoVi Market
Like the Popp Martin Student Union, SoVi has a market where you can pick up quick snacks and any other items you may need. You are able to pay using cash, card or declining balance. These are the most popular dining options on campus, but there are more! More locations, the hours for all the facilities and all of this information can be found at https://aux.uncc. edu/dining. Happy eating, Niners!
Food options available at the dining halls. Photos by Pooja Pasupula
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Fall in love with the queen city All of the happenings around Charlotte this fall By Madison Dobrzenski Opinion Editor If you are just arriving at college in this new and busy city, you are probably overwhelmed, yet excited for all there is to do. Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, food, nightlife and activities. This is a good thing for most college students, but it can make you wonder where to start. Here is a list of events and activities you can partake in this fall semester. Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, Uptown Charlotte, Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 Every August, Charlotte holds the biggest Pride festival in the state, which brings over 100,000 people to uptown Charlotte to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride festival will take place on Aug. 18 and 19, and the parade will be on Sunday, Aug. 19. The event is free, however there will be vendors and stores open to buy things, so be sure to bring money. The festival takes place in Uptown Charlotte and is hard to miss due to the rainbows and glitter, so take the lightrail into uptown and hang out at the Charlotte Pride festival and experience the biggest Pride festival in North Carolina!
from $48 to $153. If you are a jazz or concert enthusiast, this would be a great first event to attend! Yiasou Greek Festival, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Sept. 6-9 Take in Greek culture at the Yiasou Greek Festival at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sept. 6-9. There will be delicious Greek food, a tour of the cathedral, traditional folk dancing and more. It’s worth checking out even if you just try the baklava sundae. Charlotte AutoFair, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sept. 6-9 Any car lover should take the time to attend the Charlotte AutoFair’s car corral. There will be antique cars for sale and a flea market with unique parts for cars. Photo by Wes Hicks
2018 Queen City’s Women’s Equality Festival, Uptown Charlotte, Aug. 25 This festival will celebrate the exceptional women in the Charlotte Metro area. There will be vendors, entertainment, food, games and more. This event is worth stopping by in your uptown adventures.
Charlotte Film Festival, Ayrsley Grand Cinemas, Sept. 26-30 This festival features local filmmakers, as well as filmmakers from around the world, industry professionals and a consistent and dedicated audience. If you are a film enthusiast, this is the Charlotte attraction for you this fall. TEDxCharlotte, Dale F. Halton Theater at CPCC, Oct. 12 TED is coming to Charlotte! Attend TEDxCharlotte to learn new information and mingle with people who love learning as much as you do. Tickets range from $15 to $50, and lunch is included in your ticket. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so clear your day for this exciting event.
Pizazz Smooth Jazz Festival, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, Aug. 31 If you need something to do on Friday, Aug. 31, there will be a Pizazz Smooth Jazz Festival at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre. The show will have Grammy Award Winner Kenny G along with many other incredible jazz artists. The show will begin at 6 p.m., and ticket prices range
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Cabarrus County Fair, Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, Sept. 7-15 This is exactly the county fair you’re picturing. That’s right, there will be a huge ferris wheel, food vendors that can fry anything you want, competitions and livestock. This fair is definitely a good way to welcome cooler weather and the fall semester. Festival in the Park, Freedom Park, Sept. 21-23 Started in 1964, Festival in the Park brings “good food, good music and good times to Charlotteans and visitors from around the world.” The festival is designed to promote interest in the arts and bring Charlotteans together. The festival has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that would be a wonderful place to spend a weekend.
This is just a select few of the events going on in Charlotte during the fall semester. There will be many brewery tours, food festivals and unique events that you will not want to miss. For more information about the activities listed or to find more that interest you, go to charlottesgotalot.com or charlotteagenda.com.
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Campus construction update The ongoing and complete construction projects at UNC Charlotte By Alexandria Sands managing editor Construction on several large, multi-million projects ramped up over the summer at UNC Charlotte. Here’s the new, ongoing and complete construction projects students can expect to see upon their return to campus. Health and Wellness Center will stay under construction throughout the year A $66 million Health and Wellness Center began construction over the summer next to the Popp Martin Student Union. The 160,000-squarefoot facility will include aerobic and weight training rooms, group fitness areas, courts, a pool and offices for intramural and recreational programs. The facility has been controversial among students, many of whom say the facility is unnecessary with two gyms already on campus, however, university officials say the building will address a “current shortage of student health and wellness space.” The building is scheduled to be complete in July.
Construction on the new Belk Plaza. Photo by Alexandria Sands.
Students move into a new Scott Hall Students move into a new Scott Hall this fall after renovations completed this summer on the 49-year-old building. The project was originally authorized $2.25 million in late 2015, but surpassed that at a cost of $21.9 million. Renovations included new study spaces, increased privacy in bathrooms and a brick exterior to match the rest of South Village, as well as updates to mechanical, electrical, information technology and plumbing systems.
Union Deck expansion adds more parking Parking near the Student Union was increasingly difficult last year when Lot 18 closed to make way for two major construction projects, one of which was the $14 million Union Deck expansion. The expansion, which wraps up this month, is adding 570 highly-requested parking spaces to the structure’s west end, both adding new spots and making up for lost ones due to the Health and Wellness Center.
Belk Plaza offers a new hangout spot on campus The $2 million revitalization of Belk Plaza began construction in the spring and continued over the summer. The project replaces the Belk Tower, which was torn down due to safety concerns. The area will feature a “great lawn,” performance stage and a double-sided foundation once complete. Admissions and Visitors Center will ease tours At the front of campus, tennis courts have been replaced with the construction of an $8 million Admissions and Visitors Center. The building will make it so potential new students and their parents find the facility quickly rather than traveling to the inner core of campus for tours. That project will be complete in February.
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Moore and Sanford to be torn down, replaced Moore and Sanford halls were planned to be renovated like Scott, but university officials announced a change of plans in January, saying it would be more cost effective to tear down and replace the buildings. Moore Hall residents will be relocated at the end of the semester so that the tower can be demolished. Sanford Hall will follow at the end of the spring semester. The two towers will be replaced with a single $58.5 million residence hall to be designed by the same company as Levine Hall. The project, which will house somewhere between 750 and 800 students, is expected to be complete by September 2020.
Construction crews working on the University Recreation Center. Photo by Pooja Pasupula.
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$101M science building to break ground next month Ground breaks on a $101 million science building in September. The facility will house instructional classrooms and research labs. Project completion is expected to be in November 2020, with an anticipated occupancy date of late 2020. Its being built on the corner of Mary Alexander and Craver Roads where the Parking and Transportation Services and Facilities Operations offices are. Those operations will relocate in September to a new, shared building next door to the light rail station and North Deck.
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