No longer in the shadow of it’s older brother (UNC Chapel Hill), UNC Charlotte is one of the fastest growing colleges in the nation but it’s becoming very reputable. It is the fourth largest college in the 16 school UNC system and has about 17,000 students. It is perhaps the most diverse campus in North Carolina with students coming from over 80 countries.

With the passing of a new bond referendum in the state of North Carolina, UNCC will receive nine new buildings in the next few years, as well as an enrollment increase of about 10,000 students. The future of UNCC seems bright with the emergence of athletic teams and degree programs being offered.

As far as academics are concerned the university has seven colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, Architecture, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Information Technology, and Nursing and Health Professions. The Architecture program is probably the most prestigious of the colleges, while the Information Technology is the most advancing. This past fall the university received the distinction of being a doctoral/research intensive university (it has nine different doctoral programs) and was named the 18th best college in the south by US News. However, at the graduate level UNCC is not as strong, but looks to improve. For every 16 students there is one professor, so that if you have question concerning your work you will be able to easily get into contact with your professor. UNCC is heading towards the technology end of the spectrum, with several new programs focusing on Internet security and optoelectronics (you have to be a tech nerd to know what this is). There is also a research institute being developed to rival the Triangle’s Research Triangle Park called the Charlotte Institute for Technology and Innovation.

Sports are very important at UNC Charlotte. Though they don’t have a football team, the college’s soccer, and baseball programs are very competitive. Basketball is the main sport at UNCC where the 49ers were the Conference USA tournament champions edging out Cincinnati. They advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament before losing to Tennessee. Freshman Rodney White was ESPN’s freshman of the year this past season. Unfortunately he has declared for the NBA draft and is expected to be a lottery pick. Despite his absence, the 49ers next year will be competitive. Even the cheerleaders and dance team is successful here. The Golddusters, the UNCC dance team, won a national championship this past year. And they are hot! The women’s teams here however can’t buy wins, such as the volleyball team, softball, women’s basketball and tennis.

Getting involved at UNCC is simple. They have a number of great organizations. Everything from activism, intramurals, student government, media, political groups and greek life is represented. The university continues to receive honors for its student newspaper and literary arts magazine despite there being no journalism major. Greek life is not as popular at UNCC as other colleges but it is quickly gaining momentum. There are 27 fraternities and sororities on campus that cater to all students no matter the race. There is no greek housing on campus, though it isn’t but a few minutes away.

The campus is considered by some to be a suitcase college. Some students cite that there is nothing to do on the weekends on campus. However, UNCC has catered major events such as the MTV Campus Invasion Tour, concerts by Wyclef Jean, Tiffany and several other bands, the Harlem Globetrotters and major step shows. The fact that the campus is in one of the fastest growing cities, gives students the opportunity to have many things to do. Charlotte offers major concerts, the Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers and many cultural activities. Charlotte also is a bar mecca! The campus is also one of the prettiest in the state. There is a lot of green here!


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