Welcome Back 2013
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Student Niner Media
Welcome Back 2013
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Student Niner Media
table of contents 6
Welcome from Dubois
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Conference USA
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Week of Welcome
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Campus snapshots and history
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On-campus dining
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Textbooks
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Student Body President
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Charlotte attractions
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Dorm hacks
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Greek life
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On-campus transportation
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NinerJobNet
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Campus Wi-Fi Expansion
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Summer construction update
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Moodle 2
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Solar Decathlon
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Ask Abby
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Charlotte 49er Athletics
a student niner media production editor-in-chief | news editor |
Eden Creamer
Claire Dodd
lifestyle editor |
Michelle Liringis
creative director | writers | sales |
sports editor | a&e editor |
Patrick Bogans
Libby Weihsmann
Liz Lanier
Niki Prestel
Matt Chapman, Abby Hardin
Emmanuel Loredo, Dylan Robison
niner media advisor |
Wayne Maikranz
graphics & production | office manager |
Welcome Back 2013
managing editor |
Pete Hurdle
marketing advisor |
Kelley Merges
business manager |
Laurie Cuddy
Mark Haire
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Welcome to UNC Charlotte! We are proud that you have chosen us to be your university. Be assured that you have chosen well. UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university, with the unique characteristic 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 as Chancellor since 2005. 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 won’t know for sure until all of our new students have enrolled this fall, it is nearly certain that our enrollment for 2013-14 will exceed 26,000 students. Why this growth? Because we have earned a reputation as an outstanding university and we are attracting talented students from all over the world. Our faculty and staff are committed to student success. From academics and research to the arts and athletics, UNC Charlotte’s campus is teeming with opportunities for personal and professional growth. In addition to the many cultural and athletic events available to you on campus and in the greater Charlotte community, the university hosts more than 300 student organizations. I encourage you to become an active part of the campus community - your success here will be directly related to the extent of your involvement, both academically and socially. And, in case you hadn’t heard, UNC Charlotte’s inaugural football season begins on Aug. 31 as we take on the Campbell University Camels on McColl-Richardson Field in Jerry Richardson Stadium. As you walk around campus, you’ll notice that several new construction projects are underway. The renovation of South Village into a first-class freshman living and learning community continues with the recent completion of Hunt Hall and a major parking structure, with a new dining complex expected to open sometime next year. And the newest residence hall in the North Village housing complex—Belk Hall—also opens its doors this fall. Your undergraduate experience should be a time of exploration and discovery, as well as the beginning of a lifelong relationship with your university. We welcome you to stake your claim at UNC Charlotte. Cordially, Philip L. Dubois Chancellor
Photo by Chris Crews
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Student Niner Media
Charlotte 49ers return to Conference USA Sixteen of Charlotte’s athletic teams will switch to Conference USA for the 2013-14 season Libby Weihsmann SPORTS EDITOR
After an eight-year hiatus from Conference USA, the Charlotte 49ers have cut ties with the Atlantic-10 Conference. On July 1, the Charlotte 49ers officially returned to Conference USA. The Charlotte 49ers were members of Conference USA from 1995-96 until 2004-05. They then joined the Atlantic-10 Conference, but are now back to where it was all started.
Conference USA was established in 1994 but had their first year of competition in the 1995-96 season. Sixteen of Charlotte’s athletic teams will immediately become members of Conference USA. Charlotte football will have to wait until 2015-16 to join Conference USA. The football team will have to spend their first two seasons as a FCS Indepen-
dent team. In 2015, all 17 of the Charlotte 49ers athletic teams will be competing members in Conference USA. This November, Charlotte will host the Conference USA Men’s Soccer Championship at Transamerica Field. Although it’s not unheard of, it is quite an honor for the 49ers to be able to host the championship being that this is their
first season as a new Conference USA member. There are currently 16 teams in Conference USA. The 16 teams are Charlotte, East Carolina, FIU, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Old Dominion, Rice, Southern Miss., Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTEP and UTSA.
All Charlotte 49er athletics teams will be moving to Conference USA from the Atlantic-10 conference starting in the 2013-14 season with the exception of football. Photos Chris Crews, Matt Jackson and Michael Stennett
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Annual Week of Welcome kicks off the academic year with food, games, freebies and more Claire Dodd
NEWS EDITOR Week of Welcome (WOW!) is a week packed with events to cater to both new and returning students, coordinated and presented on behalf of the Week of Welcome committee, Week of Welcome Team Leaders and Week of Welcome Leaders. This year the festivities will kick off on Friday, Aug. 16, and end Sunday, Aug. 25. This is an opportunity to get immersed in organizations on campus, run into old friends, meet new ones and kick off the year with the rest of Niner Nation. Myra Garcia, graduate assistant for New Student Services with UNC Charlotte, has witnessed WOW! grow over the years and recommends that students come out to enjoy free food, gear and entertainment. “The most popular events are the ones that are more traditional. The students who have been here for a
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while know what to expect,” said Garcia. “Those are the ones most students get excited over because they come back every year.”
Monday, Aug. 19
Thursday, Aug. 22
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chilling and Grilling
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor Fair
with IFC
6 - 10 p.m. Hot Latin Night
week of welcome events
4 to 7 p.m. Welcome Home 49ers to
7 to 9 p.m. WOW Comedy Show
OASES
Friday, Aug. 23
Tuesday, Aug. 20
1 to 4 p.m. Greek Carnival
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fishy Friends
8 - 10 p.m. International Club Welcome
5 to 7 p.m. Panhellenic Sorority Meet and
Party
Greet
8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Union Take Over
Saturday, Aug. 17
7 - 9 p.m. BCM Worship and Ice Cream
12 - 2 p.m. DeZZert Bar with the Oh Soo
Social
Saturday, Aug. 24
Sweet Zetas
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Friday, Aug. 16 8:30 - 10 p.m. Outdoor Movie
8 - 10:30 p.m. CAB Back to School Block Party
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student Organization Showcase
Sunday, Aug. 18
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Career Carnival
2 - 5 p.m. RecFest
5 to 7 p.m. Cheer Nation Back to School
5 - 7 p.m. 49er New Year
Rally
5 - 8 p.m. The Hootenanny
Sunday, Aug. 25 4 - 9 p.m. NPHC/DGC Yardshow For a complete listing of events, visit the Week of Welcome webpage through the Dean of Students Office.
Student Niner Media
Welcome Back 2013
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s u p m a ts
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Student Niner Media
A brief history of UNC Charlotte Liz Lanier
A&E EDITOR
UNC Charlotte’s campus is comprised of many beautiful pieces of architecture, landmarks and foliage. From the Belk Tower, consturcted in 1970, to the Cato Teaching Mural completed this summer, UNC Charlotte is a breathtaking wonder. Photos by Eden Creamer
Welcome Back 2013
In a span of only 67 years, UNC Charlotte has grown from a tiny school for 278 students to a sprawling, urban research institute with over 26,000 undergraduates. In just over a half century, UNC Charlotte has had three names, changes due to the rapid expansion of the school. In 1946, the Charlotte Center was opened for veterans of World War II in Central High School. Several of these makeshift colleges opened up around the country to serve the educational needs of returning soldiers on the funds of the G.I. Bill, but the school that would be UNC Charlotte persevered when most were closed, as funding dried up in 1949. That was the year that the Charlotte Center would become Charlotte College. The new campus for Charlotte College opened up in 1961, on 1,000 acres of land just 10 miles from uptown Charlotte after legislators and business leaders of Mecklenburg and nearby counties started efforts to find a new home for the expanding school. By 1965, Charlotte College became a four-year university and was bestowed with its current name and spot within the University of North Carolina system. 1969 was a significant highlight for the university, as programs offering master’s degrees began. In 1992, UNC Charlotte was authorized to offer doctoral programs. Combined, the university now offers over 150 bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral programs. Students starting this year have the honor of saying that the new football program began during their freshman year. While the Charlotte Center had a football team from 1946-48, the team was not sustained. It was not until 2006 that students and alumni gained attention in their efforts for UNC Charlotte to have a football program. After the “Forty-Niners Seat Licenses” program was a success, the Board of Trustees voted in favor of creating a football program by 2013 in November of 2008. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has proven itself as the little college that could, and students today are still a part of the living history of the university.
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Food options expand on-campus once again Dining Services continues to cater to students’ wants and needs Patrick Bogans
MANAGING EDITOR Students looking to live on-campus or around the university will have no trouble finding the perfect meal while at UNC Charlotte. Housing a plethora of restaurants with a variety of choices around every corner, UNC Charlotte has plenty of dining options that satisfy any hungry 49er. Favorite and popular restaurants such as Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, Bojangles’ and Salsarita’s are spread throughout campus in the Student Union, Prospector and the Cone University Center. These options are alongside many other notable and original dining options that help make campus a vast and varied dining experience. Every year, or even every semester, it seems a new dining option is invented or revamped to give UNC Charlotte students fresh, exciting choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the beginning of the 2012-13 academic year, the Bojangles’ in Cone was expanded in mind and in matter to include all day breakfast favorites and a variety of boneless chicken lunch items. The Herban Legend Food Truck was also implemented as a mobile food alternative to satisfy students looking to get a dose of international cuisine for their midday meal. Outtakes Carts were also added with hours suited to morning commuters. Prospector gained a revamped burger specialist in place of Smasher’s with the new Grill Nation. Even this past spring semester, pizza palace Mamma Leone’s got a new husband in Papa John’s, which opened in the Student Activity Center. The pizza chain is now open for students Monday through Thursday and serves up personal pizzas with many topping options, alongside garlic and cheese breadsticks. This coming school year, students can look forward to another mainstream food chain making its way to campus. Subway, the beloved fast-food sandwich chain, will replace Wild Greens in the Cone Center’s Main Street Market. Alongside this change, Lindsay
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Located in the lower level of Prospector, Chick-fil-A will remain a dining staple on campus. Photo by Chris Crews
DePrey, marketing director for Chartwells at UNC Charlotte, explains there will be new options for students who have meal plans and often dine in the Student Union. Between 5 and 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, students can use their meal swipes at the Mamma Leone’s location in the Student Union. The meal swipes can be used at a designated “take-away” menu at the location, and will be available once students begin classes in August. Bistro 49, the more traditional restaurant style dining option on campus, will now be open for dinner during the week. The bistro will be open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. starting in August. The dinner menu will vary from the lunch menu, but still offers the same table service that is expected when dining at the Bistro.
Students can use a combination of a meal swipe and declining balance, or all declining balance, to enjoy dinner at Bistro 49. Looking farther ahead, UNC Charlotte will have another large addition on the dining front after the upcoming school year. The new South Village dining facility will be a state-of-the-art two-story food haven for students. The facility is currently under construction and is located on the south side of campus, in the area of the Moore and Sanford highrises. The lower level of the facility will be similar to Crown Commons, but spacious and more modern, including a European-style kitchen, Asian cooking, a deli and more. There will also be a campus bakery, a take-out area for the on-the-go and a retail venue that will serve for students
throughout the day. The venue will also have a late-night dining service. LouAnn Lamb, marketing director for Business Services, said in an interview with former Niner Times Editor-in-Chief Haley Twist that the upper level of the facility will include a grand outdoor terrace which will wrap around the village and inside there will be a large student lounge with fireplaces and flat-screen televisions. According to the Facilities Management website for UNC Charlotte, the project has an estimated completion date of May 2014. DePrey suggests that students submit any questions, concerns or suggestions to the Chartwells website, dineoncampus.com/unccharlotte. “Anytime that people have ideas, we’re more than welcome to hear them,” said Deprey.
Student Niner Media
Welcome Back 2013
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A guide to purchasing textbooks How to save time and money when it’s time to buy books Michelle Liringis
LIFESTYLE EDITOR College expenses really add up: tuition and fees, meal plans, housing prices, dorm supplies and, of course, the ever-dreaded cost of textbooks. While most of the costs of college are out of the student’s control, there are always ways to save here and there.
Buying new Many first year students buy their books new, either from the campus Barnes & Noble bookstore location or through another bookstore. The campus bookstore makes it easy for students to order all their books with one click of a computer mouse. By going to the bookstore’s website, students can search for textbooks by course and all textbooks assigned to the course will pop up. With one click, students can add these books to their shopping cart and pick them up at the campus bookstore when the books have arrived. Gray’s Campus Bookstore is another easy option to buy new textbooks. Gray’s is located across the street from campus on University City Blvd., and has most of the textbooks required for UNC Charlotte courses.
Used books For many, buying all new books is expensive. Students frequently purchase used books for lower prices, even though these copies of the book are just as good. There are a variety of options to consider when purchasing used books, both local and online. The campus Barnes & Noble location gives the option to buy a used copy of the textbook online when ordering if there is a used copy available. These books will be available to the student when ready at the bookstore just like with new books. Amazon.com is another popular choice among students for purchasing textbooks. When more than one seller is providing the book, students can pick who to buy from based on price, and free two
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Barnes & Noble is one option for students buying textbooks. Photo by Patrick Bogans
day shipping is available for Amazon Student or Amazon Prime members. Gray’s also sells used textbooks to students for lower prices than new textbooks would sell for.
bate for all textbooks returned on time and in similar condition to when they were first rented. Renting is a great way to save money, but the books need to be taken care of.
Renting books
Buy-back
Another option is renting textbooks from bookstores or companies. The Barnes & Noble campus bookstore and Gray’s both allow students to rent some books, though not all books that are needed will be available for rent. Sometimes these books can be found online to rent if they are unavailable through these bookstores. Ecampus.com and bookbyte.com are two popular textbook renting sites. Books are ordered online and the price is dependent on the duration of the rental period: quarterly or semesterly, as well as the book itself. The companies provide shipping labels so return shipping is of no cost to the student. They will also issue a 10 percent re-
Depending on where textbooks are purchased from, the seller may provide students with a buy-back option. This allows students to sell the textbook back to the company at the end of the semester to receive either store credit or money back. The campus Barnes & Noble location and Gray’s offer a buy-back service, but because of the mass quantities of students trying to sell the same books back to these locations, you may have to wait to sell back your books. Those who order their textbooks through Amazon Student or Amazon Prime have guaranteed buy-back. At the end of the semester students can access the Amazon-designed and book-specific shipping label through the orders tab of their account.
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Welcome Back 2013
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Welcome Back 2013
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Student Niner Media
2200 704-687-0100
704-687-1991 235
Become Familiar with the University’s Online Advising System One Click - One System
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Student Niner Media
Getting to know Nails and Shaw Student Body President and Vice President Brady Nails and James Shaw discuss their personal lives and what has influenced them to end up where they are now
Eden Creamer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF They sit at the computer in the Interfraternity Council (IFC) office nestled into the Student Government and Organizations Complex of the Student Union. James Shaw, vice president of scholarship for IFC, scrolls on the computer while Brady Nails, IFC president, sits next to him speaking. Nails smiles as he cracks a joke and Shaw looks over and laughs. Meet Student Body President Brady Nails and his Vice President James Shaw. The pair have been friends for years and while their newest venture at UNC Charlotte has hardly just begun, they’ve already jumped in. The pair was sworn in on April 11 after a little over a month of campaigning for the positions in the Student Government Association (SGA). Even before the swearing in, they started working to assemble their cabinet for the 2013-14 academic year. “We’ve been meeting with people since [the results were announced],” Nails laughs. “There is a lot to be done now.” The early start they got to the 201314 academic year gave the pair a foundation to start with coming into the fall semester. They spent the summer preparing, knowing that their longstanding friendship would provide them the knowledge they would need to best work together as a team. Nails and Shaw met years before college began during their driver’s education classes. “James is a better driver. He can drive as well backwards as I can forwards,” Nails smiles as he looks over at Shaw, who looks at his lap and smiles as he shakes his head. Neither of these Niners are spending their time at the university the way they had originally planned. Nails began at UNC Charlotte as a philosophy major. He says this was slightly influenced by his family, a relative working as a philosophy professor. He has since switched to a history major, saying the classes interest him
Welcome Back 2013
Brady Nails (right) and James Shaw (left) at the 2012 Student Body President debate hosted by Student Niner Media. Photo by Chris Crews
more and better prepare him for a future in law school. “I think I’m one of the few people who plan to practice law after school, too,” Nails adds. Shaw transferred to UNC Charlotte after spending time studying at Virginia Tech. His move to UNC Charlotte was based on the banking atmosphere of the city and the program available at the university. “Brady, you know, being an OC he really talked up the university’s program,” said Shaw, glancing over at his friend. “I OCed for the Belk College of Business,” Nails added. Shaw nodded and continued, saying that the banking community of uptown Charlotte added to the university’s program and helped draw him in to join the Finance program with the
Belk College of Business. Both members of IFC, the new additions to SGA are both brothers in campus fraternity chapters. Nails is involved with Sigma Phi Epsilon while Shaw is a brother in Lambda Chi Alpha. Both say Greek life and the Greek community of UNC Charlotte are large parts of their lives. “I don’t think I’d be the person I am or where I am today without going Greek,” said Nails. Shaw nods his head in agreement as Nails discusses the influence his fraternity has had in his life. Throughout the conversation, Nails continues to say that he is a Carolina boy. He passionately discusses North Carolina and the Charlotte area, even proudly saying that his beer of choice, Red Oak, is brewed not even two hours
from Charlotte. Both balance their fraternity involvement, work with IFC and now SGA with social lives. Their positions with IFC will continue into the end of the fall 2013 semester, and they say juggling both IFC and SGA will be a challenge. “It’ll be fun though,” Nails says, catching Shaw’s eye and smiling. The friends laugh, joking together. The atmosphere in the office is lighthearted and the pair have a functional and open working relationship. Their real work hasn’t started yet. The meetings they’ve gone through and the discussions they’ve had thus far are all preparation for what is yet to come for Nails and Shaw, student body president and vice president for the 2013-14 academic year.
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TOP 10 THINGS TO Liz Lanier
A&E EDITOR
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N.C. MUSIC FACTORY
While it may sound like there are only shows offered here, there’s a bit of everything at this location. The Comedy Zone offers stand-up comedy shows and open mic nights, while Wet Willie’s is a popular bar with college crowds. There is also a variety of musical acts that make their way to the venues at the NC Music Factory, ranging in genre.
2THEATRE EPICENTRE
With a student ID, this movie theatre has one of the cheapest ticket prices in Charlotte at $7.50. It shows a selection of new releases and usually offers showings of indie films, documentaries and classics. Plus, they have a
the place you need to be. While they feature all variants of rock acts, they
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check out beyond
AMOS’
SOUTHEND
tend to sway towards harder fare. Shows are held nearly every night of the week, but you will want to arrive early for big-name acts— the lines to get in are extremely long.
4FREEDOM PARK
something new to Read on for suggestions for the hear, taste and do in
sometimes live music at the pavilion at the EpiCentre.
rock than pop Amos’ is
need help finding Been in Charlotte
nightclub ambiance in the uptown setting, and offer a full dinner and drinks menu. There is also a bowling alley and
If you’re looking for more
New to UNC
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U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER
CENTER
U.S. National Whitewater Center is not only the training grounds of Olympic slalom teams, but also has plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The best bang for your buck is in the yearly pass, which gives access to all activities. Water sport possibilities ideal for hot weather
If you need some time to reflect and de-stress, Freedom Park is one of the most
include whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking and stand-up paddle-
beautiful parks in Charlotte. It’s a great place to get exercise in the form of walking
boarding. All year the hiking trails, canopy ziplines, obstacle courses, rock
trails, biking paths and sports fields. The park also has a large dog park to check out.
climbing and mountain biking are excellent ways to stay in shape and
Freedom Park is an ideal study or reading spot if you want to absorb some nature
have a lot of fun.
with your thoughts.
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THE LAST
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Located less than a couple miles from campus, The Last Word is known for their large selection of used books. They also carry used games from the nostalgic to the recently released and everywhere in between for reasonable prices. You can also stock up on movies and get cheap coffee. The Last Word accepts trades for books, games and movies or will give you cash for used entertainment items. The Last Word also holds Friday night Magic the Gathering games that everyone is welcome to join.
Student Niner Media
DO IN CHARLOTTE Charlotte and new spots to those on campus? a while but want do this weekend? one reporter’s top 10 things to see, the Queen City.
Welcome Back 2013
Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find offers a selection of comics, graphic novels and collectibles. This store is also one organizer of the annual Heroes Convention in Charlotte. Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Elizabeth, it is a staple of Charlotte-life.
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ISTANBUL
HOOKAH LOUNGE
For those into hookah, Istanbul offers a variety of flavors for affordable prices, particularly during happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Istanbul offers drinks, food and a calm atmosphere to hang out in.
10 TWO
TWENTY-
7HARD TO FIND
HEROES AREN’T
9MACADO’S If you’re looking for one of the best sandwich places in Charlotte, Macado’s is where it’s at. Not only is the food excellent, but the bar is a good hangout spot for large groups. Plus, the restaurant is right across from campus and surrounded by helpful shops like a nail salon, gym, grocery store and Dunkin’ Donuts.
If you want to drink guilt-free Twenty-Two is the place to be. Well, maybe not entirely guilt-free. But the draw is that you can go to Twenty-Two to look at the art gallery while also enjoying the bar offerings. The gallery features local artists’ work for sale and has brews on tap, and other drink specials.
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Student Niner Media
Picture frames as dry erase boards
Dry erase boards are perfect for leaving yourself little notes or reminders. However, they are often more expensive than you think and can take up a lot of much-needed space. I purchased picture frames at Ikea for about $3 and added the ribbon for a little extra flair. You can put scrapbook paper in them for a cute, personalized design and write directly on the glass with a dry-erase marker. Try arranging a few on the wall using double sided tape for cheap wall decor.
Michelle Liringis
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
It’s no secret that dorm rooms are tiny. We all arrive on move in day with an image in our heads of how perfect and organized our room is going to look only to quickly realize we have too much stuff for the small spaces we are given. Most of us have already purged some of our stuff prior to move in day and the thought of cutting down even more can be scary and even stressful. Often times, there are things that we
have and need, but simply don’t know how to store to make the most of our space. However, there are ways to fit more of your beloved stuff in the same amount of space. It is all about getting creative in your organization. The typical box under the bed doesn’t always work in smaller spaces. Below are four space saving (and moneysaving) ways to make the most of your space and stay organized this year.
Tie scarves and tights on hangers
These are items that also end up being bulky to store in a box or a dresser. Instead, tie them to hangers and hang them up in the closet. Just like with purses, multiple scarves or pairs of tights can fit on one hanger. This leads to easier accessibility as well as saved space, and with such small dorm or apartment closets, students need all the space they can get.
Binder clips to hold cables
There is nothing worse than having to untangle a web of cables to get to the charger or plug you need. Using binder clips can help keep all of those cables organized and easy to access. Simply clip them on the edge of your desk and string the cables through them. They come in various sizes so all of your cables will be able to fit.
Hang purses on shower curtain hooks
For girls, finding a place to hang purses in a tiny dorm room can be a complete hassle. Do we spend money on a fancy over the door hanger? Do we shove them in a box under the bed or on top of the closet? The best way to hang purses is on shower curtain hooks. Plastic ones can be purchased at Wal-Mart for about $1. They can hold a couple of purses and can save a ton of space.
Have any other decorating and organization ideas? Try any of ours? Tag us in your photos on Instagram or Twitter, @niner_times. Photos by Michelle Liringis
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Got Greek?
Getting involved in Greek life is part of the quintessential college experience. With over 30 Greek organizations on campus, there is something for every Niner.
Claire Dodd
NEWS EDITOR The Greek community is an essential part of the university and continues to grow each year. “It’s probably the easiest and quickest way to get involved not only in UNC Charlotte, but also to meet a lot of people,” said Michelle Guobadia, director for UNC Charlotte’s Fraternity and Sorority Life. For those interested in joining the Greek community, there are several things to need to know. Fourteen of the 21 fraternities on campus are members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), a national group that regulates fraternities. These 14 fraternities participate in IFC’s official recruitment from Aug. 24 through 30. Six out of the 14 sororities are nationally recognized Panhellenic sororities, and are involved in the
official Panhellenic Association (PHA) recruitment, which is Sept. 17 through 22. To be involved in any of the Greek organizations on campus, it is mandatory to sign up for recruitment events. Information on IFC recruitment can be found at https://ifcuncc.mycampusdirector.com/ and information regarding Panhellenic recruitment is available at https://uncc.mycampusdirector.com/. The rest of the Niner sororities and fraternities are cultural-based groups. They do not participate in the national recruitment but do recruiting activities on their own timescale. To get involved, go directly to the group to determine their recruitment schedule. Sunday, Aug. 25, at 2 p.m. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and
Diversified Greek Council (DGC) organizations will host the annual Yardshow. NPHC and DGC groups are UNC Charlotte’s historically African-American, Latino(a), Asian and multicultural chapters. The Yardshow provides students the opportunity to socialize and receive important information. For more information about how to rush or the Greek community, call their office at 704-687-0360 or visit their homepage on UNC Charlotte’s website.
UNC Charlotte Greek organizations Panhellenic Association Alpha Delta Pi
Kappa Delta
Chi Omega
Sigma Kappa
Delta Zeta
Zeta Tau Alpha
National Pan-Hellenic Council Alpha Kappa Alpha
Omega Psi Phi
Alpha Phi Alpha
Phi Beta Sigma
Delta Sigma Theta
Sigma Gamma Rho
Kappa Alpha Psi
Zeta Phi Beta
Interfraternity Council Alpha Sigma Phi
Pi Kappa Alpha
Chi Phi
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Delta Chi
Sigma Chi
Kappa Alpha Order
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Kappa Sigma
Sigma Tau Gamma
Lambda Chi Alpha
Triangle
Phi Sigma Kappa
Zeta Beta Tau
Diversified Greek Council Chi Upsilon Sigma
Lambda Theta Phi
Delta Lambda Phi
Pi Alpha Phi
Lambda Theta Alpha
Independent Council Alpha Omega Epsilon
Greek organizations participate in multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Yardshow, Greek Week, Homecoming, tailgating and more. Photos by Aaron Cress, Chris Crews, Barry Falls Jr, Corbin Peters and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
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Phi Mu Alpha
Interest groups Mu Sigma Upsilon
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Donate Plasma Today & Be Somebody’s Hero For Life. Plasma donors help people with disorders of the blood and immune system.
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Parking and Transportation Services update shuttle routes
The cross-campus Red Line connects the CRI to main campus. Photo by Matt Jackson
Patrick Bogans
MANAGING EDITOR As school starts back again, so do the engines of the beloved campus shuttles. The Parking and Transportation Services (PaTS) website has updated the route information for all shuttles for the 201314 academic year. Due to the completion of Alumni Way in South Village around the new Hunt Hall and parking deck, changes have been made to the Yellow (Route 47) and Green (Route 49) lines. These buses will now have an easier time navigating the campus without having backtracking or turning problems. New route stops in South Village are sure to make student travel efforts easier to the new hotspots in the area. The new South Village Parking Deck,
Hunt Hall and the soon-to-be completed South Village dining facility will have new have stops close by. The Green Line will no longer run off-campus. The Red (Route 50) line will continue to aid students traveling anywhere from the Charlotte Research Institute (CRI) to the eastern side of campus. According to the PaTS website, from Monday through Thursday, the Yellow and Green Lines run from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Red Line starts one hour earlier at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. On Fridays, the Yellow and Green Lines begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 6 p.m., while the Red Line starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
SHUTTLE ROUTES FOR THE 2013-14 ACADEMIC YEAR ROUTE 47 - YELLOW LINE • • • •
South Village Deck Harris Alumni Center Cone Deck Reese Curb
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Fretwell (SB) Cato Hall Robinson Hall Reese curb Cone Deck Harris Alumni Center
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Hawthorn/Greek Village Lot 6A Lot 5A East Deck 2 Fretwell Building PaTS Building
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Student Health Center North Deck Wallis Hall Woodward Hall Student Union Auxilary Services
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NinerJobNet remains a vital resource for students The database provided by the Career Center helps students find employment Patrick Bogans
MANAGING EDITOR The University Career Center (UCC) has a variety of helpful resources for students looking to make the transition from college to employment before and after graduation. From career advising and counseling, to interviewing tips and tricks, services provided the UCC will be a benefit to any motivated student. NinerJobNet is one of the most important services offered at the UCC. It is an online database of job postings for UNC Charlotte students and alumni, as well as jobs posted to the network for more than 800 other schools across the country. Students can search through various employment types: full-time, part-time, internships and more. And students have the option to post their resumes to the database
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for potential employers actively searching for new employees. NinerJobNet is also the system for students to sign up for on-campus interviews by employers during the fall and spring semesters. Any student looking to register with NinerJobNet must attend an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the procedures and features of the site. The 45-minute session will also teach students the most effective way to use the site for the best job search results. Face-to-face orientation sessions will be available throughout the school year, but students also have the option to complete the session online through the UCC website, http://career.uncc.edu/
Joining NinerJobNet should be the high on your to-do list. Photo by Patrick Bogans
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Seamless Wi-Fi coverage nearly complete on campus After months of work from the Information and Technology Services Department and Facilities Management, campus wireless coverage has expanded Eden Creamer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
There are two Wi-Fi networks on campus, NinerWiFi Open and NinerWifi Secure. Photo by Barry Falls Jr
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Beginning last spring and going through the summer, the UNC Charlotte Information and Technology Services (ITS) Department headed the Wi-Fi Expansion Project, a multi-phase project to provide seamless wireless coverage across the university. After months of working closely with Facilities Management, 66 university buildings will be supported by the improved wireless system by the end of the fall semester and external hotspots will be added outside buildings in high-traffic areas when the project is completed. Previously on-campus Wi-Fi was accessed through devices only at designated hotspots, located in high-traffic areas. This limited the connectivity that students, faculty and staff were able to achieve, but was a necessary stepping
stone as the university geared up for seamless Wi-Fi. As ITS expanded the wireless connectivity of campus facilities, they also worked to increase the speed of the Wi-Fi provided to students, faculty and staff. The new wireless network will include “higher speed and higher complexity to support what you’d need to download videos,” said Joseph Moses, project manager for the Wi-Fi Expansion Project, at the beginning of the summer. This network will not be limited based on carrier or product manufacturer. The team originally expected the project to be completed towards the end of the spring semester. Lenox says the project is now on track for completion in October. “For the most part
we’ve completed all of the academic buildings,” said Chad Lenox, netowrk specialist for ITS. Both Lenox and Moses agree that what should be left to complete during the fall semester are administrative buildings. Funding for the Wi-Fi Expansion Project came from the Education and Technology Fee that is part of the tuition and fees paid by students each semester. For full-time students during the 2013-14 academic year, this fee will make up $212.50 of a semester’s tuition. “We know from a university standpoint that you cannot consider yourself a wireless-enabled university and just have hotspots. You have to try to cover as much of the campus environment as you possibly can,” said Moses.
Student Niner Media
Welcome Back 2013
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UPDATES
CONSTRUCTION
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Over the summer, Capital Projects, the university construction group through Facilities Management, made great progress on multiple jobs across campus. Here are six of the top projects from this summer.
Belk Hall
Previously dubbed Walnut Hall, Belk Hall will be fully operational and house 426 students this year. Construction began March 2012.
South Deck
Construction on the South Village Parking Deck completed mid-July after the State Construction Office accepted the deck on July 16. The deck will be open in the fall.
Alumni Way
Alumni Way, previously named High Rise Road, is now fitted with traffic lights and crosswalks.
Residence Hall Phase XII
Hunt Hall
Construction completed on Hunt Hall after the State Inspection Office approved the building July 26. The building will house 400 students this year.
South Village Dining Hall
Located on the East Village Sector of campus near Hawthorne Hall, Residence Hall Phase XII is in the early stages of construction. Ground broke on the project early in the summer.
Construction will continue on the dining hall through the next academic year. Structural steel is currently being put in. The building is a $32 million project.
Photos by Eden Creamer
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Student Niner Media
Welcome Back 2013
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Updates to the Moodle platform fully launch this semester Eden Creamer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF It’s here. Long awaited, spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. One of UNC Charlotte’s newest additions to online education, Moodle 2, is here. The program, which has been in production since fall 2012, is one of the most recent pieces in online and mobile interaction between students and faculty. Over the summer sessions, various professors from a range of departments volunteered their courses to use Moodle 2 to publish and distribute course material, provide students with online quizzes and tests, keep students up-to-date on course deadlines and communicate with the members of the course frequently. After the close to a dozen courses utilize the platform this summer, Moodle 2 will be launched campus-wide and will be applied to all courses for the fall semester. “We’re spending the summer sort of fixing those things that they say aren’t working quite right, so when we do our full launch in the fall, we
hope to have a very stable experience for all of our users,� said Valorie McAlpin, director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and eLearning. Most of the changes for the new platform are behind the scenes, according to McAlpin. Faculty, staff, developers and support staff will see the majority of the changes, although new features and modules on the
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website that instructors choose to integrate into the courses will be visible and usable by students. “There’s forums for discussion, a space for project reporting, there’s a space asking questions, there is a space for uploading your videos. All of that creates a rich learning environment for our students,� said McAlpin.
“There are certain modules that are new, like the grading module. It allows you to record feedback for a particular project and then you can just select those comments automatically and then apply them.� These new features and upgrades are necessary for the growing university and the expanding number of programs offered, says McAlpin. Many of the features will help instructors manage larger or hybrid classes, especially helpful now as many of the courses offered at UNC Charlotte are shifting in this direction. “With Moodle, the old Moodle, it’s very outdated and we probably should have updated it before we did. We wanted to be very strategic about when we upgraded. We wanted it to be reliable and sustainable. We felt that this was the best time to do it,� said McAlpin. “It looks better, it works better and we think that it’s going to make a big difference in the way faculty and staff are using it.�
MONUMENTS Figurative works by UNC Charlotte alumna Lydia Goldbeck
with a valid Student ID More than just a bookstore... -Full Service Coffee Shop -Local Art Gallery and Craft Corner -Sanctioned by Magic the GatheringŠ For FNM and Prerelease Events At The Last Word you can buy, sell, trade: Books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, VHS, Vinyl, iPods, Video Games, Gaming Systems, Accessories and More. We also host events and sell media from Local Authors, Artists, and Musicians. Buy area closed Monday’s. Like us on Facebook, send us a Tweet, or follow our Tumblr. 704.966.WORD 230 East W.T. Harris Suite B11 Charlotte, NC 28262 Thelastwordcharlotte.com Thelastwordcharlotte@gmail.com
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Student Niner Media
UrbanEden to compete at Solar Decathlon Students and faculty from UNC Charlotte prepare for the national Solar Decathlon with their solar-powered, eco-friendly house, UrbanEden Michelle Liringis
LIFESTYLE EDITOR This year, UNC Charlotte students and faculty from the colleges of engineering, architecture and business will participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. “The goal is to design a house that is attractive and marketable, that promotes environmentally responsible living,” said Meg Whalen, the communications mentor for the team. The Department of Energy began the competition in 2002, and UNC Charlotte participated in the initial contest. The contest is held every two years and this year’s competition is in Irvine, Calif. from Oct. 3 through 13. “There are 10 contests –it’s a decathlon –that judge all aspects of the house project, from energy production to design to affordability and marketability, to the communications around the house,” said Whalen. The house, called UrbanEden, is a net-zero, solar-powered house,
Welcome Back 2013
Team members Tommy and Brian constructing UrbanEden Photo courtesy of Meg Whalen
that consists of four-interior models each with a corresponding exterior component. The team took into account Charlotte’s temperate climate as well as the habits of southern living to increase living space with the combination of indoor and outdoor
rooms. “The emphasis is on adaptability and versatility, doing more with less,” said Whalen. The design process started in October 2011 and construction began this past March.
The interior of the house is 822 square feet, which comfortably accommodates a single person or a couple. However, if the outdoor space is used, the size of the home doubles to 1644 square feet. UNC Charlotte is the only team from the Carolinas this year, and North Carolina is a national leader in solar energy. The decathlon provides a national spotlight for the university. As part of the project, the team received funding and support from a variety of sources which created a web of partnerships that benefits the university in many ways. “Most of all, though, it is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn not only how to design structures and systems, but to actually build them and test them. It is hands on learning at its best,” said Whalen. After the competition, the team hopes to return the house to campus and use it as a research and teaching facility.
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Have questions on relationships, health or school troubles? Abby Hardin is here for you Imagine yourself in these scenarios: You decided to room with your best friend, but little did you know, she has a vacuuming and cleaning fetish. You are more interested in relaxing in what little free time you have. What do you tell her? The girl you asked out this summer has been slowly but surely “forgetting” to return text messages from you. Is she just busy, or is it over? Your new co-worker is extremely charming and witty at first, but you’ve realized they are actually self-centered and rude. What can you do? This new school year is bound to bring exciting things: new classes, new friends, new romance, that 4.0 GPA you’ve been dreaming about, but if the new semester brings some unexpected bumps in the road (and it always does), fear not. This year, the Niner Times will be running a new column that can help you out when the great new semester gets to be less than great or whenever you could use some input or advice. Ask Abby, answered by Abby Hardin, will answer student-submitted questions about anything on your mind, from roommate drama to staying sane at midterms. She will be consulting with professional counselors, professors, doctors, hair stylists, morticians, or anyone else she needs to track down to get you the best possible advice. Abby has plenty of experience needing advice
Have a question for Abby? Email it to askabby@nineronline.com. Remember, no question is too big or too small
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herself, and has held positions as a bartender, waitress, sales associate, librarian and nanny. She also has extensive specialization in being a broke student. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Relations from the University of Southern California in 2011. She is currently a doctoral student in Clinical Health Psychology, an instructor at UNC Charlotte and an intern with a local CMC clinic as a mental health counselor. She has also been a supervisor on a crisis hotline. So, if you find yourself in a pickle, send your question to askabby@nineronline.com. Remember, no question is too big or too small. The Niner Times hopes you have a wonderful new school year, 49ers, but when dilemmas arise, Ask Abby is here for you.
The Counseling Center is located in Atkins 158 off the Belk Tower quad. Photo by Eden Creamer
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Welcome to Who’s inside? After Hours Candy Shoppe Center for Graduate Life Cone Center Administration Conference Services (CRES) Honors College Levine Scholars Program
Lucas Room Mainstreet Market McKnight Hall Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life Office of Volunteer Services Veteran Student Services Venture
Student-Focused & Student-Run ! Stop in to satisfy your sweet tooth! Open M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm
cone.uncc.edu • Welcome Back 2013
Our knowledgeabl e and friendly student st aff provide support fo r your meeting room s and audio/visual ne eds as well as operatio ns & building managem ent!
704-687-0700
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Cone University Center celebrates its 50th Anniversary in November 2013! Weeklong activities include: • Dedication Ceremony • Commemorative Display • Games, Movies & Entertainment • And more!
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49ER
ROUNDUP BASEBALL The Charlotte 49ers baseball team concluded a very successful 2013 campaign in disappointing fashion after failing to obtain a bid to the College World Series. The 49ers endured two losses to Saint Louis on the final day of the Atlantic-10 tournament. Even though Charlotte suffered such a deflating conclusion to a hard-fought season, Coach Loren Hibbs was pleased with his team’s 34-21 record to cap the season. The 49ers will need to replace two big bats in their lineup with the departure of third-baseman Shane
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A review of progress made with Charlotte 49ers athletics this summer and a preview of fall athletic teams After A-10 tournament loss, Charlotte 49ers baseball gears up for Conference USA
Basen and outfielder Justin Seager. Seager was selected in the 12th round (pick 357) of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft by the Seattle Mariners after delivering a huge season, batting .351 with 79 hits and 40 RBIs during conference play. Charlotte will face a much tougher test this season as they make the move from the Atlantic-10 to Conference USA. Conference USA boasts one of the top teams in the nation in the Rice Owls who capped an impressive season by qualifying for the Super Regionals.
Student Niner Media
MEN’S SOCCER
The Charlotte 49ers men’s soccer team enters the 2013 season coming off of a successful campaign in which they reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. The 49ers have a great chance at making another run into the tournament this season and enter the year ranked 24 in the preseason College Soccer News Poll. Coach Kevin Langan is entering his second season at the helm of the 49ers. Langan will be aided by the return of Tyler Gibson, Klay Davis, Thomas Allen and Giuseppe Gentile; all of whom were selected to the All-Atlantic 10
Team works towards tournament return team at the conclusion of last season. Charlotte has scheduled a couple very intriguing matchups in non-conference play to kick off the season. The 49ers will face 17th-ranked Coastal Carolina away from home on Sept. 6 and also play 18th-ranked Wake Forest at Transamerica Field on Oct. 1. The 49ers will also have a tough test as they transition away from the Atlantic-10 and begin their first season as members of Conference USA. Charlotte will have to battle for the crown against the likes of 20th-ranked New Mexico and 15th-ranked Tulsa.
WOMEN’S
SOCCER
New assistant coach changes team dynamic
The Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer team is set to play their 20th season in the fall of 2013. The lady 49ers season came to an end in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic-10 Championships finishing 10-8-2 overall. The upcoming 2013 season will be head coach John Cullen’s fifth season with the Charlotte 49ers. In May, Coach Cullen announced the addition of assistant coach Kim Crowley. Coach Crowley replaces former assistant coach Cory Alexander. Coach Crowley was previously an assistant coach at Catawba. The lady 49ers graduated Carrie
Dail, Lena Suarez, Dakota Olson and Lacey McGowan. Even with the loss of four dominant players, the 49ers will return eight competitive starters and a total of 18 letterwinners. Like every other athletic team with the exception of football, the lady 49ers will play in Conference USA in 2013. Conference USA will be a challenging conference for Charlotte, but the 49ers are expected to make a post-season run assuming all goes as planned. The 49ers claimed the Conference USA Championship title in 1995 and 1998.
regains VOLLEY Team confidence after
BALL difficult last season
After a difficult 2012 season for the Charlotte 49ers volleyball team, head coach Chris Redding is hoping the addition of some strong outside hitters and a middle blocker will help regain the confidence of his team. After finishing 2-12 in conference and 10-16 overall, the 49ers graduated seniors Jenna Litoborski, Shannon McClean, Bianca Rouse and Lily Vera. Charlotte will need to look to some of the new players to step up and take charge in order to prevent another frustrating losing season. Many eyes are on Ole Miss transfer Jackie Servais, but the pressure is not off any of the eight returning athletes. Conference USA will prove to be a challenging conference for the lady
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49ers. If there was ever a need for players to emerge and make their name known, the time is now. Consistency and reliability are necessary in order to avoid a repeat of last season. The lady 49ers will open up their season in the Hilton University Invite against South Carolina State at home on Friday, Sept. 20.
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BASKETBALL
MEN’S
Major returns after contract extension
The Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team has shown steady improvement in all three seasons under current head coach Alan Major, who recently received a three-year contract extension after leading his squad to a 21-12 record during the 2012-13 season. Major capped his first 20 win season by delivering the programs first postseason appearance since 2008 as Charlotte earned a berth in the NIT. The 49ers will welcome back four of five starters off of last year’s 21-win team including their do-everything point guard Pierria Henry. Charlotte’s main concern entering the season will
be figuring out a way to replace their two leading scorers from last year’s squad, Chris Braswell and Demario Mayfield. Charlotte has a chance to establish a name for themselves early on in the season when they face off against Big 12 foe Kansas State in the first-round of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off on Thursday, Nov. 21. The game will be nationally televised on ESPNU with first tip scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Other teams joining the 49ers in this tournament include perennial national powers; Florida State, Georgetown, Michigan and VCU.
WOMEN’S
Changes to coach lineup
The Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball team proved to be a fast-paced team with a lot of drive after finishing the 2013 season 26-6 overall. The 49ers dominated the Halton Arena court all season, but fell to the Florida Gators in the WNIT Sweet 16. In May, head coach Cara Consuegra announced the promotion of assistant coach Karen Lange to associate head coach. In June, the 49ers hired assistant coach Nicole Woods, a replacement for former assistant coach Sabrina Gregory. The 49ers graduated four seniors
in 2013, and are returning only two starters. With the loss of Jennifer Hailey, the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, a consistent big-play athlete will need to emerge in order for the lady 49ers to be as successful as they were last season. Charlotte can look to the eight returners to push the team into another post-season berth. The lady 49ers have a competitive non-conference schedule stacked up, and Conference USA will be sure to challenge Charlotte. The 49ers open their season inside Halton Arena against Liberty on Friday, Nov. 8.
Content in 49er Roundup by Matt Chapman and Libby Weihsmann Photos in 49er Roundup by Nathan Butler, Chris Crews and Andrew LaPointe
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