Student Organizations
The University has more than 250 student organizations, including academic organizations, honor societies, special interest groups and international organizations. There also are many multicultural, political, religious, service-oriented, support and athletic groups. Being a part of a student organization allows students to make new friends, support a particular interest and develop social skills, new abilities and have fun. Many organizations are student-based, meaning that monthly or yearly dues and sponsorships keep the student organization operating. Without the student support there would be no organization. However, there are also department organizations that are funded by the University and its related departments.
A student who participates in several organizations said, "It is important to be active in more than just classes while in college because it looks good for future jobs to be involved." The student stressed the importance in volunteering for positions in academic and service groups, saying that doing so was one of the best decisions the student ever made.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is full of athletic students and athletic opportunities. The university is host to a variety of sports. Many student athletes received scholarships that pay for their school costs and require them to play that sport for all four years while they attend college. Student athletes are regarded by the students and faculty as leaders and representatives of the college. With a balanced program that supports opportunities for all students and staff, the Athletic Department prepares student athletes with the necessary tools to be successful in academic, athletic and social settings.
As of the 2007-2008 season, for the first time in the school's history, the men's golf team is the number one team in the country. They currently stand atop the National Rankings as the number one team in the land.
An important aspect of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte athletic programs, academic departments, students, faculty and fans is our mascot. A mascot is a symbol of some type that represents a school visually rather than by using just the name of the school. UNC Charlotte's athletic teams are called the "49ers." The mascot is "Norm the Niner" (short for Forty-niner). He is an old man with a miner's pick and a pipe in his mouth. Why a miner for our mascot? Charlotte was the site of a "gold rush" in the late 1700s, before the more famous rush to mine for gold in California in the 1800s.