2019
NINER NATION GUIDE
A Student Niner Media Publication
STAFF
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5.
Letter From the Editor
24.
A Guide to Student Organizations
6.
UNC Charlotte History
27.
Learning Communities
7.
Move-In Tips
32.
Safety on Campus
9.
A Taste of Campus
34.
A Taste of Charlotte
12.
Guide to Sharing YourSpace
36.
Campus Norms
14.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting College
39.
A 49er Guide to Ride
17.
Meet the Student Union
40.
Summer Gaming Roundup
18.
A Guide to Parking on Campus
42.
Oh the Places You’ll Go
Marketing Staff
20.
Buying Textbooks 101
44.
Summer on the Small Screen
Niner Media Staff Wayne Maikranz, Media Advisor Kelly Merges, Marketing Advisor Joshua Wood, Graphics & Production Laurie Cuddy, Business Manager Kelly Dudden, Office Manager
21.
Student Health Center
45.
Summer on the Big Screen
22.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Editor-In-Chief Madison Dobrzenski
Marketing Director Caleb Adams Community Editor
Jeffrey Kopp Sports Editor
Creative Director James Bourke News Editor
Megan Bird A&E Editor
Sam Palian
Noah Howell
Lifestyle Editor
Opinion Editor
Olivia Lawless
Nikolai Mather
Copy Editor
Photo Coordinator
Emily Hickey
Pooja Pasupula
Video Producer
Maria Solano
Layout Editor
Natasha Morehouse
Contributing Staff
Max Young, Elissa Miller, and Tyler Trudeau
Fred Brown, Eddy Falls, and Sully Oliver
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Letter from the Editor: Welcome to UNC Charlotte
Photo by Pooja Pasupula
To the future 49ers, Congratulations! You are pursuing higher education. Not only that, but you are pursuing higher education at one of the best universities in North Carolina, and at a school that will soon be your new home. Whether you’re a new high school graduate or a transfer student, you are here. You are a 49er. I want you to understand what that means. As a 49er, you are a part of a student body that comes together when a fellow niner is down. You are part of a student body that is growing at the speed of light. You are part of a student body that is thriving in the largest city in North Carolina. You are part of a student body that is diverse, enthusiastic and full of pride. Whether UNC Charlotte was your first choice or your fallback, you are now a 49er. Whether you are a commuter coming from 15 minutes up I-85 or are coming from hundreds of miles away, you are now a 49er. Take pride in that. We at the Niner Times have made this publication to teach you what it’s like to be a part of Niner Nation, and we hope it makes your transition into university life go as smoothly as possible. Before you proceed to read about what makes this school so great, I have a few pieces of advice for you. Find your niche. This may sound cliche, but it’s the best way to make the most out of your UNC Charlotte experience. For me, I found my place at Student Niner Media, as an editor for the Niner Times, and that’s how I get to write to all of you wonderful people. For some students, they may join a learning community focused on their major, where they meet their best friends and find new learning opportunities. For others, they make find an intramural sport that keeps them active and happy through tough times in the semester. You are here to be a student first, but in my opinion, you are wasting your time if you don’t find something else to bring you joy besides class and homework. Finding your niche, whether it’s a club, sport or learning community, helps you find friends, find balance and find yourself. Be realistic with yourself and your goals. Listen, no one wants an 8 a.m class, but some people are better at getting up for them than others. If you know deep down that you simply are not a morning person, don’t force yourself to take an 8 a.m. if you don’t have to. In addition, there’s a reason the average class load is 15 credit hours. As someone who’s taken 18, 15 and 12 at different points on her college career, I can tell you that you can feel the difference in the course load. Be realistic with yourself with what you can handle regarding course load and class times as well as extra-curriculars. Be nice to yourself. My biggest piece of advice, regarding college as well as life, is to be nice to yourself. Let yourself rest, go out with friends and make mistakes. No one knows what they’re doing in college, so don’t beat yourself up for not having your life together. None of us do. Just try your best and give it your all; that’s all you can expect from yourself. Like I said at the beginning, you’re a 49er now. That means a lot. You are a part of a strong student body that’s been through hell and come back stronger. Wear your green with pride. I wish you the best with your first year at UNC Charlotte, and above all, I welcome you to Niner Nation. Go Niners! Best wishes, Madison Dobrzenski Editor-in-Chief
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UNC Charlotte History by Megan Bird News Editor
How UNC Charlotte came to be
The beginning of your journey at UNC Charlotte will no doubt be marked by ceaseless information sessions, marathon tours through the relentless heat and a whole lot of UNC Charlotte pride. You might be asked to join in on a couple of rallying songs or throw up the famous (infamous?) pickaxe. One thing is for sure: you will hear the phrases “49ers,” “Bonnie Cone” and “Norm” and you will definitely have no idea what any of them mean. Here is a quick guide to the history of UNC Charlotte to meet all of your confused new student needs: Our Founding UNC Charlotte was founded as the Charlotte Center on September 23, 1946. It served as one of 14 North Carolina institutions that met the surge of educational demands after World War II. The Charlotte Center offered evening classes to 278 freshmen and sophomore men and women -- many of them veterans -- in Charlotte’s Central High School. In 1949, the state moved to close the center, arguing that other North Carolina campus facilities were sufficient. Leaders like Bonnie Cone recognized how important the Charlotte Center was to local higher education and fought to save the institution. Their campaign was successful and the center was taken over by the city school district to become Charlotte College. In 1962, the North Carolina legislature made Charlotte College a four-year, state-supported college after the school moved to its current campus 10 miles from downtown Charlotte. The next year, Charlotte College took the name we all know today as it became the fourth campus to join the UNC system. UNC Charlotte was preceded by UNC Chapel Hill, NC State and UNC Greensboro. UNC Charlotte was established as a commuter school (and you will probably still hear people refer to it this way), but its first residence halls opened in 1968. The school began offering masters degrees in 1969 and doctoral degrees in 1993. In August 2000, the Board of Governors designated UNC Charlotte as a doctoral/research university, and it continues to live up to this title. Our Founder Bonnie Cone is certainly a founder to be proud of. Miss Bonnie, as she was commonly known, not only saved UNC Charlotte from closing, but also encouraged thousands of students to stay in school and never give up on their dreams. Even in retirement, Cone continued to work for UNC Charlotte and lived only a few blocks from campus until age 94. Now Cone rests close to her heart in the Botanical Gardens. Education was always at the forefront of Bonnie Cone’s life. In 1907, she was born into a family of teachers in Lodge, South Carolina. Cone developed a talent for mathematics and attended Coker College, a women’s institution in Hartsville, South Carolina. She graduated magna cum laude in 1928 and immediately began teaching high school math, science and French. Cone attended Duke University during the
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summer and earned her masters in mathematics in 1941. In 1943, she began teaching in the Navy V-12 program at Duke as the only woman employed on the all-male campus. Cone’s next step, thankfully for us, was working at the Charlotte Center that would eventually become Charlotte College. In 1954, when the school seemed out of hope, she led a campaign for a two-cent property tax to support the school, and four years later that tax was expanded to include property in all of Mecklenburg County. Cone recruited faculty, inspired students and worked tirelessly for the betterment of our institution. Our Name So, why the 49ers? Is it something to do with the Gold Rush or maybe even because of the nearby North Carolina Highway 49? None of the above, but these are common guesses. 1949 was the year that Bonnie Cone and her students saved the Charlotte Center to create Charlotte Norm statue. NT File Photo
College. But… what about Norm? Who is this random white guy appearing on all of your T-shirts, cups and who knows what else? Our mascot is a miner to acknowledge the first documented gold that was found in 1799 at Reed Gold Mine in nearby Concord. The name Norm arose from a student vote. As you go through orientation, you may scoff at some of the cheers or traditions that you learn, but try to put them into the context of our history and the hard work of Bonnie Cone; also try to consider all the people and hard work that came together for you to be able to awkwardly throw up your pickaxe and call this place home.
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Move-in Tips How to make the move-in process as easy as possible by Brandon Mitchell Managing Editor
If you are moving into a residence hall this fall, you probably have a mixture of excited and terrified feelings. You will most likely be living in your own space for the first time. You may be sharing this space with another student or you may have your own room. You may or may not have everything planned. Either way, you should keep these tips in mind when moving into your new home at UNC Charlotte. Packing If you have a roommate, communicate with them prior to move-ins on what both of you are planning on bringing. Since space is limited in dorm rooms, you want to make the most of the space provided. Even if you have suite mates, communicate with them beforehand so that you can make the most out of your shared space. Try your best not to bring too much stuff at the start of the year. It is much easier to buy more supplies later than bring unnecessary stuff home. Depending on the size of your wardrobe, you might not even want to bring all your clothes immediately. It is typically better to just bring summer and fall clothes at the start of the year and grab your winter clothes later. If you are interested in pursuing on-campus employment, be sure to pack important documents like your passport or your social security card. The campus cannot hire you unless you have these items with you.
damage to the rooms. If you do not follow them, you could be charged. Especially pay attention to the rules about hanging posters and pictures as well as general cooking rules. You do not want to be charged for peeling paint off the walls, and you do not want to be responsible for setting off the fire alarm. This will cause everyone in the building to be annoyed and you will probably have to speak to the police. It is an easily avoided nuisance and yet it happens way too often. Preparation Make sure you are properly dressed and packed for move-in day. It is in mid-August and will almost certainly going to be awfully hot whilst carrying a lot of stuff to your room. Bring a hand truck or dolly if you have one, but if you do not have one, I highly recommend you try to get one before move-in. They are
extremely useful and you will not be provided one by the university. Also, bring plenty of water. The move-in process is not particularly difficult, but it is easier to overheat than you may think. Take your time moving in and stay hydrated. Decorations You should also decorate your room. It is going to be your new home for the next few months if not longer, you might as well make it feel like home. Again, make the best of the space and avoid clutter, but a few simple decorations can really make you more comfortable in your room. Putting up a poster is a great, cheap way to make your room feel more personalized and is an easy way to express yourself. I also recommend getting some lights for your room. Fairy lights are very popular and affordable. I personally recommend getting some
Rules This should be obvious but follow your residence hall rules regarding move-in. They are there to prevent
source of warm light for your room. There are many cheap options online and can make your room feel much more welcoming. Organization Attempt to get your room organized before classes start. It is much easier to stay organized if you set up a system early on in the semester. College life will get busy faster than you would expect; you might not have time later in the year to reorganize everything. Organization looks different for everyone. Find your system and stick to it! It also feels so much better to come home to a clean room after a long day of classes. Keeping your room organized and clean is definitely worth it for the sake of your mental health. This is not an extensive guide for moving into college. These are just a few of the lessons that I learned last year when I moved into my dorm. There will be other challenges that you will face and you will be able to overcome them. Just keep these tips in mind and remember to use university resources if you have any other questions about the move-in process.Your orientation counselor or residence advisor will help you if you ask them any questions. The move-in process is scary, but it is also a lot of fun. You are going to experience a lot of things you never have before, but I assure you that you can handle anything college throws at you. Â
NT File Photo
Survival Guide 2018
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A Taste of Campus
by Megan Bird News Editor
Sovi pizza station. NT File Photo
A guide to restaurants and eateries on campus by Megan Bird News Editor
Finally, the article you’ve been waiting for! Here is the only part we really want to hear from all the brochures, pamphlets and tours: how is the food? It’s hard to go hungry at UNC Charlotte with two dining halls and plenty of retail dining. Here are brief descriptions so you can spend those meal swipes and Declining Balance (DB) wisely: Crown Commons Crown is a dining hall centrally located on the second floor of the Student Union. It offers pizza, soup, salad, freshly-made sandwiches, vegetarian and gluten-sensitive food, make-your-own Thai bowl, burgers and other grilled food. Desserts include soft-serve, cookies and cakes. It can be difficult to find a seat during rush lunch and dinner times but there is outdoor seating on the balcony. It takes one meal swipe to eat or the equivalent of $7 for breakfast, $9.15 for lunch and
$10.30 for dinner South Village Dining Known as SoVi, this dining hall in South Village is a bit of a walk for some but offers much more seating than Crown. Many meals are pre-portioned but you can go back for as many servings as you want. SoVi offers the “Chef ’s Table” which usually serves pasta or meat with a vegetable. “The Wok” offers Asian cuisine, and is across from a grill where you can get burgers, veggie burgers and grilled cheese, and a salad bar. SoVi is the same price as Crown at one meal swipe or $7 for breakfast, $9.15 for lunch and $10.30 for dinner. The building also has SoVi2Go! where meal swipes or DB can be used for take-out meals. SoVi Market + Bakery offers fresh-baked goods and convenience items (and is open until 11:30 p.m. every night of the week). The Den offers fast-
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food by Denny’s (open until 12:00 a.m. every night). SoVi and Crown were recently certified as 3 Star Certified Green Restaurants by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), a national nonprofit organization helping restaurants to become more environmentally sustainable. Pro tip: check the menus for the dining halls online beforehand at www. dineoncampus.com/unccharlotte/whats-onthe-menu Barnhardt Student Activity Center The SAC has Papa John’s Pizza, Bojangles’ Express and Burger 704. When Papa John’s is closed, you can use DB for delivery orders from the Papa John’s on J.W. Clay Blvd. Continued on Pg. 10
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From Pg. 9 Cafés Peet’s Coffee and Teas has two locations on campus: one on the bottom floor of Fretwell and one on the bottom floor of Atkin’s Library. The Peet’s in Fretwell tends to be less crowded while the Atkin’s location is more central. Both locations have outdoor seating where you can study, weather permitting. Make sure to get a punch card! There is also a Starbucks located in the Student Union. It has limited seating, so people tend to take their drinks to go. Cone Center Cone is home to the “Main Street Market” which offers Panda Express, Subway, Sambazon, Mainstreet Bubble Tea and Fresh2U. The Panda Express line can take 30 minutes at peak hours so try to go when others are in class. Prospector Prospector has two food courts as well as a packaging service. The North Food Court on the second floor offers Smoked (UNC Charlotte’s BBQ concept), Mamma Leone’s, Mondo Subs, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina and Fresh2U (sandwiches, salads, sushi, and snacks). There is also a good amount of seating, though it gets really loud during lunchtime. The North Food Court also has the Gold Room, a dining room for faculty and staff. The South Food Court on the bottom floor has Chickfil-A and Feisty’s hotdogs. Lines for Chick-fil-A are nearly out the door during the afternoon but the service is fast. Student Union As well as Crown Commons, the Student Union offers several choices for retail dining. The bottom floor has a Bojangles’, Wendy’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Starbucks. There is also a store called Outtakes with a deli counter and convenience store items where you can use DB but not meal swipes. On the second floor is Bistro 49, a sit-down restaurant for faculty, staff and students. Meal Plans The meal plan options available to you depend on how many credits you have. Freshmen can only choose between the 185 Meal Swipes with $300 DB and the unlimited meal swipes with $200 DB. There are about 120 days in the semester -- including weekends and excluding breaks -so think about how much time you will be on campus to discern which meal plan you will need.
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Guide to sharing your space by María Solano Video Producer
Tips for how to get along with your roommate
Have you ever had a bad day at school that could only be solved by getting into your room and relaxing on your own? Those four walls are for comfort when we need to separate ourselves from the outside world, but they get modified upon our arrival to college by adding someone into our cozy equation: a roommate. Living away from home with a stranger can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be if you get to be comfortable around the person that shares the same roof. Here are some tips on creating a good relationship with your roommate so that you can have a better transition in your new space. Talk to each other before moving day Since we are so attached to our electronic devices, interacting beforehand is an excellent idea because it helps us to ease our nerves by getting to know the person that’s going to live with us. When I first logged on to my UNC Charlotte account, I read an email from my future roommate and we exchanged our social media usernames so that we could stay in touch with each other. We later talked about our majors, our interests, what we were going to bring to school on moving day, and so much more. You can log onto your existing housing application to start your relationship on the right foot by introducing yourself; and if this doesn’t work, don’t worry. You have an entire school year ahead of you! Boundaries are important Setting some common boundaries in the residence hall gives you the ability to know what you should and what you shouldn’t do while sharing the space with your roommate. They don’t have to be strict, but you should set some limits so that you can be comfortable in your own space. These could be as simple as lowering the volume if it’s too loud, or taking the trash out. Be aware of respecting those boundaries as much as possible, but also call your roommate out if need be. Make sure to do it as respectfully as possible since breaking boundaries may jeopardize your relationship. Be open to spend some time together Your roommate has the potential of being your first friend on campus and they are as scared as you are of meeting new people. Hanging out with them gives you the time to build a tight bond. Feel free
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to suggest some fun activities that you could do with them, especially the days leading to the first day of classes. For example, eating together at SoVi, seeing a movie at the Union Theatre or exploring the botanical gardens if you are in the mood for a walk. Manage when other people can be in the room Seeing a bunch of strangers in your room after coming back from class is not something that everyone enjoys. Informing your roommate when your friends are coming over to your room is something that you should do if you want to avoid awkwardness in your space. Sending/getting a text about when other people are going to be in the room leads to better communication and organization in the residence hall. Remember that your roommate deserves to be in your room as much as you do and being respectful of each other’s space will help your relationship. If you want, you can also introduce your roommate to your friends, and maybe they can get along too! You never know! Treat them like you want to be treated Let’s say that you know your roommate has an important test in the morning. If you were in their situation, would you be okay if they listened to music without headphones? Your roommates are human beings and they struggle with schoolwork and their social lives, just like you do. Being disrespectful is extremely disruptive and it will affect your relationship; not only by fighting constantly but by creating a tense environment that can lead to you or your roommate not wanting to be in the room anymore. If you have problems with your roommate, contact your RA for help. They are there to help solve these disputes, and they are great mediators in between conflicts. Living with other people can be hard at first, but being respectful of them helps you to be comfortable in your own space. Everyone is nervous to get to know new people in college. Try to be as open as you can be to gain a new companion that could be your friend even after living together. You also get to learn how responsible you are and see how you can improve every year. Building a positive relationship with them will only benefit you for the future!
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by Sam Palian Sports Editor
What I wish I knew before starting college
There are a lot of things I wish I knew before my first year of college, and as I prepare to enter my senior year, more things come to mind. Some of them were huge, like how you realize how expendable you are to some people that you thought you’d be friends with forever. Others were more simple or lighthearted things like knowing about the sandwich station in Crown or how long the line would be at Chick-Fil-A. 1. Get involved You should do this either way, but especially if you are living on campus. Be sure to get involved in things that peak your interest, whether it’s any kind of student organization, an intramural sport or just some kind of event on campus. If you think you want to do it, do it. Don’t just live on campus, make sure to experience what Charlotte has to offer! I’ve always had just one or two things that I’m involved in on campus because the things I choose to do tend to take up most of my time, but because of that, I often used that as an excuse to not do anything else. This was the first year I actually participated in intramural sports and I even played on a team this past semester for one of the few sports I had never played before and it was so enjoyable. To be fair, I don’t typically have much free time anyway, but I’ve started making the most of what little time I do have and it’s been a lot better for me. 2. Don’t procrastinate too much On the flip side, I did struggle a little with time management my freshman year. It’s easy to lose track of your course load. It didn’t end up hurting me too much, but figuring out how to set aside time to get certain things done is so much more beneficial than just doing it whenever you realize you have a second or waiting until you’ve procrastinated a little too much. Procrastinating could really catch up to you faster than you would think, and it’s better to at least try to get ahead of your work. Even if you’ve convinced yourself that you work better under pressure or your best work comes within an hour of the work being due, it’s still probably better to at least get some of your work done or prepare whatever you can little by little. If it were just a short paper you had to write, planning it out can or gathering information you may need can help so much if you do have trouble with procrastinating. This past semester was even a little hard for me because I had a lot of free time on Fridays and I would plan to use that day to get a lot of my work for the next week done, but then
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things would pile up and I’d end up with a lot less time on my hands than I thought I’d have. 3. Develop effective study habits This isn’t necessarily something I struggled with, but I have learned that some of my study habits in high school didn’t always translate well to every single one of my college classes. Every class can be different, and sometimes you need to find different ways to study for different classes. If you don’t already have good study habits of some kind and know what works for you, I recommend trying to pinpoint those early and maybe even get help from resources on campus to figure out what works best for you. Although I’ve always waited until classes start to order some of my books to be sure that my professor absolutely wanted us to buy the “required” books, I pretty much end up getting all of them anyway, and I am here to tell you that waiting to see if you really need them is great advice that I was given before starting college, but I didn’t really understand the extent of that advice until I got through a lot of my classes. Something I used to have a habit of doing was reading whatever book(s) I had for a class and taking notes on it in preparation for class and then add additional notes from class to the information I already had. This worked really well for quite a few of my classes, but it could get quite time consuming, especially if the workload started piling up. Using quizlet is tremendously helpful when trying to study, whether it’s creating your own or using items others have created, you might find it to be helpful either way. Something I started doing this year was trying to create my own little study guide as we went through class so that when it came time to really study for a test or fill out a study guide provided by a professor, I was a little more prepared. I’ve seen a lot of my friends struggle recently with their study habits and finding ways to keep themselves engaged in the material they need to learn as well, and they’ve found that they really wish they had tried to get help in figuring what works for them much sooner. 4. Be aware of your food options I definitely wish someone had given me a heads up as to what lines start getting busy at what time for lunch and which ones move the fastest or slowest. I probably would’ve ended up at Chick-Fil-A at any time regardless, but still, I might’ve liked to know. If you get out of class a little early and you’re trying to go somewhere on campus for
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lunch, I don’t recommend wasting your time getting there. If you’ve got plenty of time before your next class, by all means go ahead, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the lunch crowds. The Subway line and the Chick-Fil-A line can definitely get really long depending on the time of the day and so can some others, but it really is the kind of thing where you might have to test the waters a little bit the first couple weeks. Bojangles and Wendy’s sometimes get pretty busy as well and if you see groups of kids around campus, then you know that now is not the time to be strolling along to lunch. Aside from the fast food style places to eat on campus, there are some other options like Crown and SoVi. I won’t go on and on about them because unless you live on campus, you probably don’t go there much. But, while I was on campus, I definitely did frequent those places, and until the end of my fourth semester of college, I had no idea about the wrap and sandwich station in Crown. I knew there was something there obviously, but I was in kind of a routine for a long time and just hadn’t gone through that particular line. I started getting a sandwich or a wrap not only because it was something I could kind of count on always being available if I wanted it, but there was one woman in particular that was often working that station and she was always so nice. I don’t go to the dining halls much at all now, so I wish I had been more aware of some of the little things that were right in front of me when I did go. 5. Be mindful of changing friendships Really, now that my first three years of college are over, one of the many things I wish I knew a little better is that once you hit college, you will probably lose some friends that you didn’t expect to. You might gain some too, but there will be friends that you simply grow apart from, people who you learn you were only great friends with because of ease, and friends that just don’t care about you the way that you thought. It’s an unfortunate fact and I wish I had been more prepared to handle it, but I am now. What I think is especially hard for me still is that there a lot of friends that I care so much about and want to keep in touch with or see them more often when I’m able, but a lot of the time it just doesn’t work out that way. It’s really tough to know that there are a few people so close by that we sometimes don’t even have time to give each other a quick call. But, what often makes that okay for me is that some of those friends are the same friends that I know that even with all of that, we can still pick right back up where we left off. I’m still growing in how I handle my friendships — I don’t think anyone can ever be a master at it — but I can honestly say that I do now that it all turns out alright. It is just a part of growing up and surrounding yourself with people who make you better and that you enjoy being around. You might lose friends, but you might also find that the friendships you already have become even stronger than they were before.
Survival Guide 2018
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Meet the Student Union A guide to one of the most central buildings on campus
by Natasha Morehouse Layout Editor
The Popp Martin Student Union serves as a hub for UNC Charlotte students. There is a lot to offer in this single building, whether it’s getting a bite to eat, catching a movie or hanging with friends. The Union is located along Craver Road and is just a short walk from North Village and many of the academic buildings. Additionally, all three UNC Charlotte bus routes have stops near the union, making it easy to get to from any part of campus. There are a wide range of eateries in Popp Martin Student Union, making it the perfect stop for any meal. Crown Commons is one of the two dining halls on campus. The dining halls are buffet-style, meaning you only have to pay once to get in and then you can eat as much as you want. The menus change every day, so be sure to check out dineoncampus.com/unccharlotte to see what is currently being served. Outtakes is a convenience store that is open until late at night, which is good for a midnight snack. They sell prepackaged food, frozen goods, snacks, and made-to-order sandwiches. Additionally, they have toiletries, dishware and cleaning supplies. This is a great place to spend any remaining DB you may have at the end of the semester. If you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, be sure to check out Starbucks and Einstein’s Bros. Bagels. For more typical fast food fare, there are Bojangles and Wendy’s. The final place, Bistro 49, is unique in that it is the only table service restaurant on campus. Their seasonal menus offer food that you cannot find anywhere else on campus, like apricot glazed roast chicken and pistachio crusted salmon. With such extensive options in one place, you are
Photo by Pooja Pasupula The top floor has all the
sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. The Popp Martin Student Union is also home to a variety of entertainment options, one being a movie theater. Movie selections are changed each week, and you can see showtimes at studentunion.uncc.edu/movies. Be sure to bring your student ID -- admission is free for students and only $2 for non-students. Norm’s Lounge is a great place to have fun with some friends. There are multiple TVs and pool tables throughout the space. Above the lounge is Norm’s Loft, which has a large TV and video games. Another draw to the union is the art gallery. Be sure to visit it often, as art shows are constantly being changed out. Here you can see the talents of UNC Charlotte’s own art students and faculty, as well as visiting artists. The space is peaceful and full of natural light and is a great place to relax and admire some beautiful artwork. Right outside the gallery is a grand piano, which anyone is welcome to use. If you’re in need of gear to show your school spirit, check out the Union’s Barnes and Noble.
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UNC Charlotte merchandise you could ever want, from shirts to mugs to hats and much more. There is also a section of books and magazines, like a miniature Barnes and Noble. If you are in search of textbooks, they are located on the lower level. This is where you buy or rent books for class, as well as pick up online orders. School supplies are also sold here so you can make sure you have everything you need for your first day of classes. For electronic goods, stop by the NinerTech store. They sell everything from phone chargers to laptops. Deals on laptops are held every once in a while so be sure to keep an eye out, you may end up saving a lot of money. Believe it or not, there are still more things available in the Popp Martin Student Union. The Campus Salon allows students to get some primping or change up their style without leaving campus. Services range from beard trims to updos to typical haircuts, all at reasonable prices. Appointments can be made over the phone, in person, or at thecampussalon.com. Right next door to the salon is Union Station. Here students can mail packages, get passports, print documents, purchase balloons, and more. It is clear that there is a lot to see and do in the Union. Even if you just want somewhere to relax, there is an abundance of comfortable seating. The rotunda is the central part of the union and is a great place to socialize. If you are looking for a place to study or do homework, the upper levels are more quiet. For more information about the Popp Martin Student Union, visit studentunion.uncc.edu.
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A Guide to Parking on Campus With the help of a few of the following tips, you’ll be parking on campus like a natural in no time
by Noah Howell Arts & Entertainment Editor
Photos by Patrick Magoon
It is no secret that UNC Charlotte’s parking -- especially given its size -- is one of the school’s biggest obstacles for students, faculty and visitors alike. Forgetting any horror stories you might have heard, the process of parking on campus is not at all difficult if you know what you’re doing. This guide will give you the basics on parking, including all that you may need to know as a new student on campus. The first thing to get across -- parking is not free. There are times on the weekends when passes are not enforced, but if you’re reading this, then that probably won’t be the only time you’ll be parking on campus. There are three main passes you’ll be looking at -- and really only two since you’re probably a student reading this -- which include Resident, Commuter and Faculty/Staff. If you are living in campus housing and plan on bringing your car, then the resident permit is for you. If you live off-campus and commute to school, then you probably already guessed it, you’ll want the commuter pass. That brings us to where you can actually get the pass. The primary option most take is buying it online through the Parking and
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Transportation Services (PaTS) website at pats.uncc.edu. Here, you can pick from resident or commuter, both of which go for $465 for the full year. To buy the pass online, you’re going to need your NinerNet login, license plate number and your vehicle’s information (basically the make/model and some other information on the car you plan on parking on campus). If you’re buying in person, you will need your 49er ID Card, vehicle registration card and, if the car is registered in another state, proof of insurance. It is also important to note that if you like to back in when you park, meaning your back license plate isn’t in clear view, then you will need to buy an alternative license plate for the front of your vehicle from PaTS for $20. Now that you know how to get a pass, you’re probably wondering where on earth to park on a campus this big. Thankfully, it is a fairly easy process to figure out. Each parking lot and deck should have a sign posted outside their respective entrance indicating who can park there. If you want to plan ahead, you can find the map to campus parking on PaTS’ website once again. At the time of this guide being written, residents can park in the
blue and orange spaces on the map and commuters can park in the yellow and orange zones. Looking at the resident permit specifically, if you are living in South Village, your best bet to park is either Lot 8 or the adjacent South Village Deck. If you are in North Village, it is a similar situation where your best options are Lot 25 or the nearby North Deck. For those in East Village, Lot 6 or Lot 13 are probably your safest options. If you are commuting, then you’re more then likely going to have to settle with the major parking decks in North Deck, Union Deck, West Deck or two of the three East Decks that are not limited to Faculty/Staff. While North Deck is a bit of a hike from everything, it is the spot PaTS advises for those struggling to find nearby parking and thankfully has a stop of the Green Line bus to get you to the main campus easier. With the “where” out of the way, we end with “how” to park and avoid getting a citation from PaTS. For pretty much all of the parking areas, PaTS uses your license plate to keep track of whether you can actually stay parked where you are. For most decks when you pull up, the gate will raise after the
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machine verifies your license plate. If for some reason it does not, you can also use your 49er ID card to raise the bar by tapping it on the card reader. Once you are in the lot or deck, only park inside the designated lines in the proper spots (basically, don’t try to get creative in making your own space). The bottom line of avoiding a citation is: don’t park where you’re not supposed to and make sure your license plate is visible and facing out of the spot. If you do for some reason get a citation (accidents and emergency parking can happen), then your options are to pay the citation online, through the mail, or in-person at the PaTS office. You can also appeal the citation if you have a really good reason for your ticket and can have the cost waived if approved (I can speak from experience that this can, in fact, happen). Also, if it is your first citation of the academic year, you can get 50 percent knocked off the price if paid within 10 days. According to the PaTS website, the peak parking demand occurs between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. You may find it difficult to find parking during the first couple weeks of the semester, but fret not, this usually subsides after people become settled in. When you’re coming and going from campus, you’ll probably want to avoid doing so between the times of 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., which PaTS claims to be the busiest traffic times on campus. Hopefully, with all of this knowledge in mind, you can have a much easier time when it comes to parking on campus. It is a lot to soak in and may seem daunting at first, but parking can be a breeze (usually) once you know how to handle it properly.
Parking permit. NT File Photo
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Buying Textbooks 101
by Emily Hickey Copy Editor
Photo courtesy of StarGlade via Pixabay
College is an investment. Between the loans, necessities for your dorm, food plans and everything else added into the equation, books should not be something you are spending a lot of money on. In fact, you should barely break the bank when buying books. Don’t fall into the trap many new students do when buying books: buying everything from the bookstore at face value before the semester even begins. Follow these tips for a more efficient and cheaper way to buy the textbooks you may (or may not) need. Be wary of the the bookstore. Unless it’s completely necessary, be more wary of the bookstore with their prices. More times than not, you will be able to find your required texts on “penny-pincher” websites such as Amazon and Chegg for significantly less money. If neither of those prove successful, check with your local bookstores (there are plenty in Charlotte) or just simply type the ISBN number into your search engine. The bookstore, while they offer rentals, will almost always charge more than “penny-pincher” websites. It is worth noting, though, that they do offer price matching sometimes. Above all, just check all your options before purchasing. Don’t buy your books until you’ve gone to class. Don’t worry if you don’t have your books before classes start. In fact, you should wait until classes start to see if you even need the books. A lot of the time, the bookstore will curate a list of “necessary” books you will need for your courses, but your professor will end up telling you that none or just one the books are required. Save yourself the money and wait for your professor to confirm if the books are necessary. Don’t be afraid that you will need them right away – you won’t, even if professors try to scare you. Wait for the confirmation, then find the book at a discounted price. This will save you the embarrassment of having all the books when you really only needed one that wasn’t even on the list. Renting is always cheaper than buying. Even from the bookstore, renting a book is significantly cheaper than buying one. Plus, you get to bring it back at the end of the year and save yourself from the ever-growing pile of books used for one class and never used again. Before immediately renting from the bookstore, check Amazon’s or Chegg’s rental service. Both sites have student deals and Amazon has free two-day shipping if you have a Prime account (which you can get for half-off with your student email). However, if the second-hand shops do not have the book you need, such as a math booklet or science textbook, use the bookstore’s rental system. You’ll save a fortune and won’t be left with the nuisance of a discarded pile of books. If all else fails, talk to your professor. If you need assistance in finding books or just can’t afford any of the prices you’ve found, talk to your professor. They are there to help you succeed, and more times than not will have recommendations of where to look for the book for a cheap price. If that doesn’t work, buddy up with someone and split the cost. Sharing can be hard, but it also saves money, and you’ll (hopefully) end up with a friend! Buying books shouldn’t break the bank, especially when you’re already spending a nauseating amount to attend university. Go the cheap route: do your research, compare prices and use sites that are known for giving student deals. Wait for the okay from your professors and then shop. Hopefully, you won’t end up spending more than necessary (and you’ll only get books you’ll actually use).
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Student Health Center Information about the on-campus medical center by Madison Dobrzenski Editor-in-Chief
Our campus is ultimately designed so that you almost never have to leave. There are multiple eateries, convenience stores, a hair salon, and even a health center for non-emergency medical issues. Located on the corner of Cameron Boulevard and Mary Alexander Road, the Student Health Center provides many services to students including “primary medical care, disease prevention, health education, wellness promotion and various specialty services to all registered UNC Charlotte students, regardless of the type of health insurance they carry,” according to the Student Health Center website. These “various specialty services” include psychiatry, gynecological services, physical therapy, STI testing, immunizations and so much more. In order to be seen for a non-urgent medical condition, an appointment must be scheduled. The Student Health Center’s hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. You are able to schedule an appointment by calling 704-687-7400 or you may schedule appointments for some services through the Student Health Center portal in your my.uncc.edu account. Through the Student Health Center portal, you may also view your upcoming appointments, immunization records and any incoming messages from the Student Health Center. If you don’t live on campus, you may park in the gated Student Health Center’s parking lot. Patients and visitors must write their vehicle license number on the parking log at the front desk and then when leaving the Student Health Center, the front desk will provide an exit ticket to permit driving out of the gated lot. Regarding costs, it is included in your tuition fees to see a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse, physical therapist or health educator. However, there are charges for the pharmacy, laboratory tests, x-rays, allergy shots, specialty clinics, and some other procedures. You are required to have health insurance to be enrolled at UNC Char-
lotte, whether it’s private or the University’s health insurance. If you have the University health insurance plan, charges will be billed to the student health insurance, but any costs not covered by the insurance will be charged to the student’s account. If you have private insurance, your insurance may be used at the pharmacy for filling prescriptions, but it is not processed at the actual clinic. Those services you will need to pay for by charging it to your student account, paying in cash or paying with a debit or credit card. As a frequent user of the Student Health Center, I can tell you that its staff and services are extremely helpful to have on campus. If you are ever unsure about what kind of services you may receive at the Student Photo by Pooja Pasupula Health Center, just call 704-6877400 and ask. The staff is always willing to answer questions. We all would like to be fortunate enough to never need health services. However, sometimes it happens. We get sick, we need to see a doctor, or we need medical advice. Luckily, we have a place on campus to appease any non-emergency medical needs. I hope you utilize it to stay healthy during your first year on campus.
Student Health Center Office Hours: 8:30a.m.-6:30p.m. Monday-Thursday 8:00a.m.-5p.m. Friday Phone Number: 704-687-7400 You may access the Student Health Center portal at: https://studenthealth.uncc.edu/
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Counseling and Psychological Services by Madison Dobrzenski Editor-in-Chief
Utilize this service when you are stressed, overwhelmed or just need to talk
College can be a stressful and challenging time for anyone. During those times when classes are just too much, you feel alone or you just think you could grow as a person from seeing someone, the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is there for all students. CAPS is located behind the Student Health Center on the corner of Cameron Boulevard and Mary Alexander Road. From the view from Mary Alexander Road, it is quite hidden, so be sure to walk behind the Student Health Center to find it. Counseling is intended to provide an opportunity for people to “improve decision making, develop coping skills, increase confidence, overcome blocks to personal effectiveness, and acquire greater self-awareness,” according to the CAPS website. CAPS offers multiple kinds of counseling to best provide opportunities to the UNC Charlotte student body; this includes individual counseling, group counseling and relationship counseling. CAPS also hosts workshops to provide a place for students to develop new skills for handling issues like anxiety, depression and relationship disputes. Individual counseling typically begins with an initial assessment, in which the counselor will then either make a next appointment for the student, refer them to a psychiatrist for medical evaluation or to other campus and community resources. If a student is to proceed to see their on-campus counselor, there are six visits per semester included in students’ tuition or 12 visits in a school year. The school year begins in May, so if a student has been seeing a counselor for a school year and wants to proceed during the summer, that is allowed, it is just part of their 12 visits during the “school” year. Sometimes, students need to be seen more frequently than this, in which case off-campus resources are recommended. However, it’s definitely beneficial to know that if you need to see a counselor this school year, you have 12 guaranteed visits.
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Group counseling is done by offering general counsel to groups as well as focused ones. This allows groups of students to strive to understand their emotions better through talking with one another and supporting each other. Groups are announced on the CAPS website and membership for some groups is limited, so be sure to inquire about them with your counselor as soon as possible if you are interested. Workshops are more structured than group counseling but ultimately have a similar goal. They allow students to develop new skills to deal with common issues like anxiety or depression. CAPS even offers couples counseling for partners that want to better their relationship; both students are required to be enrolled at UNC Charlotte. As I said at the beginning, college can be stressful. Because of this, CAPS is often booking appointments very far in advance because they are in high demand. In order to make an appointment, you may call 704-687-0311 or stop by CAPS. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you feel as if you need to be seen immediately, whether you’re having a panic attack, delusions, or fear you’re going to hurt yourself or others, you may call CAPS during their office hours at 704687-0311 to find out the best time to come in that day and get same-day counseling, or you may stop by. In-crisis counseling is mainly offered between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Photo by Pooja Pasupula
Students are advised to call first if they are able to hear options about the best time to come in. For after-hours phone consultations, call CAPS at 704-687 to be connected to a counselor. CAPS utilizes ProtoCall which provides free after-hours support. ProtoCall counselors help you handle your current problem and how to proceed. CAPS is an excellent resource that I have used for quite some time now, and I can honestly say it has changed my college experience for the better. Of course, some people need more than they are able to offer, but it’s a good place to start to get help for whatever you may need. This school year, please don’t be ashamed to call CAPS. A lot of students put academics before their mental health and it eventually leads to burnout. Don’t let that happen to you. Be proactive and utilize this great resource on our campus.
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A guide to Studen by Nikolai Mather Opinion Editor
There are a lot of student organizations on camp
With over 400 different student organizations to choose from, navigating clubs and activities at UNC Charlotte can be pretty daunting. Here’s a list of tips on how to find your club and find your way. Try everything, especially the things you never do. In my first year at UNC Charlotte, I was a whole nerd. All of my extracurriculars were academic, and most of them involved political science. I love my major, but it got to a point where I felt like if I heard one more thing about Congress or the Overton window, I was going to hurl. Political science had taken over my life, so I was caught off-guard when my friend invited me to go to a Social Dance club meeting with her. I hadn’t really thought of myself as a dancer then, but after only a few meetings, I had learned the basics of rhumba, tango, salsa and cumbia. It was fun, and because I was doing something besides academic extracurriculars, in time, political science became fun, too. Academic extracurriculars are important, but so is goofing off. Without time to try new things, you’ll once again find yourself in the throes of burnout. Don’t take it too seriously. Speaking of building a resume, here’s a pro tip: you don’t have to be a leader in everything. Not getting nominated for social media chair of the Improv Club is not going to make or break your resume. I promise! And if being a leader sucks the joy out of the activity -- for you or the members -- it’s time to step down. In times of trouble, remind yourself: it’s only a college club. But do lead when you can. With all that being said, don’t be afraid to step into new roles. New students might be hesitant about taking on a position in an organization, especially if they believe themselves to be inexperienced. Remember that plenty of people started out at your level. There’s bound to be a network of support for you as you get your footing. And as long as you be mindful of your studies and maintain a drama-free environment, there’s good reason to believe things will go swimmingly. Learn to say no. I’m looking at you, honors kids and busybodies. Saying “no” to different commitments can be really challenging, especially if you’re a new student. I struggled with this when I was a freshman: at one point, I was a member of fifteen different clubs. You can imagine what my schedule looked like that year. Even if you love all 15 of your student organizations equally, keeping up with them will only lead you to burnout. Take a deep breath, pick three, and if you end up hating them, try something else.
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ent Organizations
ampus, hopefully this helps you find one for you Student Org Showcase. NT File Photo
specific department. Higher Peace is a good example. This academic organization was founded last year by students from the Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies to promote further study of genocide and human rights on campus. Bear in mind that not every departmental organization is an academic society; Higher Peace, for example, does movie showings and social events. Consider joining a cohort program or learning community. A learning community is a brilliant way to get closer to students with similar backgrounds and interests. They offer valuable support systems and help make sure you don’t go through your first year alone. Cohort programs are also great; they tend to be similar to classes but are usually more engaging and less restrictive. Cohorts and learning communities are also a good way to meet adult mentors. I’ve met some of my closest mentors through my cohort programs. Look before you rush. Full disclaimer -- I’m not in Greek Life. But for those of you thinking about pledging, I encourage you to take stock of what you want out of your college experience. Do you want to be a part of a tight-knit, philanthropy-minded family? Are you also willing to pay substantial amounts of time, energy and money for it? Fraternities and sororities provide some amazing opportunities, but they’re not for everybody, so I also urge you to do your research and figure out what’s right for you. School comes first.
Try activities within your major and minor.
The best piece of advice on student organizations came from my mom. When we were moving in, I was already listing off the clubs I wanted to join. She sat down a box and said, “Yeah, but remember why you’re here in the first place. They’re called extracurriculars for a reason.” Clubs are a great way to meet new people and keep your life balanced, but the moment they begin to affect your grades, it’s time to drop them. At the end of the day, we are students first -- and presidents, secretaries and yes, even social media chairs second.
I know I was just ragging on academic activities, but trust me, they are worthwhile. Not only because they look great on a resume, but because they provide an opportunity to dive deeper into your studies and your
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Learning Communities by Max Young Assistant Copy Editor
Learning Communities provide an easy transition from high school to college life
What are Learning Communities? Learning Communities create long lasting relationships and lessons that every student can use throughout their college career and the rest of their lives. Learning Communities are groups of people that share the same academic interests that learn and can live together in order to help a student transition into college or a program with ease. UNC Charlotte offers many different Learning Communities (LC) that can delve into certain overall themes, such as important leadership skills or even just simply about meeting students in one’s own major. Students in an LC are enrolled in a few of the same classes so that there is an academic support system for each student. These classes are usually general education requirements, which gives students the opportunity to work together in basic college classes. This makes it very easy to form study groups for late night exam studying. Learning Communities also provide opportunities for students to have an understanding of their campus and its resources. For example, on-campus resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services’ and Career Services’ locatuibs are explained so that students know what their educational environment consists of. This prepares students to learn about where they will be spending most of their time. LC’s also create room for group discussions that allow students to speak their own opinions and respectfully debate certain topics. LC’s provide an open conversation that allows each student’s voice to be heard.
Some even have group retreats for students to find common ground together in the Charlotte community. These excursions are made up of a combination of service projects, fun field trips, tours and everyone’s favorite...going out to eat! Learning Community Options There are many different kinds of learning communities for the many different interests at UNC Charlotte. One thing that separates the learning communities is that some of them require or encourage a residential com-
ponent, where you live in a certain residence hall with other people in your learning community. Learning communities that require you live with your LC in Lynch or Hawthorn are: Explore, Business, Computing & Informatics, Engineering, Health Connection, and Leadership Journey. LC’s that do not require you to live with your LC but you are able to in Lynch or Witherspoon, are: Education, English, Gen-X, History, SUCCESS, UCOL Transfer, and UTOP. LC’s that do not have a residential component at all are: Communication Studies,
Photo by Niyathi Sulkunte
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Community Psychology, Criminal Justice, Global Village, Psychology, and Sociology Bridge. Why You Should Join
Student Experiences
Learning Communities are great ways for one to have an easy transition to a productive college lifestyle. Students will be able to really find out who they are as learners as they embark to college with students of diverse learning techniques. These academic experiences can make a difference in one’s college career and jump-start their future with skills that will make them more organized and more generally aware. Research shows that students who join LC’s have a successful academic future and have more positive college experiences. The world-class faculty at UNC Charlotte prepares each student for what is expected inside and outside of college. These professors guide students and mentor them so that each individual truly feels that they have a strong support system personally and academically. Students who join educational programs and organizations show employers that they can handle school work and club responsibilities, which in turn shows prime organizational skills. LC’s focus on implementing skills in each area of interest that make the students more aware as adults. These skills demonstrate that the student has the ability to not only multitask, but that they also have the capability to work in a group environment that meets the needs of a demanding schedule. Most importantly, LC’s can be very fun and meaningful. Many LC’s have a service element that aims at giving back to the Charlotte community. These experiences bring students together because they are working for a common goal that is greater than each individual. Building these relationships also create friendships that last throughout college. LC’s have fun retreats too! Being in the city, students have access to many “hot-spots” around Charlotte. For example, Carowinds, Bank of America Stadium and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are just a few
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spots where LC’s can experience what Charlotte has to offer.
For example, the English Learning Community is mainly comprised of English majors that are interested in writing and literature. Lovers of books and reading will absolutely love this LC! Books are discussed
“SOMETHING THAT REALLY STUCK WITH ME WAS ALL THE FRIENDS AND FUN WE HAD IN ALL OF OUR SHARED CLASSES. I’LL NEVER FORGET HOW THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE CHANGED MY FRESHMAN YEAR FOR THE BETTER.”
AVERY CROWLEY
and the underlying themes are uncovered. Writers will also thrive in a supportive and constructive environment. Sophomore Olivia Lawless shared her experience, “On Halloween night, a group of us got together to start writing for the National Novel Writing Month (Nano). We started writing novels at midnight and stayed
in the library till 2 a.m. writing, chatting and generally having a great time.” She then noted that, “It’s not something I could have done with just anyone else. You really have to be a writing and literary nerd to spend Halloween night plotting and writing like that.” LC’s thrive when a diverse group of people come together and blend interests to become a cohesive community. In the Communication Studies Learning Community, the main focus of the group is to meet other students in the Pre-Communication Studies major and learn about the department. The Comm. Studies LC is a supportive environment where students become close quickly not only with each other but with the professor. Sophomore Avery Crowley said that her “favorite LC memory would probably be when we were invited to Professor Paddock’s house for dinner at the end of the semester. Something that really stuck with me was the friends and fun we had in all of our shared classes. I’ll never forget how this group of people changed my freshman year for the better.” With guidance under their mentors, students learn how to successfully live in college while keeping their academic and social lives as two concurrent priorities. Sophomore Brandon Mitchell said, “It immediately connected me with like-minded students that had the same dedication to academics that I did. We also took the same classes, so we could ask each other questions and plan study sessions.” These students learned that academics and social lives can thrive co-dependently. Learning Communities create environments for students to thrive on campus with their peers. The skills that they will learn in a LC will be long-lasting reminders of their time at UNC Charlotte and the memories will live forever. For more information on Learning Communities at UNC Charlotte go to: https:// lc.uncc.edu/
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Safety on Campus A list of the different resources to ensure your safety on campus by Olivia Lawless Lifestyle Editor
UNC Charlotte has a sprawling, beautiful campus of hills and trees. It’s a great place to find yourself away from home for the first time or to drive through on a daily commute. You’ll want to be smart about safety on campus. Here are some things to think about as you experience all that campus has to offer. LiveSafe LiveSafe is a free app designed to ensure student safety. It comes equipped with a resources button, a method of reporting non-emergency incidents on campus (such as vandalism or theft) and a quick line to campus police. It also contains a “safe walking” feature where one person can share their location and allow someone to “watch them walk” via the app. This is great for walking late nights or long distances alone. Even if you think you’ll never need such safety precautions, the notifications alone are worth it. The app sends immediate alerts of events, like severe weather or crime, which are useful for knowing where the event occurred, when the event occurred or the condition of the campus.
reached at 704‑687‑8300 or in the Police Building on 9151 Cameron Blvd. Blue Lights The Blue Lights are a system of emergency phones that can be used to report crimes. There are over 300 emergency phones located across campus, each marked with a distinct blue light. These phones are monitored 24/7/365 and generally have a large red button for calling. Surroundings It can be really tempting to just autopilot your way to class, especially if you’re on the way to an 8 a.m., but try to be mindful of what’s going on around you. This goes double for when you have both earbuds in with music blasting. The size of the cam-
pus prompts many skateboarders, and the collisions that happen when someone — usually the person walking — isn’t paying attention are nasty. If you hear someone on a skateboard, stay to one side of the path. They will go around you. It’s also not uncommon for students who stare at their phones while going down the stairs to slip and almost crash. Personal Belongings It’s important to keep track of personal belongings such as your laptop, phone, wallet and other valuable possessions. Though there have been many measures put in place to assure campus safety, the campus is public and open to anyone who wants to walk in. UNC Charlotte is not responsible for stolen items. If you’re wondering, “What about laundry? Should I sit nearby and wait
Campus Police UNC Charlotte campus police provide campus-wide patrol and support services 24/7. Because of the numerous residents that live on and around campus, they are also certified to work in adjacent residential areas. They can be contacted at the emergency number 704-6872200 or through the LiveSafe app. For non-emergencies, they can be
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Photo by Oleg Zigalenko
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for it to be done?” Some people do, but most don’t. I wouldn’t worry too much about this one. Animals The campus isn’t necessarily full of wild animals, but it is common to see raccoons and geese frequenting some of the more forested areas. Avoid engaging too closely with these wild animals for your own safety. Although this concern might sound laughable, this past semester has produced reports of geese harassing students to the point of injury. If you see an animal on campus, either wait a few moments for the animal to move out of your path or simply walk around it. Drivers and pedestrians Traffic is frequent on campus during peak class times. Drivers become impatient when trying to avoid long streams of students crossing the street, so they may speed up or roll through stop signs. Pay attention and use your best judgement when walking in high-traffic areas. If you’re the driver, remember that plenty of people will cross the streets regardless of what traffic looks like or will walk into the street staring down at the their phone. It’s frustrating to have to wait, but it’s necessary for safety. Many resources are available to help ensure student safety. However, a combination of these resources and your own smart decisions will be best in keeping yourself safe on campus.
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A Taste of Charlotte A list of recommendations of some of the most worthwhile places to try out in University City and Uptown by Jeffrey Kopp Community Editor
Food is a necessary part of the college experience. You don’t have time; you don’t have money; you still need to eat. There are plenty of places to eat on campus, but you should also venture out to the nearby University City area and the rest of Charlotte to see what there is to offer. There are so many places all around the city for you to try and even find your new go-to spot. These restaurants are just a small taste of all this rapidly growing city has to offer. Giacomo’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant Roughly a five-minute drive from campus, this Italian restaurant has a massive menu that will leave you needing more time than usual to decide what you want to eat. They’ve got plenty of different types of pasta and pizzas; as well as seafood, soups, salads, wings, subs and so much more. Also, be sure to show your UNC Charlotte student ID for 10 percent off your meal. Go here if you want the best-stuffed shells or some downright incredible chicken parmesan.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Located just across North Tyron Street is Flying Saucer. This tavern provides a variety of different appetizers, soups, salads, burgers and some mouth-watering appetizers. If you’re over 21, you can indulge in the long list of available beers. This place also has an entertaining atmosphere, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends after a long week of classes. Saigon Bay The Boardwalk, just south of campus, houses many different eateries and shops. One that definitely stands out is Saigon Bay. This Vietnamese restaurant features a multitude of dishes including pho, hot pots and buns. Be sure to bring an empty stomach because of their large portion sizes. You will certainly leave feeling satisfied. Another plus is that after you’ve eaten, you can walk it off by exploring the Boardwalk. Macado’s The University City area is fortunate to have numerous restaurants -- many of which are within walking distance of campus. This is especially true of Macado’s. This eclectic joint has yet another large menu of options to feast upon. Not only do they offer a wide selection of wraps, sandwiches, clubs, soups and salads, but you can also get hot dogs, hamburgers and gourmet entrees. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Giacomo’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant. Photo by Pooja Pasupula
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Do you want something sweet, but also healthy to eat? Just a short walk from the JW Clay light rail station is Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This spot is part of a larger strip of restaurants such as Blaze Pizza, City Barbecue, Five Guys, and Pei Wei. Whether you want a smoothie between classes or after eating at one of the nearby restaurants,
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Futo Buta ramen bowl. Photo by Pooja Pasupula
you’ll surely be glad to know this place exists. Tropical Smoothie also offers a selection of sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads and so much more. Cook Out College and Cook Out go hand in hand! Sure, you may have one in your hometown if you’re from the south, but there is nothing quite like a Cook Out run at 3a.m. after a long night of studying. With a location just off campus across North Tryon, you will surely find yourself going there for a late night “tray” and milkshake. It’s no secret that Cook Out at night is like something out of “The Twilight Zone,” so you’re in for dinner and a show pretty much every visit.
& Ice ramen is definitely a highlight of their menu, but each of the entreés are totally worth trying out. If the weather is nice, be sure to sit outside and enjoy the ambiance of Uptown Charlotte. RedEye Diner There’s just something special about eating breakfast for dinner. Located at the Epicenter in Uptown Charlotte is the RedEye Diner, where you can do just that. Open 24/7, this is the place to go if you find yourself hungry after a night out on the town. Breakfast food is certainly a reason to eat here, but also be sure to try out their available burgers, wings and seafood platters.
Vapiano If you like Italian food, Vapiano is the place to go. With chefs who cook a wide range of pasta and pizza right in front of you, your mouth will be watering long before you sit down to eat. This restaurant really allows you to have a one-on-one conversation with the chef cooking your food to cultivate the perfect meal. On top of great food, Vapiano has an atmosphere that will have you hanging out with friends in the lounge-like setting for hours without even realizing it. Futo Buta Ramen is an integral part of the college experience. At some point, you will probably find yourself heating up noodles in your dorm microwave in the middle of the night. Take that a step further and visit Futo Buta; the Bland light rail station in Uptown is where this is spot is located. This ramen isn’t the cheap cup of noodles you’ll find at the grocery store, and is a bit pricey, but is totally worth it. The Fire
Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Photo by Pooja Pasupula
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Campus Norms by Nikolai Mather Opinion Editor
A brief introduction to UNC Charlotte culture
On the first day of class, many freshmen and transfer students have the same questions on their minds: Why are the upperclassmen so obsessed with the crosswalk? Why do my professors joke about fighting the geese? Who’s Brother Ross; is he the Dean of Students? Here’s my best attempt to clarify the most illustrious (and off-thewall) points of UNC Charlotte’s campus culture. Craver Road, Walk Sign is On. If you’re not among the 99.999% of UNC Charlotte students who choose to jaywalk across Craver Road, you might find yourself hearing this phrase quite often. This robotic injunction has been immortalized in Black Sheep articles, T-shirt designs and even Soundcloud remixes. It’s a weird phenomenon, but the campus community has fully embraced it. SoVi v Crown Discourse. Since SoVi opened in 2015, students have been debating which of the two dining halls at UNC Charlotte is better. Crown Commons, the OG dining hall, is a mainstay for broke vegans and North Village loyalists. Crown’s proximity to North Village ensures it has a steady breakfast and dinner crowd, but because it’s in such a central location on campus, it’s cramped and hectic at lunch time. SoVi, on the other hand, is far removed. Situated in the idyllic forest between South Village and Levine Hall, SoVi seems like a peaceful bougie paradise. Amenities include a gluten-free counter, a gelato bar and a wide selection of hot sauces. But come early -they run out of specialty foods quickly.
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sire to remove the “UNC” and become the University of Charlotte. I’d love to write a full-length column about it someday (and get doxxed by angry alumni on Twitter as a result), but for the sake of time, know this: it didn’t work, because it costs a lot of money to change a college’s name. Brother Ross. In the warmer months, religious protestors flock to UNC Charlotte to preach the gospel to our heathen masses. One stands out from the crowd: Brother Ross. On hot days, you can find him in Belk Plaza in a newsboy cap and a chest harness (for his GoPro, of course). He is renowned among the student body for his protest shenanigans Photo by Patrick Magoon (he does front flips and pro-life Michael Jackson covers) as well as his catchphrase: Campus Construction. Unlike other large state schools like UNC Chapel Hill and “Y’all going to hell!” Unlike the boring anNC State, UNC Charlotte has only been open ti-gay guys by the Student Union, I always look forward to his visits. for a few decades. In order to cope with the booming student population, our campus is in a ceaseless state of construction. You can’t walk for five minutes in any direction without running into a group of workers or a building roped off in yellow tape and temporary fencing. It’s so ubiquitous that students joke about what UNCC really stands for: “Under New Construction Constantly.” #DroptheUNC. There are hundreds of things to improve at UNC Charlotte: most buildings are not ADA-compliant, the WiFi outside is garbage, nobody’s cleaning up the geese poop, etc. Somehow, the one that got the most attention was the fact that sometimes non-Charlotteans think we go to a different school. Former and current students, tired of having their school conflated with UNC Chapel Hill, mobilized around the de-
Geese. You think Brother Ross is the loudest one on campus? Think again. These birds honk day and night with reckless abandon, sometimes right outside classrooms. UNC Charlotte’s geese are notoriously aggressive animals; they honk, they give chase, they sit in the middle of walkways, they poop everywhere and yes, they fight. They’re also not the brightest. Some students are fond of them, some are sworn enemies, but most of us are just trying to make it to class without having to duke it out with a goose. Whatever your opinion is of them, the geese are here to stay.
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A 49er guide to ride by Nikolai Mather Opinion Editor
A guide to the unique Lynx Blue Line
When the Charlotte Area Transit System unveiled the extension to the LYNX Blue Line last year, UNC Charlotte became the first North Carolina university with a main campus accessible by light rail. As exciting as that is, many prospective students are confused about what that means for them and their UNC Charlotte experience. Here’s a crash course on Charlotte’s newest form of public transportation. What is the light rail? The LYNX Blue Line, commonly known among students as “the light rail,” is Charlotte’s urban railway system. It’s kind of like a slower, above ground subway. It first opened in 2007, with fifteen stops between South End and Center City. In 2018, the city transit authorities opened its 9.3-mile long extension. The light rail now goes to UNC Charlotte Main Station, which is off Cameron Boulevard. UNC Charlotte Center City Campus is also on the light rail: the closest stop, 9th Street Station, is a two-minute walk away. How do you use it? If you’re not a student, you can purchase a one-way ticket at the station for $2.20. However, if you have your UNC Charlotte ID with you, there’s no need to purchase a ticket. Your tuition and fees cover an all-access transit pass. UNC Charlotte students with a valid ID can use the bus, the tram and the light rail at no extra cost. Once on the train, you may see a fare inspector. Since there are no turnstiles at any of the stations, the transit authorities hired fare inspectors to conduct ticket checks on randomly selected cars. They tend to be most active on Friday and Saturday nights. Be prepared to show them your ID to prove
your ride is paid for. If you don’t have a valid ticket or your student ID, they could fine you $50.
spectors carry handguns in closed cars. It’s an ongoing conversation -- one that many UNC Charlotte students are passionate about.
The light rail’s hours are approximately 5:26 a.m. to 1:26 a.m. If you’re running late to your Center City class and miss the train, don’t worry: trains come every 7.5 minutes during weekday rush hours and every 15 minutes during weekday regular hours. But on the weekends, you might want to just call an Uber: trains come every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evenings.
Where should I go on the light rail?
Why is it such a big deal? Charlotte is the first city in North Carolina -- and one of the first in the South, for that matter -- to create this kind of public transport. It’s also the only city in North Carolina to have a light rail. GoTriangle, the transit authorities for the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area had been working on the Durham-Orange Light Rail for roughly two decades, which would connect Durham and Chapel Hill. However, in March 2019, GoTriangle announced that it was discontinuing the project. Charlotte is therefore unique in this regard. Charlotte’s light rail has also changed our city in major ways. Its consistent schedule, convenient hours and proximity to many of Charlotte’s best attractions makes it a great alternative to driving. Traffic is a huge problem in Charlotte, but the light rail has helped significantly -- especially in University City. However, the light rail certainly isn’t perfect. Many of Charlotte’s residents take issue with the choice to put the extension in University City instead of South Charlotte or another area of higher need. Some have objected to its lack of security; others are uncomfortable with the fact that the privately owned fare in-
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That depends what you’re looking for. Most stations offer access to a diverse set of attractions. If you’re looking for great food, I’d recommend poorly named Bland Street Station. I say poorly named because the nearby restaurants are anything but bland: rock’n’roll-themed ramen shop Futo Buta, brunch mainstay Crispy Crepe and vegetarian-friendly taqueria Hot Taco. East/West Station is also a great stop for food: Price’s Chicken Coop, which opened in 1962, is just around the corner. If you’re looking for things to do, Stonewall is the way to go. It connects you to a number of Charlotte’s cultural hubs, including the Mint Museum, the Harvey B. Gantt Center of African American Arts + Culture and the Knight Theater. The Bank of America Stadium is also nearby. If you have kids with you, take them to 7th Street Station. You’ll be dropped off right next to ImaginOn, an engaging children’s library and cultural center. Discovery Place Science, a children’s science museum, is on the other side of the tracks. And on especially hot days, take them to the fountains in First Ward Park. They’re fun, family-friendly and best of all, free. Just remember to bring towels. Charlotte’s light rail is still in its early stages, but it nevertheless has a lot to offer. No matter where it takes you, don’t forget to come back to its best attraction: UNC Charlotte.
Photo courtesy of SVG
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Summer gaming roundup A look at gaming’s hottest releases for the Summer of 2019 by Noah Howell Arts & Entertainment Editor
Photo courtesy of Beenox and Activision
“Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled” for PS4, Xbox One and Switch on June 21 Because of the success that was the remastering of Crash Bandicoot’s first main three titles, Activision has decided to further tap into that potential through bringing back the mascot’s own kart racer. If you ever played “Mario Kart,” then you can get a good sense of what “Crash Team Racing” is all about. There are some differences, though, primarily the driving mechanics themselves. I got a chance to play two races of “CTR” in a brief demo in which I was impressed by the game’s visuals but not so much by the actual mechanics themselves. I think part of the blame is on being so used to driving in “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” as the controls and the drifting don’t translate all that well. While I walked away disappointed, I’ll chalk it up to simply being inexperienced. Clearly, there is an audience for it to warrant a revival, and it can also give “Mario Kart” some much-needed competition. There is a reason that not many kart racers have popped up with Nintendo’s golden standard at the top, but I am hopeful that “CTR” can carve out a piece of its own in the genre.
additions both big and small, like the inclusion of slopes, level themes, a story mode (which features over 100 courses by Nintendo themselves) and an online versus mode. If the original is anything to go by, there should be no shortage of content being made and spread online by others for a long time. Maybe the best part alone is that the game isn’t stuck on the poor, neglected Wii U, and the much larger Switch userbase will allow even for more creators to share their ideas. Whether you’re looking to be the person making the insanely difficult levels or the person playing them, “Super Mario Maker 2” is looking to be a must-buy for Switch owners. “Wolfenstein: Youngblood” for PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC on July 26
Capping off the summer is a spin-off to the incredible first-person shooter, “Wolfenstein.” The series takes a unique path through history where Germany wins World War 2 in a steampunk alternate reality and takes over the globe. In “Wolfenstein: Youngblood,” you and a friend play as the twin daughters, Jess and Soph, of the series’ usual protagonist, B.J. Blazkowicz. Set about 20 years after the second game in the 1980s, the twins take the fight to Paris in search of their father and to help liberate the country from the Nazis. If you don’t want to play online with a friend, you do still have the option of an AI companion though. The “Wolfenstein” series pairs strong shooting mechanics with a cool, campy story through an alternate and exaggerated look through world history. Furthermore, what can beat just simply killing Nazis?
“Super Mario Maker 2” for Switch on June 28 My most-anticipated title of the summer, “Super Mario Maker 2,” brings creative freedom to players in designing their own “Super Mario” courses. Through a variety of art styles such as the original “Super Mario,” my favorite “Super Mario World” and the newer “Super Mario 3D Land.” The original was already great, but this sequel brings
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Oh, the Place by Elissa Miller Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
A beginner’s guide to getting to know the city of C
Welcome to UNC Charlotte! As it says on our website, we are the state’s “urban research university.” Our location -- just a twenty minute drive away from Uptown Charlotte -- provides a number of opportunities for students in the form of jobs, internships and research opportunities. However, it also provides students with a chance to explore everything the city has to offer. I grew up in the nearby suburb of Gastonia and have thoroughly enjoyed being closer to the opportunities in Charlotte; art, outdoor recreation, shopping and museums are all close by. This article features some of my favorite places (as well as iconic visits in the area), but please get out and explore the city to find your own! Arts Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: This six-theater-large performing arts company is the most well-known part of Charlotte’s arts scene. This is largely due to its role as the host of the Broadway Lights series, which brings the National Tours of a number of Broadway shows to Charlotte. This season, the series will be home to “My Fair Lady,” “Aladdin,” “The Color Purple,” “Once on This Island” and “The Play That Goes Wrong” (among others). However, the Center also hosts festivals, improv and stand up comedy, concerts, speakers, and dance. The Charlotte Ballet: The Charlotte Ballet is a staple of Charlotte’s active dance scene. As the oldest professional dance company in North Carolina, it often hosts a
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mixture of full ballets and experimental and showcase events within its busy season. Without a doubt, its largest and most popular event is the annual Nutcracker ballet that runs throughout December.
Photo courtesy of John W10 under CC BY-NC 2.0
Charlotte Symphony: Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra prides itself on its role in the community. You can expect to find your classical offerings, however, the Symphony also performs more modern offerings with its “pops” series. These can include things like “Video Games Live,” “The Best of James Bond,” and its annual Christmas concert. The symphony has also started to offer live movie screenings, such as Harry Potter and Star Wars, in which the symphony provides the score. Fun fact: the music director Christopher Warren-Green also conducted the orchestra at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. water rafting in the world’s largest artificial whitewater river. If you aren’t one for high adventure, the Center also frequently hosts The US National Whitewater Center: The USNWC is the best in outdoor morning yoga, as well as outdoor concerts. recreation Charlotte has to offer. Opened Crowders Mountain: The closest in 2006, the Center has grown to include a mountain is only about 45 minutes from plethora of activities. This includes ziplines, Charlotte, in Gastonia. It has a number of ropes courses, flatwater kayaking, stand up hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, paddle boarding, mountain biking, rock including one frequented by runners made climbing, and its main attraction, whiteOutdoor Recreation
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ces You’ll Go of Charlotte, from outdoor recreation to shopping of sports complexes and fields. It is also connected to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which helps connect it to Uptown Charlotte.
Concord -- is a short drive from campus). This museum gets hands-on and features simulations, do-it-yourself pit stops, and a hall of retired cars.
Museums
Shopping
Discovery Place Science: Admittedly, this hands-on science museum is largely aimed at children. However, it is still fun for adults! The museum is huge and features an IMAX theater that shows nature documentaries. Students who are 21+ can take part in its popular nighttime “Science on the Rocks” events.
Concord Mills: There are many malls in Charlotte, from Southpark to Northlake. Concord Mills is on here due to its close proximity to the University and the sheer amount of things to do there. Concord Mills is home to over 200 stores. It also hosts entertainment options, such as an AMC movie theater, Sea Life Aquarium, Dave and Busters and the NASCAR Speedpark.
of only stairs. Camping and boating is also available. If you want a real challenge, you can attempt to hike the trail from Crowders Mountain to Kings Mountain.
Levine Museum of the New South: This incredible museum in Uptown features a permanent exhibit on Charlotte history, entitled Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers. It also features a rotating spectrum of special exhibits. Currently, this includes #HomeCLT, which highlights the history of Charlotte neighborhoods through augmented reality. It also hosts an exhibit called Legacy of Lynching, which discusses the history of lynching with a special focus on two lynchings in Charlotte.
Freedom Park: This beautiful Charlotte park is also incredibly large: 98 acres. Centered around a lake, this park features 2 playgrounds, outdoor shelters and grills, a performance space, gardens and a number
NASCAR Hall of Fame: While I personally know very little about NASCAR, it’d be impossible to ignore this Charlotte landmark. NASCAR has a strong history in this city (Charlotte Motorspeedway -- located in
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NoDa: This neighborhood is home to a number of performance venues, incredible restaurants and unique storefronts. It doesn’t fit neatly into any category but has its own distinctive feel and is a prime location for exploration. It often hosts flea markets. Sports Beyond college sports, there are a number of local teams to root for in Charlotte! We are home to the NFL team the Carolina Panthers and the NBA team the Charlotte Hornets. Our major league lacrosse team, the Charlotte Hounds, recently folded due to restructuring but will return in 2021. On the minor league side of things, we are also home to the Charlotte Knights (baseball) and the Charlotte Checkers (hockey). The Charlotte Eagles and Lady Eagles fill the soccer slot.
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Summer on the Small Screen
A run down of the biggest and most anticipated shows set to return or premiere during the summer season by Jeffrey Kopp Community Editor
Alycia Debnam-Carey and Lennie James in “Fear the Walking Dead.” Photo credit: Ryan Green/AMC
“Fear the Walking Dead” - June 2 (AMC) Returning for its fifth season at the beginning of June is the successful companion series to AMC’s massively popular zombie drama “The Walking Dead.” This season is particularly of interest to fans as Austin Amelio will reprise his role as Dwight, following in the footsteps of Lennie James’ Morgan as the second character in the franchise to crossover from the main series. Daniel Salazar, one of the last surviving original characters, is also set to make his highly anticipated return in a season that is said to connect with the larger stories of the television universe. Could some hints be dropped about where that helicopter whisked Rick Grimes away to? “NOS4A2” - June 2 (AMC) Following the return of “Fear the Walking Dead,” AMC is set to debut a new series that will add to their horror drama lineup. Based on a novel by Joe Hill, the series is a macabre battle between good and evil. Using her special skills, a woman named Vic McQueen hunts down missing children that have been taken by a mysterious immortal that resides in a dimension where Christmas is every day. This plot sounds confusing, but the series looks quite promising with a really eye-catching and mesmerizing aesthetic.
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Pom Klementieff in “Black Mirror.” Photo credit: Netflix
“Black Mirror” - June 5 (Netflix) People love to be scared. People love to face their fears. That may help to explain the popularity of “Black Mirror.” In a time where technology use is more prevalent ever across all age groups, this series really has a way wanting to make you want to put your phone down. Following the experimental choose-your-own-adventure “Bandersnatch” film, which released back in December, Season 5 will debut with three new episodes. The plots of these stories is kept mostly secret until the release, but some big names are set to appear. Miley Cyrus, Anthony Mackie, Topher Grace, Pom Klementieff and many others will join the “Twilight Zone” esque series and will surely terrify audiences in the process. “The Handmaid’s Tale” - June 5 (Hulu) The frightening dystopian drama is about to debut its third season and people couldn’t be more ready. Blending futuristic concepts with some prospects that hit a little too close too home, “The Handmaid’s Tale” has been a critical hit and has wracked up countless award nominations and several wins. Margaret Atwood’s novel is brought to life with an all star cast that includes Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Alexis Bledel and Ann Dowd, among many others.
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Summer Big
on the Screen
by Tyler Trudeau Photo Credit: Staff Writer Marvel/Sony Pictures
“Rocketman” Dir. Dexter Fletcher, May 31
“Toy Story 4” Dir. Josh Cooley, June 21
If you recognize the name Dexter Fletcher, it’s probably because he was the second director of last year’s massively successful Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Despite replacing Bryan Singer in the director’s chair late into production, Fletcher only received an executive producer credit for his work on the film. Nevertheless, I still find it funny that we’d see the man connected to two grand musical biopics with so little time between the two. Enter: “Rocketman,” the musical fantasy set to unravel the origins of Sir Elton John. With the talented Taron Egerton stepping into the bedazzled shoes of the legendary performer, the actor is looking to dethrone Rami Malek as the on-screen rock showman after the latter’s turn as Freddie Mercury. While “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a beat-by-beat showcase of Queen’s iconic discography, “Rocketman” seems far more interested in delivering a phenomenal lead performance alongside a fantastical and off-beat journey though the mind of Elton John. “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” Dir. Simon Kinberg, June 7 Marking itself as the final installment in the long-running “X-Men” film series, “Dark Phoenix” is set to conclude the superhero genre’s most mind-boggling franchises. While a massive reboot of the mutant team and their related characters resides on the horizon, following this year’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox to Walt Disney Studios (which now owns everything from Marvel Studios to Star Wars), the X-Men have one last fight to give in this retelling of the popular “Dark Phoenix” comic storyline. Pitting the young team of heroes against one of their own in Sophie Turner’s powerful Jean Grey, the mixed-up timeline of these films is finally hurtling towards its ultimate endgame.
While the “X-Men” franchise is soon to be reborn, another major franchise is still striving to stay relevant even as some fans have become weary of it. With the fourth installment of the “Toy Story” series rolling out nine years after 2010’s “Toy Story 3,” the pack of anthropomorphic toys return for another life-altering adventure. While I never pegged Pixar as a money-hungry Hollywood studio like the rest (well, before it started churning out sequels like “Monsters University” and “Finding Dory”), something about “Toy Story 4” just seems unnecessary to me. While I personally deemed its 2010 predecessor a fitting conclusion to the imaginative franchise, the story of these brave toys might not be entirely over just yet. “Spider-Man: Far From Home” Dir. Jon Watts, July 2 Following the game-changing events of “Avengers: Endgame” (pun intended), the latest film to feature Tom Holland’s web-slinging teenage hero pits him against everything from teenage romance and global espionage to mystical enemies and interdimensional travel. As the film finds Peter Parker traveling abroad to Europe, he is soon recruited by not only Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), but also cryptic new ally Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) to take down a major threat. While nothing is what it seems in the new film, especially with a character like Mysterio around, the sequel seeks to pitch another fun-filled superhero adventure, all while tying up the emotional third phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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