On Monday, Aug. 18, more than 1700 students attended the first Gold Rush Athletics Pep Rally, featuring coaches, players, student organizations and the Pride of Niner Nation marching band. The event concluded with an invitation to new students to take the field for the inaugural incoming class photo. Go Niners!
Photo Gallery Time Lapse Video
Gold Rush is UNC Charlotte's welcome program that kicks off each semester and welcomes new and returning students to the campus community. All Gold Rush events are free for students and are hosted by UNC Charlotte campus departments and student organizations. Gold Rush aims to instill a sense of Niner Pride, teach campus traditions, and expose students to campus resources and opportunities for involvement.
How it Works:
Step 1: Follow @clt_belong on Instagram and/or join membership on Niner Engage
Step 2: RSVP for any Gold Rush event you’re interested in on Niner Engage
Step 3: Attend any Gold Rush event
Step 4: Scan in or check in at the event
Step 5: Take a photo (proof or it didn’t happen)
Step 6: Once Gold Rush ends, you will receive an email from us detailing the next steps to claim your prize(s) on September 10th!
Choice of 1: sticker, pen, or keychain
Choice of 1 Bronze prize + choice of 1: Button, magnet or utensils kit
Choice of 1 Bronze prize, 1 Silver prize + choice of 1 clear stadium bag, lunch bag, or mini tumbler
Transfer Treats Social
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, Colvard 2344
Hosted by the University Transfer Center
Come join your fellow transfer students for some treats! Get to know other transfer students, and grab some coffee and a treat!
https://transfercenter.charlotte.edu/
Dive Deep Into Your First Year
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Colvard North 2400
Hosted by First-Year and Transition Programs
Get your year started with a "yearbook" polaroid photo with your goal for the Fall Semester. We will also be providing goal setting tips!
http://firstyear.charlotte.edu/
Survivor: Academic Partnership Edition
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Colvard North
Hosted by University Center for Academic Excellence
Stop by the University Center for Academic Excellence and explore ways to hold yourself accountable and establish alliances that help you survive and thrive at Charlotte.
http://ucae.charlotte.edu/
In My Niner Era
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Cone Center Lucas Lobby
Hosted by Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS)
Join SASS to discover what it means to be "In My Niner Era" with DIY beaded bracelets, giveaways, a photo booth, support resources, and more!
http://sass.charlotte.edu/
Meet the Honors College & Learn How to Apply
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, In front of the Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Honors College
Come meet members of the Honors College and find out how you can apply now for entry in Fall 2026!
https://honorscollege.charlotte.edu/
Gold Rush Resource Fair
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, CHHS/COED Plaza
Hosted by Transition And Belonging
Don't miss our Resource Fair! Connect with over 20 campus resources, collect some SWAG, and discover ways to support your success this semester. It's your one-stop spot to get informed and stay connected!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11353550
Gold Rush Soap Making – Demo Kitchen
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, University Recreation Center Demo Kitchen
Hosted by Dining Services and University Recreation
Join us for the Gold Rush Soap Making experience, where participants can craft soap bars infused with our campus's Pure Sovi Gold Honey, harvested from bees at UNC Charlotte. Learn the art of soap making while indulging in the natural goodness of our locally harvested honey. Space is limited. https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11352041
Clothing Pop-Up by the Career Center
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Outside the Atkins Annex
Hosted by Career Center
Join us for our first professional clothing pop-up "sale". All items will be provided free of charge, and industry professionals will be present to style students and offer valuable industry insights.
https://career.charlotte.edu/clothingcloset
NinerByte: CCI Fall Kickoff
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, COED & Woodward Quad
Hosted by College of Computing and Informatics
Join the CCI community to kickoff a new semester! Grab a bite to eat, play games, and chat with friends, faculty, and staff.
https://cci.charlotte.edu/advising/
Connect with CAPS
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Price Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Hosted by Counseling & Psychological Services
Students will be able to create their own self-care kits to help promote self-care and wellness this semester.
http://caps.charlotte.edu/
AMA Gold Rush
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340AB
Hosted by American Marketing Association
Headshots & Welcome: Meet AMA + Get Your Free Headshot
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/american-marketing-association
Student Niner Media Interest Meeting
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340 CF
Hosted by Student Niner Media
Come meet the 4 departments within Student Niner Media: Niner Times, Midas, Nova, and Marketing! Hear from our student leaders about what they do, what open positions we have this year, and how to get started with Niner Media!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11309786
DGC Picnic
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Star Quad
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
If you're searching for a space where your culture, identity, and community are centered, not just “included,” you might be looking for DGC.
DGC (Diversified Greek Council) is home to 9 culturally based fraternities and sororities that uplift Latinx, Asian, South Asian, and multicultural experiences. These orgs blend tradition, activism, academics, and brotherhood/sisterhood with purpose.
http://greeklife.charlotte.edu/
Worship & Snow Cones
7:00 PM - 8:25 PM, Fretwell 100
Hosted by Niner United
Join Niner United for worship & snow cones!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11319962
Event Staff Interest Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union Theater
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Come join us for our first Event Staff interest meeting of the year and see how you can volunteer to be a part of CAB!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11323502
A World of Opportunities
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union Lobby
Hosted by Office of International Programs
Stop by our table in the Popp Martin Student Union to learn more about the Office of International Programs and how to get involved!
https://oip.charlotte.edu/
Escape Room with Niner Finances
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 200
Hosted by Niner Finances
A fast-paced, escape room-style challenge where participants work solo or in pairs to solve financial literacy puzzles. The goal is to “escape” various debt traps by demonstrating smart money management, teamwork, and critical thinking.
http://ninerfinances.charlotte.edu/
Midday Devotion
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Cone 112
Hosted by Niner United
Join Niner United for a devotion, free lunch, and a fun game of trivia!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11319972
Recruitment Interest Meeting
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 265
Hosted by Phi Sigma Pi
Interested in joining a community that values Scholarship, Leadership, and Fellowship?
Come to our Interest Meeting and learn what Phi Sigma Pi is all about!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/phisigmapi
Welcome Back Bingo Bash
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Kick off the semester with a night of fun and prizes at Back to School Bingo! Join us for an exciting evening of bingo with a twist.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11323506
Recruitment 101
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, McKnight Auditorium
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
We’ll talk about: What recruitment actually looks like, tips to help you feel like yourself all weekend, and what makes each of our 7 sororities unique!
It’s chill, it’s helpful, and it’s your last chance to register if you’re thinking about joining.
https://www.charlottepanhellenic.com/
College Colors Day
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Barnes & Noble Charlotte Bookstore in the Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Licensing
Wear your proudest Niner Green to celebrate College Colors Day at the bookstore with games, giveaways, and more!
http://aux.charlotte.edu
Craft Night
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 263
Hosted by Phi Sigma Pi
Looking for a relaxing night of creativity and connection? Join us for Craft Night — a perfect chance to de-stress, make something cool, and meet the brothers of Phi Sigma Pi
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/phisigmapi
New Semester, New Trails - A Welcome Week Hike [FULL, No Longer Available]
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Pisgah National Forest
Hosted by Venture Outdoor Leadership
Join us for a friendly, low-key hike to start your semester with connection, fresh air, and a little adventure. Whether you're brand new or just want to meet new people, this Welcome Week hike is for you! All experience levels are welcome.
venture.charlotte.edu
