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.
Submit to have your event included; the submission form closes November 14th. For any questions, please email gold-rush@charlotte.edu or visit the FAQ page.
First Day of Class Photos
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., CHHS & Mebane Plaza
Hosted by Family & Supporter Engagement
Happy First Day of Class Niners! Come take your FDOC picture in the CHHS/Mebane plaza, from 11am-1pm! đź’š
Painting With Purpose
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Colvard 2400
Hosted by First-Year & Transition Programs
First-Year and Transition Programs welcomes you to or back to campus with a fun and engaging paint activity.
Meet the Honors College & Learn How to Apply
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., Student Union Front Porch
Hosted by Honors College
Come meet members of the Honors College and find out how you can apply for entry in Fall 2026!
Bad Art Day
1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M., Area 49 Makerspace, Atkins Library 2nd Floor
Hosted by Atkins Library
Join us for an afternoon of creativity and silliness! We’ll provide the materials, you make the art… and it doesn’t have to be good!
Family Feud
4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., STUN 200
Hosted by Office of Sustainability
Join the Office of Sustainability for family feud! Participants will be split into teams to guess the most popular answers to sustainability-themed questions and win fun prizes!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11894677
Connect with CAPS
4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M., Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
Hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services
Students will be able to create their own self-care kits to help promote self-care and wellness this semester.
Niner Aux Guides Bingo Bash
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., STUN 340 A-C
Hosted by Niner Aux Guides
Discover leadership, marketing, and campus-wide impact through Niner Aux Guides, your pathway to becoming the student voice of Business Services.
Mocktails & Marketing
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., BSAC Salon A
Hosted by Mujeres in Marketing
A welcoming space for Latina students and allies to network, learn about Mujeres in Marketing, gain confidence, and enjoy creative mocktails with free professional headshots.
Gold Rush Resource Fair
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., STUN 340 A-F
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/11686445
SPRING Into Community
1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., STUN 200
Hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services
Looking to develop deeper, more meaningful connections? Want to learn more about yourself or meet people who “get it?” Come learn about CAPS groups!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11922335
Wheel of Fortune: Financial Literacy Edition
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Cone Center 112
Hosted by Niner Finances
Spin the Wheel of Fortune: Financial Literacy Edition! Compete, test your money smarts, and WIN a prize with Niner Finances!
Game Night with the Future Alumni Network
6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., STUN 340-G
Hosted by Future Alumni Network
Come join the Future Alumni Network and 49er Alumni for a night of games, food, and Niner swag!
Help! I Want to Go Greek!
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., 340HI
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
"With 5 councils and 41 chapters—NPHC, IGC, DGC, PHA, and IFC—it’s a lot to take in. What’s the vibe? How do you join? What’s the real cost? We’re keeping it real—no fluff, no gatekeeping. Just honest answers from folks who live the experience. Culture, coins, commitment, and community? We’ll cover it all. Come with questions. Leave with clarity. We got you!"
RECharge
8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., University Recreation Center
Hosted by University Recreation
Check out all UREC has to offer! From intramural challenges, mini fitness classes, and more, drop in and try everything out for some UREC prizes!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11912630
Transfer T-Shirt Giveaway
11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M., University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE) Learning Commons, Colvard 2300
Hosted by University Transfer Center
Come, NEW Transfer Students! Get a Niner T-shirt to represent your new home! Learn more about the University Transfer Center and what it has to offer you!
Golden Nuggets of Inspiration
1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., CHHS 132
Hosted by H.E.R. Society
Niners will write short, positive, or encouraging messages on gold cards or "golden paper nuggets" to encourage themselves and other Niners.
First-Gen Meet & Greet
2:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M., Cone Center Lucas Room
Hosted by Transition and Belonging
Join us for the First-Gen Meet & Greet! Connect with fellow First-Gen students, enjoy games, and mingle with others. It's a fun, supportive space to kick off the semester and build community!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11913830
Winter Student Org Showcase
5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Barnhardt Student Activity Center
Hosted by Student Involvement
Come out and connect with 150+ student organizations that are waiting to meet you! Learn about a vast variety of different student organizations and get involved today!
CAB @ Nite
6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., PMSU 340
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
CAB's throwback Disney Channel and Nickelodeon silent disco with blacklight mini golf! A comfy vibe with PJ attire encouraged!
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 January 28th!
Choice of 1: sticker, pen, or magnet
Choice of 1 Green Tier prize + choice of 1 clear stadium bag, lunch bag, utensils kit, or mini tumbler
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
