Welcome back 2017

Welcome Back 2017

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Student Niner Media

Welcome Back 2017

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Student Niner Media

LETTER FROM THE CHANCELLOR On behalf of the entire Niner Nation community, welcome home!

I hope you have come to believe, as I do, that choosing UNC Charlotte is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

As North Carolina’s urban research university, we have the distinction of being the only public institution serving Charlotte, the state’s largest city and an exciting hub of cultural and recreational activities in this region.

I am fortunate enough to have served the university since 2005 as its fourth Chancellor. Before that, I was UNC Charlotte’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for almost six years, from 1991 to 1997. The growth that has occurred on this campus in the past two decades is nothing short of phenomenal, and it continues today. Although we don’t yet have the final enrollment figures for the fall semester, we appear to be on track for a new record enrollment approaching or perhaps exceeding 29,000.

This growth can be attributed to our expanding reputation as an outstanding university with faculty and staff who are truly committed to student success. And we offer amazing opportunities in academics, research, community engagement, the arts, and athletics to provide a college experience second to none.

To take full advantage of that experience, you truly need to be an active participant on campus, both inside and outside of the classroom. There’s no shortage of clubs, teams, and opportunities to get plugged in. These really are the best years of your life; make them count! Our research about students is very clear--busy students are successful students.

I’m pleased to tell you that there are several exciting

construction projects in various stages of completion, including a Fitness Center to be built on the site of the parking lot next to the Student Union (be on the lookout for a contest to name the Center!), as well as a new Counseling Center, a remodel of Atkins Library to house a new University Career Center, and a beautifully transformed Belk Plaza. And, of course, we are really excited that light rail will be pulling onto campus later this year or in early 2018. In the meantime, traveling around campus has just gotten a lot easier thanks to the enhanced “Niner Transit” shuttle system and the new “Charlotte Wheels” bike share program.

Lisa and I look forward to seeing you around campus, perhaps at a concert or an athletic event. Remember, our first home football game of the season is coming up soon when we face North Carolina A&T on Saturday, September 16. Hope to see you there!

Go Niners!

Philip L. Dubois Chancellor

UPCOMING CHANGES TO UNC CHARLOTTE • Construction of a new Fitness Center projected to open during the Fall of 2019.

• Construction of a new Counseling Center projected for completion in August 2017.

• A transformation of the currently empty Belk Plaza.

• Remodel of Atkins Library for construction of University Career Center.

• Opening of LYNX Light Rail stop on campus, connecting students to Uptown Charlotte in just 20 minutes. Projected for opening in March of 2018.

• Enhanced transportation with updated “Niner Transit” bus system and “Charlotte Wheels” bike share program.

Welcome Back 2017

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WEEK OF WELCOME

JUST A SMALL TASTE OF THE FUN TO COME DURING WEEK OF WELCOME CARMEN WESTRA

Community Editor

Ring in the new school year with an array of events to make this the best year yet. From the annual Block Party to the Yard Show, there is something for everyone plus tons of free stuff!

Here are just a few of the many events happening around campus during the Week of Welcome: FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2017 CABchella Union Takeover 7:00 p.m.

Popp Martin Student Union Couldn’t make it to the hottest festival of the year? Experience CABchella right here on campus! Enjoy body art, music, food, glow-in-the-dark elements, and much more!

Student Organizations Showcase 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

CHHS/COED Plaza The Student Organizations Showcase will feature nearly 200 student organizations.

Come out to talk to them and start to connect with involvement opportunities!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24TH, 2017:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22ND, 2017:

Niner Reunion: Cookout Edition 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Jamil Niner Food Pantry Come out and Grill out with the Jamil Niner Food Pantry! Make friends, take a plate, and learn about how the Food Pantry can help you.

WOW! Niner Nation Pep Rally 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Jerry Richardson Stadium Bring your Niner Spirit to kick off the new school year with Athletics, Cheer Nation, and CAB’s Pep Rally!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH, 2017:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23RD, 2017:

WOW! Block Party 8:00 p.m.

Outside Popp Martin Student Union Don’t miss the annual block party to get you hyped up for the semester. CAB’s Block Party will feature our very own Cheer Nation and DJ JLee!

Pop Into Student Involvement 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Popp Martin Student Union Meet the staff and find out all of the resources available to you in the SORC!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20TH, 2017: RecFest 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Northeast Recreational Field Complex RecFest is open to the public and will feature free food from local vendors, music, games, sport club information/demonstrations and give-aways! T-shirts will be given to the first 1,500 students, and don’t forget to bring your student ID for a free T-shirt & other drawings.

49er New Year and Kick Off Concert 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Student Activity Center and West Quad 49er New Year is the official school year kickoff celebration for new and returning students, featuring a concert from Jazmine Sullivan.

MONDAY, AUGUST 21ST, 2017: New Student Convocation 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Student Activity Center

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Career Carnival 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Student Activity Center MRC The Career Carnival is a way to introduce students to our programs and services! Students will be able to speak with employers, to get their feedback and insight on best practices and preparation for interviews, how to “stand out”, resume recommendations, and more!

Be a #FortyIXer 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cone Building Participants will have the opportunity to ask the Title IX team questions about our program, as well as how they can get involved to help keep our community a safe place Throwback Karaoke 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Norm’s Lounge (Popp Martin Student Union) Come out and enjoy throwback karaoke and food with your class councils! Dress in your best 90s outfit and we can’t wait to see you there!

Student Niner Media

Vendor Fair 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

CHHS/COED Plaza Come out to get free samples and awesome information from the many local businesses.

Zumba: Muvin’ With Dhyani 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Popp Martin Student Union (Room 267) Dance away the stress and start the school year off right with the sisters of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. WOW! Comedy Show ft. Wild n Out Crew 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Popp Martin Student Union (Rooms 340 A-I) Don’t miss out on the Wild N Out Comedy Show! One of the most popular, exciting and fun campus events of the year.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 2017: Norm’s Quest 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

CHHS/COED Plaza Registration opens at 2:00 p.m., with the Quest beginning promptly at 2:30 p.m.!

Movie Night at the Stadium 9:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Jerry Richardson Stadium Trying to find fun activities to do during the first week of school? Come kick back and relax while enjoying a movie with friends.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 2017: NPHC Yard Show 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Star Quad Stepping, strolling and fun! Come out to the Star Quad and meet our NPHC Fraternities and Sororities and learn about their organizations.

UNIVERSITY CITY BITES THE UNIQUE, THE AFFORDABLE AND THE ALWAYS DELICIOUS FOOD RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR ANGIE BAQUEDANO Asst. Lifestyle Editor

Welcome to the University Area of our lovely Queen City. There’s plenty of things to do around these parts, but the most important places are the yummy eats. With all the growth occurring in and around the university, new restaurants are springing up like flowers and here’s a guide to the best right around us.

PANERA BREAD I know it’s generic and it’s not exactly a hidden gem, but hear me out: if you can find the strength to wake up early during the week or weekend and you make your way to Panera, forget a breakfast sandwich that you can get that anywhere. Go for the Soufflé, it’s very similar to a quiche but the difference is it’s more bread-y than egg-y, which in my book is even more delicious. I recommend the Spinach Bacon soufflé, but it sells out extremely quick so the Ham and Swiss is a good back up. Additionally, Einstein Bros. has nothing on Panera’s bagels, blueberry bagel sliced, toasted with half blueberry cream cheese and half honey walnut is a food choice you won’t regret

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Photo courtesy of My Camille’s Cafe

MY CAMILLE’S CAFE Here, you’ll find the best wraps you’ll find in all the QC, but it doesn’t stop there. They have sandwiches, smoothies, soups and a lot more. I had the chicken avocado wasabi wrap and although I usually avoid spicy foods, this was a must and I have to say even though my mouth was a little on fire I don’t regret it one bit. It wasn’t an overwhelming spice but it was the kind that makes you take a long sip of your drink but then leaves you craving more. Think of a homier version of Panera Bread with a twist. The owner is a pleasant young chef a few years graduated from Johnson and Wales.

Photo courtesy of Panera Bread

Photo courtesy of Ciro Italian Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Tropical Smoothie Cafe

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE It’s a new smoothie shop coming to our area along with a few other restaurants that are sure to be a hit. Back in Wilmington, I tried Tropical Smoothie and it definitely gives Jamba Juice a run for its money. I’ve come to find that a lot of Smoothie shops either make their smoothies too icy or too liquid-y, but TSC makes them to the perfect consistency so it’s not a block of ice but also not a cup of juice.

TOYAMA EXPRESS Hibachi Steak with extra Zucchini drowned in white sauce...and did I mention it’s delicious and cheap? It’s also not too far from campus and in the same shopping center as Trader Joe’s and Massage Envy, which is only a short 5 minute (at max) drive from UNCC. Toyama’s can and will easily become the place to get away for a quick bite after a long day at school perfectly hitting the spot and never hurting your wallet.

Welcome Back 2017

CIRO ITALIAN RESTAURANT If you’re looking for a fancy night out, grab your fancy clothes and forget about Olive Garden, because Ciro is a much better alternative. They have huge entrees and a beautiful patio for outdoor seating but also a very lovely and charming inside . I have never finished a plate at Ciro’s and neither have anyone of my friends but luckily it’s just as good the next day as it is the night of.

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Welcome Back 2017

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PLANS FOR BELK PLAZA THE SAGA OF FINDING A REPLACEMENT FOR THE NOW DEMOLISHED BELK TOWER CONTINUES POOJA PASUPULA

Photo Coordinator

In the Fall of 2015, Chancellor Phillip Dubois announced that the Belk Tower had structural issues and posed a threat to the University as a potential safety hazard. The Tower was then dismantled and taken down that December, to many students’ dismay.

The destruction of the Tower faced immense backlash from the UNC Charlotte community.

Many students felt it was taking away a vital part of the UNC Charlotte experience and ripping up a long-standing tradition. In order to tend to the backlash, the University held multiple forums. These forums were used as a way to offer students and the entire campus community the chance to give input on what they wanted the space to be used for, and what they felt the University needs most.

The term “Belk Plaza” was coined for this newly formed space. A presentation was given at the first Belk Plaza forum explaining the importance of open space and its guiding design principals.

The presentation displayed a variety of visual precedents to inspire and engage the attendees.

Attendees then broke out into separate feedback stations. Boards were put up at the Belk Plaza forums containing charts with images of a variety of concepts and ideas that community members could see and vote on. Students would place stickers in boxes under these images that they liked or preferred the most. Some of these concepts displayed were landscapes, hardscape patterns, edge conditions, types of seating, dining options, artwork, statues, water fountains, vastness of space, active or passive quad, types of walking/ movement they want the area to enforce, etc. The forums also had students write down answers to a plethora of questions such as “What is the Belk Plaza to you? What does it need? Have any ideas?

What’s important to you?” The forums also had students map out their usual routes they take on campus to get from one area to another.

An average of 71 responses were recorded.

Types of attendees varied across the board. 78 percent consisted of students, 11 percent consisted of Alumni, 4 percent consisted of faculty, and 5 percent consisted of staff, and 1 percent consisted of the community. According to 78 percent of

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A potential plan for Belk Plaza drawn up following forum discussions. Photo courtesy of Capital Projects/Facilities Management

the attendees, “Belk Plaza currently is a place I walk through.” 15 Percent of the attendees stated “Belk Plaza is a place I never see,” while 7 percent stated “Belk Plaze is a place I go out of my way to visit.” The majority of attendees wished that they could experience more of an Uptown Charlotte vibe on campus. Another portion wished for more campus culture. Some attendees wished for more recreation, while others wished for more arts and creativity.

The Belk Plaza Design Committee took the input from all of these methods and culminated them into a final conceptual plan for the transformation. LandDesign, a Charlotte-based urban design and landscape architecture firm, teamed up with the Committee to create an improved aesthetic and design.

“We want Belk Plaza to be more inviting to the campus community,” said Peter Franz, chair of Belk Plaza Design Committee, “all of what you see is the culmination of your input.”

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The design features a large, open, grassy oval with a passive water fountain at the edge. It also features geometric cut out patches of grass surrounding the large grass area. The entire plaza has paths going through and around all of these grass areas to allow a circular flow, while maintaining a free walking area.

Adam Martin, a LandDesign associate and UNC Charlotte alumnus, said “We created a palate that would accommodate just about anything.

The functional flexibility of space reflects classic design and introduces contemporary expression.”

The project is estimated to cost about 3 million dollars. This final concept will be presented to the Board of Trustees in the fall. After that, the plans will be sent to the state for final approval.

The designers predict that construction will start sometime in the Fall of 2017. More information can be found at http://www.facilities.uncc.edu/construction-information/belk-plaza.

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LIFE THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES EXPLORING THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF CHARLOTTE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR JUDY ROSE KATHLEEN COOK

Sports Editor

When she was a child, Judy Rose dreamed of coaching women’s basketball and teach physical education.

Fast forward to current day and Rose now occupies a spacious office overlooking Halton Arena and has been the athletic director for Charlotte for 27 years now. The Blacksburg, S.C. native has seen the 49ers through three conference changes, numerous facility expansions and the addition of football, all after becoming just the third women athletic director at the helm of a Division I program.

Rose began her coaching career when she went to graduate school at the University of Tennessee after earning a degree in physical education from Winthrop.

With Title IX passing a few years prior, women’s athletics on the NCAA front were still in the baby stages. This opened the door for Rose to become an assistant coach during her time as a graduate student under first-year head coach Pat Summitt. Joining the two on the coaching staff was another graduate student, Sylvia Hatchel, who went on to become the head coach at UNC. “Now that told you they were putting no emphasis on women’s athletics because they have three graduate students being the coaches,” Rose said. “All of us had played college ball, but none of us had coached.”

In 1975, the year Rose graduated from UT, the office of civil rights threatened to defund any school that failed to support women’s programs.

Now instead of the high school level, Rose and her women counterparts went on to secure collegiate coaching

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positions.

“When I got the opportunity to go straight to the college level, I felt so blessed and so fortunate,” Rose said.

While only in graduate school for one year, the trio formed a life-long bond that helped as they went down different avenues of their lives. The three, along with another graduate student Susan Phillips, stayed in contact long after they turned the tassels on graduate school.

In her pursuit of a job, Rose was offered the coaching position for women’s basketball at Francis-Marion and Wingate. With the low-priority placed on women’s athletics, to coach basketball, she would have to fulfill other duties within schools including managing sororities or acting as a dorm mother.

After declining the jobs at Francis-Marion and Wingate, Rose interviewed at Charlotte. In addition to

Photo by Chris Crews

“It was one of those friendships, you knew you could count on the four of us if any of us needed something,” Rose said. “We were all so close after that one year. It’s interesting, when you play on a team and play a sport, you’re so connected to the people. I was on my high school basketball team, my college basketball team. But this group in grad school was so tight, we just all respected each other so much.”

coaching women’s basketball, Rose was responsible for coaching tennis.

Rose joined the 49er family in 1975 and has been with the school ever since.

“I feel very blessed because I look at what I was hired to do, then I look at the opportunities that were made available to me,” Rose said.

After being the women’s basketball coach for five years, Rose became the assistant Athletic Director,

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she was promoted in 1985 to the associate AD. Eventually, Rose had the option: continue to coach basketball or move toward an administrative role.

“It was a hard choice for me, very hard. I thought I would be better long-term in administration. I’m very detail-oriented and I want everything to be nice and everyone to have what they need,” Rose said.

Upon deciding to shift over to the full-time administrative position, Rose made sure that she was supervising both men and women’s athletics.

“I insisted, once I went on the administrative end, that I didn’t just want to oversee women’s athletics. I wanted to do both men’s and women’s. I don’t know if it was some kind of epiphany, I don’t know why I did that. But I’m glad I did,” Rose said.

In 1990, a mandate from the NCAA stated that football and men’s basketball coaches could not pull double duty and be athletic directors as well. At the time, Jeff Mullins was serving as both the men’s basketball coach and athletic director for Charlotte. After working with Rose for five years, Mullins decided to stick with coaching and recommended she get the AD job.

Upon being informed of the recommendation by Mullins, Rose had mixed feelings on whether she was the right person for the job. In addition to never hiring a men’s basketball coach – at the time the biggest sport on campus – Rose also did not know of any other women that were in her situation.

“I didn’t know if I wanted it. I

didn’t know another female athletic best things football has done for us director,” Rose said. is awareness and branding. I have Despite her hesitations, Rose never seen so much of our logo [at accepted the Athletic Directors the inaugural spring game], it was position, becoming only the third unbelievable.” women athletic director overseeing During her time as the AD, 49er a Division I program. She continued athletics have prospered. 14 of the to break the glass ceiling when, in 16 teams either secured a league 2000, she became the first woman to title or received a berth for an NCAA serve on the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament or both. In the classCommittee. room, Charlotte athletes have a “It was the best professional cumulative GPA of over 3.0 for seven experience I have ever had, bar consecutive years. While Charlotte none. I’ve served on loads of NCAA has been successful under Rose’s committees, but the bonding that reign, she wants to see the teams takes place on that. They accepted become even better. me, there was never any question.

“I want us to be successful in They accepted me as equal on that Conference USA. I want us to committee,” Rose said. be more competitive so we’re in In 2001, Rose was named the post-season play,” Rose said.

NACDA Southeast Region Athletic Rose’s influence doesn’t stop at Director of the Year. Some of her oth- the student-athletes. She has also er accomplishments made an impact on as athletic director coaches like Cara include raising Consuegra. money to build “Working for Halton Arena, MiltiJudy has been, more-Wallis Athletic for me, probably “I feel very Training Center, one of the best blessed because Irwin Belk Track decisions I’ve ever I look at what I and Field Center made. When I took was hired to do, and the Wachovia over here I was a then I look at the Fieldhouse.

32-year-old head opportunities The first of her coach. It was really that were made greatest accomplishimportant for me available to me.” ments, according to that I worked for - Judy Rose Rose, was the new someone that could logo. Jim Woodward also be a mentor,” was the chancellor Consuegra said. when Rose began “That’s what I think her logo-changing is so special about crusade. He repeatJudy, is she is our edly shot down the leader and everyidea, and it wasn’t until two baseball body knows that, but she also has a players were drafted and the newsheart for mentoring and helping.” paper said they attended “North Though she’s been acting as the Carolina” instead of “Charlotte” that Athletic Director for the 49ers for he okayed the idea. A firm was hired nearly 30 years, Rose still gets out and the new athletic logos were of bed excited for work every morndesigned. ing. Part of the excitement comes Her other greatest contribution from following student-athletes after to Charlotte has been the addition of they’ve graduated. football. A trend was starting across “I love what I do,” Rose said. “I America where schools without cannot imagine getting up for work football programs were becoming irevery day and not wanting to go. relevant, and Rose did not want the Probably the best part for me is see49ers to fade into the background. ing how we bring student-athletes in After trying to convince three differas freshman and when they graduent chancellors to add the new sport, ate, how much they have matured in that time period. The maturation Philip Dubois finally greenlighted process of when they come in, and the project and the pigskin made its then following them through their way to the Queen City. careers.”

“Football has changed this university,” Rose said. “One of the

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Welcome Back 2017

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PARKING ON CAMPUS NOT AS DIFFICULT AS YOU THINK JEFFREY KOPP A&E Editor

Learning about parking is a crucial part of your transition to life at UNC Charlotte. You can’t just park wherever you want; if you do, you will absolutely wind up with a ticket and a hefty fine. It is important to note that anyone wishing to park on campus must have a permit (with the exception of visitor decks and metered parking areas), whether you live on campus or commute.

Parking and Transportation Services, also known as PATS, makes it easy to purchase a permit and find a place to park, as well as also pay any citations that you may receive.

As mentioned previously, anyone that plans on parking on campus needs to make sure that they have the necessary permit beforehand. Students living on campus can purchase a Resident permit, which allows for parking in a variety of lots across campus, but also the South Village Deck and the North Deck, which are in close proximity to many of the residence halls. Those students that do not live on campus may purchase a Commuter permit, which allows for parking in many of the same areas as residents, but there are also select lots and decks that are designated for commuters. If you’re not sure where you’re allowed

to park, it would be wise to refer to the PATS Parking map, a color-coded breakdown of all of the parking areas on campus.

Once you’ve been at UNC Charlotte for long enough, you’ll find that the cost of parking permits is a major topic of discussion among students. According to PATS, the high demand for parking spaces combined with the high costs associated with constructing new decks is what contributes to the expensive permit prices. That being said, funds from permit purchases are used to build and maintain parking decks, a fact that is especially important when you consider how fast UNC Charlotte is growing. Purchasing a permit is incredibly straightforward and can be done in person at the Parking and Transportation Services office or online; simply provide your 49er ID Card, a valid driver’s license, the vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance.

With such a large student body, faculty and staff, plus the numerous visitors, finding a parking spot isn’t always simple. Parking can sometimes feel like a tense competition, but following these tips may help you avoid being late to class.

Campus is a bit crazy the first week of classes,

NT file photo

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Student Niner Media

but things definitely calm down after. Still, you should pay attention to the time of day as much of the traffic occurs early in the morning as classes are beginning and later in the afternoon during rush hour. According to PATS, the parking areas that are the highest in demand, and therefore the busiest, are those closest to the center of campus, while the less busy areas are farther away.

With that in mind, it would be wise to park in an area further away from the main academic buildings and walk or take a shuttle to the center of campus. For example, instead of parking in Union Deck, which fills up quickly, parking in North Deck before taking a campus shuttle or walking would still allow you to get to class on time while lessening traffic for that area. While this may seem complicated and unreasonable, you will quickly find your perfect parking area as you adjust to your daily routine; coming up with a parking plan and sticking to it will help take away some of the stress, especially in the first few days of class.

Purchasing a permit and adhering to the rules is important, but what happens if you find yourself with a citation? You can pay citations via mail or by visiting the PATS office on campus; you also have the choice to appeal a citation with a written statement within 10 business days if you believe a mistake has been made. Avoiding citations is incredibly easy if you pay attention and park in the correct areas based on your permit; a full list of the different violations and fees is available on the PATS website. North Carolina law states that a university is only allowed to retain a small amount of money from citation fees, while the majority is utilized by the state to help fund local public schools.

At UNC Charlotte, you are going to hear plenty of rumors about PATS and parking. It’s important to understand that permit prices are high because of the rapidly growing student population and campus size. Finding a parking spot isn’t always easy, but with a little planning, you’ll have no problem getting to class on time. For more information about parking or to purchase a permit, visit pats.uncc.edu.

LIGHT RAIL ALMOST READY TO RIDE ALEXANDRIA SANDS News Editor

Students returning to campus this fall will be pleased to discover an ‘almost’ complete light rail station.

Throughout the summer, construction has been ongoing across

from Wallis Hall in preparation for the station’s opening this spring.

The LYNX Blue Line extension was originally slated to begin operations this month, but “construction coordination challenges” postponed the

Photo courtesy of UNCC Light Rail Website

opening.

It’s been almost five years ago since CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) signed a deal with the federal government to pay for half of the $1.16 billion it would cost to extend the LYNX Blue Line. With the completion, the light rail will now have a total of 26 stations, including it’s terminal at UNC Charlotte and a stop at the University’s Center City campus.

Students will be able to make it to both points in twenty minutes, but can also ride to other popular stops such as the Time Warner Cable Arena, Historic North Davidson and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

The deadline for the project completion is March 2018, but CATS claims to be practicing time-saving

activities to get the light rail running as soon as possible.

Students will receive an all access pass to ride the light rail, trolleys and majority of CATS transit including local and express buses.

The pass will be paid through an annual $50 fee, included in tuition once the light rail opens.

The light rail will operate seven days a week, from early morning until late night, with 107 trains arriving on campus each day. Campus shuttles will be extending their hours to accommodate the riders getting on and off the train at all hours.

For those interested in keeping up with the light rail, visit lightrail. uncc.edu.

LIGHT RAIL QUICK FACTS • The light rail will run seven days a week from 5:26 a.m. to 1:26 a.m.

• On weekdays, the light rail will be available every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes during less busy hours • On weekends, the light rail will be available every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during late night hours.

• The ride from campus to Uptown Charlotte will take roughly 20 minutes • Students receive an all-access pass to the light rail, charged to their 49er Card for $50

Welcome Back 2017

Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Transportation

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MOST ANTICIPATED FILMS OF FALL 2017 CLOWNS AND KILLERS AND JEDI, OH MY...

HUNTER HEILMAN

Editor-in-chief

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

“IT,” DIR. ANDY MUSCHIETTI, SEPT. 8 Sometimes when a trailer comes along, it grabs my attention, but there’s typically one or two trailers annually that really pull me into something really obsessive. In 2017, I’ve actually had three, those being “Woodshock,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and “It.” The first trailer for “It” not only was absolutely horrifying, even by my heightened standards, but the trailer exuded a lot of cinematic beauty that harkened back to classic Spielberg, emanating vibes of “E.T.,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and even to J.J. Abrams “Super 8” wonderfully. The complete mixture of beauty and horror came together to create a stunningly intriguing trailer unlike any other. Early test audiences are rumored to have been very impressed with the film, and early Comic-Con footage that has yet to be released has been incredibly positive.

And with the creative guts to push the film to a 135 minute runtime, there’s no doubt that “It” is going to rock.

“WOODSHOCK,” DIR. KATE AND LAURA MULLEAVY, SEPT. 22 The other trailer that left me speechless was that of “Woodshock,” which couldn’t be more different from “It” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” My first exposure to “Woodshock” came in its stunning first poster showing Kirsten Dunst’s lifeless body levitating among the stark presence of a forest. The trailer provided viewers with a polarizing, vague and ethereal treat into the film, which follows Dunst’s character suffering a breakdown after a profound personal loss. Turning to drugs to ease her pain, she finds herself in the midst of a paranoid breakdown at the hands of the powerful, mind-altering cannabinoid messing with her mental state. Directed by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, founders of the popular couture fashion brand Rodarte, the film looks to be an experimental journey through human grief and desperation through the eyes of narcotics. Beautiful, unique and incredibly haunting, “Woodshock” in its most primal form will leave you woodshook.

“KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE,” DIR. MATTHEW VAUGHN, SEPT. 22 Back when I was just a baby writer for the Niner Times back in my Freshman year, the first film I ever got a pre-screening for, which in turn led me to connect with those who helped me secure them for all major films, was “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” I wasn’t sure how to feel about the film going into it, but as I left, I felt like I had seen one of the most genuinely fun films to hit theaters in many years, a statement in which I still stand behind nearly two-and-a-half years later. With great box-office results and a strong audience following, its inevitable sequel, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” has come along with a bigger, more prestigious cast than before, bigger action sequences and a much bigger marketing campaign to really solidify this as a series to pay attention to. With director Matthew Vaughn behind the camera again and the main cast from the original film returning, plus many new faces, I have high hopes for “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” to be a consistent follow-up to a wondrous original.

Photo courtesy of Alcon Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures and Sony Pictures

“BLADE RUNNER: 2049,” DIR. DENIS VILLENEUVE, OCT. 6 When “Blade Runner” hit theaters in 1982, it was met to poor critical reaction and even poorer box-office revenue. Today, “Blade Runner” is known as a sci-fi masterpiece and classic, as well as one of Ridley Scott’s best films to date. The disconnect between how the film was viewed in its initial release to its status as a classic now could be the blame in why the film took 35 years to receive a sequel. With Scott taking an executive producer position on the film, the directorial duties for “Blade Runner 2049” have been passed to Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind such films as “Sicario” and “Arrival” (easily the best film of 2016). Finally given a proper blockbuster budget from three separate studios on the film, “Blade Runner 2049” will be the test of Villeneuve’s flexibility as a visionary, much in the way that “Batman Begins” tested Christopher Nolan. Judging by the stunning trailers for the film, it seems like Villeneuve could be joining the ranks of Nolan if he plays his cards right in this Ryan Gosling–Harrison Ford starring sci-fi epic.

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date. Directed by The Sperig Brothers, the previous slate of work they’re known for is actually quite impressive in vampire thriller “Daybreakers” and sci-fi thriller “Predestination.” Both of these films are clever turns on somewhat familiar genres, but the “Saw” series needs quite a skilled hand to turn around the damage that was done by its final few movies in the franchise. No one really knows if this is a sequel or a reboot or whatever, but I put hope in The Sperig Brothers to pull something at least decent out of it, but then again, I don’t particularly think “Daybreakers” or “Predestination” are either masterful enough turns at filmmaking to completely exempt themselves from possibly making this film bad. Regardless, I have my eye on this film.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

“THE SNOWMAN,” DIR. TOMAS ALFREDSON, OCT. 20 For anyone who has ever read any of my older movie reviews, one could surmise that horror is in fact my favorite genre of film, as it was the genre that really piqued my interest into film in general, so whenever a new horror film comes around, it always has a leg up on my interest levels. In all fairness, “The Snowman” isn’t really a straightforward horror film int he traditional sense, but a police murder mystery with some very heavy horrific elements about it. Set in and around Oslo, Norway, “The Snowman” follows detective Harry Hole (pronounced who-leh), played by Michael Fassbender, as he attempts to solve the crime of Norway’s first serial killer who calls himself “The Snowman,” who horrifically kills his victims at first snowfall.

The trailer to the film looks like a mix of “Seven,” “Gone Girl” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (ironically all David Fincher films) in all tones, which is enough in itself to get me interested, but what’s most interesting about the film is its director: Tomas Alfredson, the filmmaker behind such wonderful films as “Let the Right One In” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” both of which are genius, albeit very different takes on very tired genres.

Let’s hope Alfredson has the ingenuity to recreate the murder mystery genre.

“THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER,” DIR. YORGOS LANTHIMOS, OCT. 27 In 2015, Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos released “The Lobster” to near universal critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. One distributor bankruptcy later, A24 picked up the film for U.S. release in 2016, and released it on the week that I was moving, therefore I missed it in its initial run. I ended up catching the film in my European Cinema class here at UNC Charlotte and fell in love with every aspect of the film (if Will Davis doesn’t show it to you in that class, force him to). While “The Lobster” was a quirky indie comedy with some very dark elements to it, everything about “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” seems to point to it being a bleak, horrifying film of no parallel. All the early reviews from the Cannes Film Festival point to Lanthimos’s new feature as a tough, uncomfortable and incredibly disturbing watch, following a doctor, played by Colin Farrell, befriending a young, strange boy at his practice, who ends up being much more sinister than he initially thought, leading to disastrous results. This is a film of great potential and even greater mystery about it, and judging by Lanthimos’s predilection for smart, boundary-pushing cinema, I expect a great surprise in order.

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

“JIGSAW,” DIR. MICHAEL AND PETER SPERIG, OCT. 27 Confession time: I’m actually not excited for “Jigsaw” in the typical sense, but rather in its possible potential. I have a lot of nostalgia for the “Saw” series, as it was the barrier you crossed as a kid that made you the badass in 4th-6th grade who could handle watching those movies without vomiting or crying. The thing is, I don’t think I actually like any of the “Saw” films outside of the first three films, and even then, that only is a comparative greatness to them. Still, there’s a shred of a 6th grader left in me that wants “Jigsaw” to at least be better than the later “Saw” films leading to its quasi-finale in “Saw 3D,” which still is one of the worst modern horror films to

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“THOR: RAGNAROK,” DIR. TAIKA WAITITI, NOV. 3 This film is directed by Taika Waititi, and that in itself is reason enough for me to be excited for “Thor: Ragnarok,” but instead, Waititi and Marvel have crafted some of the best trailers for a blockbuster film I have seen in years. Flipping the script on the typical “Thor on Earth” formula that the original two films went for, Waititi takes “Thor: Ragnarok” away from Earth and places Thor on an unknown planet, somehow paired with Bruce Banner aka The Incredible Hulk. The sheer amount of color featured in this film is stunning, and the casting turns in this film, including villainess Cate Blanchett, sidekick Tessa Thompson, authoritative figure Jeff Goldblum among others set “Thor: Ragnarok” apart as something special. That “special” thing being that Marvel Studios has actually made me actively excited for one of their films far in advance of its actual release, and with the sometimes bloated schedule of films they put out multiple times a year, that’s a major accomplishment.

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not only for herself, but for others for the sake of what’s right. Like all of del Toro’s other films, “The Shape of Water” looks absolutely beautiful, ethereal and haunting all at once. Even though “The Shape of Water” isn’t a horror film, this is a trailer that will haunt you with its beautifully horrifying imagery long after the trailer has ended.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

“MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS,” DIR. KENNETH BRANAGH, NOV. 10 My excitement for “Murder on the Orient Express” shows that a bad trailer can transcend that of disdain for a film. When the initial trailer for this film dropped, it seemed fine at first, but the editing choices, mostly including its music, which decided to use Imagine Dragons as its centerpiece, frankly were so out of place that it almost made me forget that this film looks absolutely beautiful, is cast well (including Johnny Depp as the person who dies early, thankfully), and is an adaption of one of the finest mystery novels ever written. Produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kenneth Branagh (who also stars in the film’s main role), this is a film that seeks to modernize and resurrect the “coolness” of Agatha Christie novels, without sacrificing the actual source material it bases itself on. Still, if we can modernize this tone without Imagine Dragons, that would be even better.

Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm

“STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI,” DIR. RIAN JOHNSON, DEC. 15 Let’s be real here, only a complete prude would leave this off of a “most anticipated” list for the end of 2017. Following up on the absolute smash that was “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the eighth installment in this franchise, titled “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” picks up immediately where the last film left off with Rey finally reaching Luke Skywalker on the deserted island in which he has been in hiding for a long stretch of time. After returning his lightsaber to him, Rey soon begins to learn the ways and history of the Jedi, as well as the mysterious reason Luke left in the first place as Kylo Ren’s power in the First Order grows stronger. While “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is exciting in itself as a new “Star Wars” film, it also marks a bittersweet goodbye to General Leia Organa after the absolutely devastating death of Carrie Fisher this past December. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” not only marks the legendary return of possibly the most iconic series ever produced, but a fitting, yet entirely heartbreaking send-off to one of the most powerful women in film history. We salute you Carrie, and we still miss you every day.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

“THE SHAPE OF WATER,” DIR. GUILLERMO DEL TORO, DEC. 8 In 2015, Guillermo del Toro gave me my last dying wish by returning to the horror genre with “Crimson Peak,” a film that I enjoyed greatly. Now, del Toro has somewhat ditched the horror genre to return to the fantasy genre once more in “The Shape of Water,” a period fantasy film that almost looks like an Abe Sapien origin story from del Toro’s “Hellboy” series. Focusing on a mute janitor, played by Sally Hawkins, at a top-secret scientific facility, she discovers a reptile-like humanoid organism living amongst a tank in the facility. Knowing that she is not allowed to interact with the organism, the organism reaches out for a friend, to which she accepts when she realizes he is not much different than her as a mute. As she begins to realize the horrors taking place against the organism, she must learn how to stand up

“THE GREATEST SHOWMAN,” DIR. MICHAEL GRACEY, DEC. 28 When it comes to musicals, “La La Land” really brought them back to the forefront in a way that modern audiences didn’t think was possible until now. They weren’t considered particularly “cool” by modern standards, but when Damien Chazelle injected old Hollywood magic into a modern Los Angeles love story, audiences went wild. Now, first time director Michael Gracey takes on an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya in the original musical biopic of P.T. Barnum, the man behind The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, coined as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” With lush photography, beautiful choreography and old Hollywood magic at show, this musical looks to be the magical event of Christmas.

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TAILGATING THE 49ER WAY STAYING SAFE AND HAVING FUN DURING CHARLOTTE FOOTBALL SEASON

MIA SHELTON

Opinion Editor

For sports fans, the fun doesn’t begin when the game does, it begins at 9 a.m. with hot dogs burgers, fries, chili and cold sodas and fun games. Tailgating is where football fans get together and eat delicious food, trash talk about other teams, bond over team alliances and square off in some fun pregame activities. Of course, the fun can’t start until the game day rules and procedures are established and can be found in full on the University website., so let’s get started.

TAILGATING SPOTS AND PROCEDURES Tailgating areas will open four hours prior to the beginning of each game and fans must vacate the parking lots no later than two hours after the completion of the games. Tailgating at halftime and during the game is prohibited. Tailgating is prohibited in the following areas: Chancellor’s residence grounds and parking lot, Recreational Fields and Athletic Fields, Botanical Gardens, protected flood zones, wildlife areas, natural habitat areas and the graveyard near the stadium.

Tailgating areas may not impede vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic. For all the skateboarders and bikers out there, riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades, etc., are prohibited within the designated tailgating areas and/or spaces.

ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD SAFETY AND REGULATIONS For the music lovers and DJs out there I am sad to report that music/amplified sound is limited to portable sound systems intended to cover a 15x15 area and live performances/DJs are not allowed.

For those who plan to cook or have food during your tailgating experience, no charcoal grills are allowed.

Grills are prohibited on brick pavers and in parking decks. Grills must be at least 15ft away from buildings. Gas grills may not exceed a propane tank of 10 gallons/40 pounds. Open pit fires are prohibited. Large cookers and smokers are allowed only in specified lots.

Embers must be disposed of in appropriate containers provided in designated tailgate surface lots and other specified tailgate areas.

Per State law and University policy 706, underage

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drinking is prohibited. Anyone who consumes alcoholic beverages while tailgating must be able to produce, upon request a valid photo ID or driver’s license. Kegs and other common source containers are prohibited.

Glass containers are prohibited. Drinking games, such as beer pong and the use of devices intended to accelerate the consumption of alcohol, such as funnels and beer bongs, are also prohibited. If a person becomes noticeably intoxicated while tailgating, a University official may require him/her to leave the tailgating area and/or campus. Any violation of the Policy 706 may result in termination of tailgating privileges, criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct if the violator is a UNC Charlotte student.

PARKING All tailgating participants, except students in student lots, must pay for the designated tailgating parking spaces either before the football season or on game day. On Monday prior to game day, signs will be places in all the tailgating lots and parking decks as notifications that those lots and decks are closed and must be vacated. Vehicles parked in lots designated for football parking after midnight before a game day will be towed at owner’s expense.

Single Game Day parking permits are available online. Student tailgating is in designated student lots and available in a first come first- serviced basis. You must go online to Click and Park the Tuesday prior to game day, to obtain a student tailgating permit using their student ID number as a validation code. There is no charge for a student tailgating permit. If you do not have a parking permit you will be required to park in East 1 Visitor Deck or South Village deck and pay the associated Visitor fee.

Now that we have established most of the rules and procedures assigned to the tailgating experience, go have fun!

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CAMPUS SAFETY 101 MIA SHELTON

Opinion Editor Being back in the swing of things with classes, assignments, schedules and due dates, there are somethings that might slip our minds. Like remembering to call our parents back, hanging out with friends or even sleeping, but perhaps the most important thing we often forget is safety. I know in your mind you’re thinking, “I am being safe, I know about safety,” and that may be true, but it is the little things that we tend to think are no big deal that can put us in real danger.

First, always have a phone with in case of emergencies. While walking to class or even back to your apartment or residence hall, you may stumble on a situation that you may need to call for help for. You yourself may find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation and you may need to call 9-1-1. Having a phone with you will be a huge life saver, literally. If by chance you do not have a phone on you at a particular moment, there are blue light phones around campus that you can use. They can be found in the sliver pole with a blue light on top. They or also located in the parking garages.

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Download the LiveSafe app. It is free and it provides many useful services that can help keep students safe.

• The ability to call of text with Police and Public Safety (24/7) • A list of contacts for campus emergency and non-emergency services • The ability to anonymously report tips with pictures or videos to the University Police Department • The ability to track the locations of campus shuttle operated by PATS • GPS assistance Although this next tip maybe difficult to arrange, try not to be out on campus too late at night. I know there are many night classes that go on and some extra-curricular group activities that may take place, however, many incidents happen at night because there are less people to witness them. With that being said, whether you have a night class or not, try not be out later than you have to.

Try to walk with a friend at night. I know that

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you will know at least one person in your class and that person can at least walk with you to a certain point at night so that you do not have to walk by yourself. Walking in groups at night lowers the risks of incidents, so start making friends.

If you are not a social butterfly and don’t have a friend to walk with you at night, you can always get a police escort to either your car or class. All along campus there are police cars around and if you just ask for a lift they will be more than happy to give you one. I have asked for a lift myself, that is what they are here for.

I know this goes without saying, but don’t open your door to people you don’t know, even for friends of friends. A lot of times it’s the people closest to you that are more likely to cause harm.

If you are tagging along with friends to a party, stick together and don’t drink any unidentified drinks, even “punch.” Never leave your drinks or belongings unattended. Always remember when parking to lock your doors and never leave any valuables visible, either lock them in your trunk or take them with you.

MEN’S SOCCER PREVIEW WITH SEVEN STARTERS BACK, THE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM IS READY TO RETURN TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT KATHLEEN COOK Sports Editor

For the past two seasons, the men’s soccer program has fallen in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This season, they look to break their trend and that pursuit begins on Aug. 15 when the squad plays the first of their two exhibition games.

As the new season begins, junior Callum Montgomery keeps the Niners’ shortened tourney runs in the back of his mind to serve as motivation.

“The last two seasons are lingering a little bit, both seasons we’ve gotten stuck in the second round. I try not to think about that too much and just focus on this season. A big goal for me is to make that third round, so that’s what we’re going to be working for every day,” Montgomery said.

Though the NCAA tournament is a priority for the squad, for head coach Kevin Langan it shouldn’t remain a focal point for the whole season.

“It’s never granted to make the NCAA, we have to work extremely hard to get there. Everyone starts at the start line.

We have a lot of huge games, a lot of sessions, a lot of miles to run,” Langan said. “It’s very important to set goals, it’s very important to know the purpose of why we’re all here and what we want to do, but that’s it. You mention it, you talk about it, you make affirmations at the start, then you just go to work every single day.”

Photo by Chris Crews

The 49ers kick off their regular season campaign Aug. 26, hosting Winthrop. Their slate includes seven teams that played in the NCAA tournament last season: Coastal Carolina, Clemson, Radford,

Louisville, South Carolina, New Mexico and Kentucky. A challenging schedule isn’t anything new for the Niners, but after his experience last season, Daniel Bruce doesn’t pay attention to the rank of an opponent.

“We’ve wasted time before looking at the schedule, looking at the fixtures and thinking ‘oh this will be a tough game, this will be a hard one.’ We went away at Clemson and beat them 1-0, then came home and drew a 1-1 to App State last year,” Bruce said. “So it’s a waste of time to look at teams and think ‘oh it’ll be hard,’ you’ve just got to come out, it’s 90 minutes, 11 against 11, and just see what you can do and hopefully pull out a win.”

The team returns seven starters from last season and welcomes 12 new names to the roster. With spots needing to be filled, the novice Niners will be vying for the open positions heading to the preseason practices.

“There are open spots they know they’ll be fighting for. I expect this preseason to have perhaps more of an edge in training than it has in the past, not because the past was lacking, but there are some real clear open spaces that people will be fighting for which I’m excite by. Once you get that in training, that real competitive edge in training, it translates to the field real easy,” Langan said.

One of the seven players returning includes goalkeeper Elliot Panicco, who received the Conference USA Golden Glove Award as well as being named the C-USA Freshman of the Year last season. Also back on the field is Montgomery who was named to the second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American team as well as to the C-USA All-Academic team for the 2016 season. Tommy Madden will be back to help the team in the midfield position. Madden was named to the C-USA All-Tournament team last season and started in all 18 games.

Sporting the number 10 jersey this season for the 49ers is junior Bruce.

In soccer, the 10 jersey is reserved for the most valuable person on the field, they set the tempo for the team. Bruce had six goals and two assists last season. His six goals was second on the team. He also garnered a C-USA Offensive Player of the Week nod after being responsible for the game-winning goal for the Niners road win against No. 3 Clemson.

“Having that notion of freedom that you can go forward or go back and having that role on the field to keep things together, keep things gelled, keep things flowing, it’s a lot to have on your shoulders, but it’s always an honor to wear as well,” Bruce said.

Along with skills on the field, the returning players bring back a character that Langan feels will help to influence the team off the field as well.

“There’s a really good core, a really good spine back of not just phenomenal players with great college resumes behind them, but really top-class student-athletes with great integrity, great humility. So they’re going to really lead the group well, we know that,” Langan said.

The 49ers begin the regular season on Aug. 26, hosting Winthrop at TransAmerica Field.

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FALL CAMPUS ARTS PREVIEW VARIETY AND EXCELLENCE MAKE UP WHAT LOOKS TO BE A FABULOUS SEASON FOR UNC CHARLOTTE ARTS JEFFREY KOPP A&E Editor

The College of Arts and Architecture hosts a variety of different productions and galleries throughout the year to celebrate the talents of students, faculty and guests. Attending one of these productions is a great way to unwind on the weekend or after class, to meet new people and to support the department and your fellow students. There is a lot happening on campus each semester and the following are just a few events that are definitely worth checking out this fall.

the opening reception is the start of the exhibition that runs until Nov. 17.

WOMEN OF TRACHIS If you’re an admirer of the works of Sophocles, you won’t want to miss this performance of the famed Greek

BALTIMORE Are you looking to enjoy a theatre production without having to leave the comfort of campus? If so, you’re in luck because the Department of Theatre will be presenting the play, Baltimore, for five nights this fall.

Created by Kirsten Greenidge, “Baltimore” follows a group of college students as they deal with racial tension on their campus. This production will surely spark discussion among those that attend; the production runs every night at 7:30 p.m. from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 at the Black Box Theater in Robinson Hall.

ON LOCATION UNC Charlotte proudly boasts several different on-campus art galleries that showcase exhibitions throughout the year. This fall, Storrs Gallery will display On Location, an architecture exhibit put together by professor Marc Manack. Be sure to stop by the gallery on Sept. 29 between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the opening reception and symposium;

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MEASURE FOR MEASURE Women of Trachis is just one show worth seeing this fall; another iconic production coming to the Black Box Theater is Measure for Measure. This October, the famous Shakespeare play will be performed

by Actors From The London Stage,

Photo courtesy of College of Arts and Architecture

tragedy, Women of Trachis. This tale follows the fractured relationship between Deianeira and her husband Heracles. You may have read this play in an English class, but it is entirely different to see it performed live on stage. Shows run from Oct. 25 to Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. with a final performance taking place on Oct. 29 at 2:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theater in Robinson Hall.

a touring company put together by Patrick Stewart. This particular piece of work is especially notable because of the fact that it uniquely blends elements of tragedy and comedy. Performances run from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

FALL DANCE CONCERT If you’re interested in seeing some of your fellow students per-

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forming on stage, then look no further than the Fall Dance Concert.

This annual display of talent gives UNC Charlotte students the opportunity to showcase their skills in a variety of dance styles. Belk Theater truly comes to life each fall in this incredible display that the Department of Dance produces every year.

Whether you attend once or several times, you will definitely be in for a treat. The concert runs from Nov. 16 to 18 at 7:30 p.m. with a final performance on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

DEFIANT REQUIEM As the semester draws to a close and the campus prepares for final exams, the College of Arts and Architecture still provides students with plenty of events to attend. This December, the University Chorale will perform the works of Giuseppe Verdi in tribute to the prisoners interned at the Terezín camp during the Holocaust. This is sure to be an emotional performance that will honor the countless victims while also celebrating the heroism and courage of the survivors. Defiant Requiem will be performed on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Belk Theater in Robinson Hall.

These are just a few of the galleries and productions that the College of Architecture will host this semester. For a full calendar of events, as well as showtimes and ticket information, be sure to visit their website at coaa.uncc.edu.

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CHARLOTTE ON THE WEEKEND CHECK OUT ALL THE FUN, UNIQUE AND CHARMING HAPPENINGS THAT MAKE CHARLOTTE THE BEST CITY AROUND HAILEY TURPIN Lifestyle Editor

Whether you are new to the area or just looking for something new and exciting to do, Charlotte is a city that never sleeps and offers many opportunities to get out of your comfort zone. Here are just a few things to mix up your weekends in the Queen City.

1.BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM (FALL AND WINTER EXCLUSIVE) What better way to spend your weekend than watching the football team that was born and bred in the Carolinas. The season typically runs from mid-August to January, so break out that credit card and get those tickets to see the Panthers kick some butt.

2. U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER Especially during the fall, the Whitewater Center is a fun way to get on the water and spend some time with friends. Every Thursday and Saturday they have River Jam, an outdoor concert for all to enjoy for only a parking fee!

3. PNC MUSIC PAVILION No matter what kind of music you like, there is always something for everyone at PNC. To check out the latest artists coming to Charlotte, go to Ticketmaster and search for the PNC Music Pavilion’s schedule. Its close to the university area so great for college students and tickets are relatively inexpensive so perfect for anyone at any time.

NT file photo

4. BREWERIES If you are over 21 and enjoy craft beer, Charlotte has over 30 local breweries to enjoy. Some even sell their beers in local grocery stores if you can’t make it out one weekend. For an extensive list, visit http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/breweries.

5. NIGHTLIFE IN UPTOWN There are numerous amounts of clubs, bars and nightlife activities. And even if you are underage, there are many opportunities to have late night fun in Uptown. If you get a chance, check out the Midnight Diner, and

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24-hour local diner with the most amazing food you will ever put in your mouth. I personally recommend the chicken and waffles (don’t forget the hot sauce!).

NT file photo

6. BB&T BALLPARK (SPRING AND SUMMER EXCLUSIVE) The Charlotte Knights will kick off their 2018 season sometime in April of 2018, but don’t worry! It will come sooner than you think. And by that time next year, the Lynx Light Rail system will be open at the stops in University City, so getting to the game is a breeze. You can even stop by some restaurants on your way to the game, and not worry about breaking the bank when you get to the stadium.

7. NO-DA This district is possibly the most eclectic place in all of Charlotte. From all the local breweries and eateries to music halls and bars there is always something new and exciting to dive right into. If you find yourself roaming the streets with an empty stomach, head over to Cabo Fish Taco, with the best fresh corn salsa and the best tacos to ever hit your taste buds. Then if you’re thirsty, head over to Smelly Cat Coffee for some of the best brewed coffee in No-Da. 8. SOUTH END The south end is home to many quaint restaurants, breweries and pubs.

Its perfect for date night or a night out with friends. One of my favorite restaurants in the historic South End is Tupelo Honey. Farm fresh food, local honey, and some amazing service is what is to expect at this quirky restaurant. However, it is on the more expensive side, so not ideal for every other weekend on a college budget (but occasionally won’t hurt!).

9. FRENCH QUARTER an alleyway located on South Church Street, this little nook is home to French style restaurants, Irish Pubs and just about everything you can think of. Its perfect for late night bar hopping and getting a little taste of somewhere new.

If you are looking for somewhere new to eat, drink or be merry, Charlotte and its many districts always has something to please. Remember to stay safe, try new things and be adventurous, because trust me, Charlotte’s got everything you need for your great weekend out.

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MUSIC FOR THE SEASON A LOOK INSIDE THE MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUM RELEASES OF FALL 2017

STEPHANIE TREFZGER

Asst. A&E Editor

AUGUST 25 | ‘ALL WE KNOW OF HEAVEN, ALL WE NEED OF HELL’ - PVRIS Less than 24 hours after releasing the first single in early May, PVRIS confirmed that their new album would be released in August. Well, August is finally here, which means that the album is due soon! According to iTunes, the band’s sophomore album will have ten tracks introduced by lead single ‘Heaven’. The band’s singer, Lynn Gunn has said, “This record is kinda meant to throw you a curve, like, ‘is this more in the heaven zone or the hell zone or is it some weird purgatory thing?’ and it’s this weird juxtaposition, ironic world that you’re thrown into. People will see that visually as well as in a lot of the lyrics.”

Photo courtesy of Syco Music and Epic Records

AUGUST 25 | ‘FIFTH HARMONY’ - FIFTH HARMONY This is the group’s first album since five became four, but the departure of Camila Cabello hasn’t dampened their or their fans’ spirits in the slightest. In fact, they seem excited about the future. In an interview with Billboard following the release of the new album’s lead single, ‘Down’, featuring Gucci Mane, Ally Brooke Hernandez

explained that the group are “really experimenting with a lot of different sounds” and that the group’s third album is a good mix of “strong pop melodies” and “dark urban sounds.” The R&B influence is clear on the most recent single, ‘Angel’. In an additional note of positivity, Normandi Kordei added, “We [co-]wrote more than half our album. It means more.”

SEPTEMBER 1 | ‘AMERICAN DREAM’ - LCD SOUNDSYSTEM This album is the long-awaited follow-up to ‘This is Happening’, which came out in 2010. The album, which spans ten tracks, includes previously released songs ‘Call the Police’ and the album’s namesake, ‘American Dream’. While these titles may seem to imply some commentary on today’s political climate, they are are actual much more subtle; the single ‘American Dream’ deals with aging and coming to terms with one’s own faults and flaws; ‘Call the Police’ again deals with age, this time finding one’s place in society as you get older, but there does seem to be more outrage on this song than on the former.

SEPTEMBER 15 | ‘CONCRETE AND GOLD’ FOO FIGHTERS Despite Dave Grohl telling Rolling Stone that he planned to go on hiatus following the Foo Fighters’ 2015 tour, he started writing their ninth studio album at an AirBnb in California, saying, “I brought a case of wine and sat there in my underwear with a microphone for about five days, just writing…it happened at the perfect time. I was inspired by what was going on with our country – politically, personally, as a father, an American and a musician. There was a lot to write about.”

SEPTEMBER 29 | ‘YOUNGER NOW’ - MILEY CYRUS Photos from a Billboard cover photoshoot in May left people wondering what was next for Miley Cyrus. Her look and attitude had completely changed from her appropriative ‘Bangerz’ era to a

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more subtle child-like style. This attitude change also seems to have affected the music on her new album, which she says is deeply influenced by her country past. Her “main concern isn’t radio,” and that is very apparent by the album’s lead single, ‘Malibu’, which, stylistically, does not suit the music currently filling the airwaves. “This is Miley leaning into her roots more than I’ve ever heard,” her father, Billy Ray Cyrus said. “For her, this is honest.”

Photo courtesy of Island Records

SEPTEMBER 22 | ‘WONDERFUL WONDERFUL’ - THE KILLERS Working with producer Jacknife Lee, Brandon Flowers and his band have created an album that they say is more mature and personal than anything they have released in the past. “I put more of an effort to be more personal on this record,” Flowers says, which included tapping into the vulnerability he felt as a child in 1990 watching Buster Douglas knock out then-undefeated Mike Tyson and realizing “nothing lasts forever” (featured on ‘Tyson vs. Douglas’) and he wrote a song for his wife, who suffers from PTSD stemming from childhood traumas (‘Some Kind of Love’).

“It’s really emotional,” he says of the last track. “I played that for her, and she just sobbed.”

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THE REALITY OF GREEK LIFE

BREAK THE STEREOTYPES YOU KNOW AND LEARN THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE THAT GREEK LIFE PLAYS ON UNC CHARLOTTE’S CAMPUS HAILEY TURPIN Lifestyle Editor

When you think of fraternity and sorority life, many things can come to mind: partying, meeting new people, hazing, paying for friends, the list goes on and on. In fact, there are sometimes more bad stigmas around Greek life than good ones. There are so many questions and there is not enough time in the world to get them all answered. But here are UNC Charlotte, we pride ourselves on the Greek community’s hard work and excellence. So, before you immediately push it to the side, keep reading. The Greek community here might shock you.

So, what is Greek life anyway?

Well, it a safe and comfortable environment for students to meet new people, network, give back to the community and have fun while here at UNC Charlotte. It’s a place that allows students to meet and interact with each other while bonding over similar values and beliefs.

“One of the things we do here at the Office of Fraternity and Sorority life is to make sure students know their values,” said Michelle Guobadia, Associate Dean of Students and Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

But there is so much more to being a part of the Greek community. Each chapter has their own way of giving back to the community and for different causes. Delta Zeta Sorority’s philanthropy is the Starkey Hearing Foundation and the Painted Turtle Campaign.

“I’m fluent in sign language so it

allows me to communicate with the kids we are helping. It also allows me to teach my sisters sign language so we can all work to be able to communicate with the community. The Philanthropy means a lot to me and was a big part of why I joined Delta Zeta.” said Kaylee Cortese, a member of the Kappa Phi chapter here at UNC Charlotte.

Along with giving back to the community, a big part of the Greek community is meeting new people and having fun.

“One event I am looking forward to this year is the NPHC Yardshow on August 27th at 3pm in the Starquad. It is a great opportunity to hang with friends and have a first look at the NPHC chapters available for students on our campus.” said Robbie Miller, a member of the Iota Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and UNC Charlotte’s NPHC President.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNC Charlotte is devoted to the safety and well-beings of all its members. UNC Charlotte has a strict no hazing policy, which is enforced and made aware through the National Hazing Prevention Week. Along with the no hazing policy, academics are heavily enforced through the GPA requirement of 2.6. at UNC Charlotte. We in the Greek community pride ourselves in our diversity, academics and brotherhoods/ sisterhoods.

“If you are interested in Greek Life, know two things: one, it’s not

Photo by Chris Crews

what you think it is. The impression you have of fraternity and sorority life is not at all what you see, there is so much more to it. And two, Be yourself. We have 43 chapters and five different councils here at UNC Charlotte, so there are many ways to be Greek.” said Guobadia.

So, before you decide not to get involved, take the time to understand what each organization is and what their values are. It might even shock you, and you could find an organization that is great for you with people you would have never known. For more information on the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and how to get involved, go to http:// unccdso.uncc.edu/org/ofsl/home.

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Photo by Chris Crews

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OFF-SEASON FOOTBALL REPORT OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW At the conclusion of the 49ers’ 4-8 season, many questions surrounded the players. The inaugural 2012 redshirt senior class, the first official class of recruits who stepped on campus, finally graduated, and the coaching staff was left to figure how to replace them. This was no easy task, however.

Among the seniors who graduated were linebacker Nick Cook, defensive lineman Brandon Banks, running back Kalif Phillips, receiver Austin Duke, and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. Cook was one of the defensive anchors, and he finished the 2016 season with 108 total tackles. Meanwhile, the other four players looked to continue their careers in the NFL. Ogunjobi, the heart and soul of the young 49ers’ program, was drafted with the first pick in the third round to the Cleveland Browns, becoming the first 49er to ever be selected in the draft. He’s slated to become a key member of the Browns’ defense, who also selected Myles Garrett of Texas A&M and Jabril Peppers of Michigan to lead off their picks.

Soon after, Banks signed a free agent deal with the Washington Redskins; Phillips, the 49ers’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, signed a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers, while Duke-- who went to high school in Charlotte and played four years as a Niner-- signed a deal to play for the hometown Carolina Panthers.

However, the seniors weren’t the only people leaving the program. The Niners also made a few moves on the coaching staff. Assistant head coach Dean Hood resigned in February to accept a special teams coaching job at Kentucky. Wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Joe Tereshinski resigned days later, and defensive line coach Aaron Curry resigned in the summer. Charlotte coach Brad Lambert brought in Greg Adkins as the offensive line coach, Keith Henry as running backs coach, and promoted Charlie Skalaski as the special teams coordinator.

Needless to say, Charlotte’s senior class will be the most difficult one to replace. In order to assuage the loss of talent, Lambert and his staff hit the recruiting trail hard and signed 22 total prospects in the offseason. While last year the program signed four-star recruit Robert Washington, Charlotte was able to sign five three-star recruits to highlight this year’s class.

The three-star recruits include tailback Kameron Duncan, receivers Cameron Bent and Victor Tucker, offensive lineman D’mmitri Emmanuel, and defensive lineman Chrishawn Wilson. Duncan rushed for 1,332 yards and averaged 148 yards per game as a senior in Florida. Tucker, another signee from Florida, totaled 41 receptions and eight touchdowns for 569 yards as a senior, and Wilson had 33 tackles (including 12 sacks) in his final season in Florence, South Carolina.

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WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO The Niners will lean heavily on its offensive playmakers this season.

After the team started 1-4, redshirt junior quarterback Hasaan Klugh was inserted into the lineup and finished the year with 1,356 passing yards and 10 touchdowns to three interceptions. A mobile quarterback, Klugh was also the third leading rusher for Charlotte, as he picked up 426 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Washington will likely be the main tailback this season, as he rushed for 489 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman.

Also, the receiving core will need to have a huge year for Charlotte. Now that Duke is gone, the torch has been passed to senior T.L. Ford II, who caught 36 passes for 430 yards and four touchdowns, and Trent Bostick, a senior who redshirted last year due to injury. Bostick caught 32 passes for 457 yards and three scores in 2015. The two will play opposite of Workpe Kofa, a redshirt junior who caught 27 passes for 329 yards and five touchdowns last season.

On defense, Karrington King, Ed Rolle, and Ben DeLuca will look to lead the charge. King and DeLuca tallied 73 and 68 tackles respectively, which leads all defensive returners. DeLuca also picked off two passes.

Rolle, a junior, racked up 49 tackles to go with three interceptions last season and has a real nose for the ball. In addition, redshirt sophomore linebacker Tyriq Harris tallied 49 tackles and two sacks, and redshirt sophomore AJ McScrooge had 45 tackles. Anthony Covington, a redshirt senior defensive back, had 37 tackles and one pick last year to round out the Charlotte defense.

Though the defense will be young, the underclassmen will be counted on to make big plays as the season rolls along. They’ll have their work cut out for them as they look to fill the big shoes left by Cook, Banks and Ogunjobi. Despite the youth, the Niners are hoping to secure their first bowl game this season. Last year, the team staged an amazing comeback against Middle Tennessee on Senior Day that came up just short, as they fell 38-31. A win would’ve given them five on the season and a chance to get their sixth in their road finale against UTSA. While the loss was gut-wrenching, the players have used it as motivation, and they’re hoping this young team can fill up the stat sheet-- and the stands-- on the way to success. The 49ers’ road to a bowl game starts on September 2nd, as they travel to Eastern Michigan. Their first home game is two weeks later, September 16 against the NC A&T State Aggies.

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Welcome Back 2017

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