
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.
RSA Move-In Bash: Unpack, Party, and Connect
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Field 14A R
Hosted by UNC Charlotte Resident Students Association (RSA)
Unleash the fun at the RSA Move-In Bash! Epic DJ beats, yard game showdowns, and FREE swag await. Connect with new friends and kick off an unforgettable year!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/resident-students-association
Niner Nation: Party Invasion
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, 49th Acre
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
High energy, loud beats, and non-stop vibes, DJay Mando is bringing the party to the pavement. See you there!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11323492
Opening Worship & Waffles
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Fretwell 100
Hosted By Niner United
Start your year off right by connecting with God and others who want to do the same in college!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11319912
New Student Welcome & Chancellor’s Cookout
3:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Barnhardt Student Activity Center, Halton Arena
Hosted by UNC Charlotte
During the New Student Welcome, you will learn about campus traditions, hear from University leadership and guest alumnus Ohavia Phillips, and enjoy a special performance by the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11353567
Student Organization Showcase
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, CHHS/CoEd Plaza & Surrounding Areas
Hosted by Student Involvement
Come out and connect with 250+ student organizations that are waiting to meet you! Learn about a variety of different student organizations and get involved today! Enjoy free food, giveaways, DJs, performances, AND MORE!
https://studentorgs.charlotte.edu/
RecFest
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM, University Recreation Center
Hosted by University Recreation (UREC)
Stop over at UREC to check out our annual RecFest! There will be giveaways and the chance to talk with Sport Clubs and campus partners!
urec.charlotte.edu
49er Frenzy
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM, West Quad
Hosted by Student Involvement
49er Frenzy is UNC Charlotte's signature event during Goldrush Week for students to connect with Charlotte's businesses and organizations.
49erFrenzy.charlotte.edu
Chalk the Spot
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union Deck
Hosted by Parking And Transportation Services (PATS)
Student teams compete to create chalk art with the most school spirit in a designated parking space. Registration required.
pats.charlotte.edu
Lime Ride Prize Patrol
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Craver Road, Popp Martin Student Popp Martin Student Union West bus stop
Hosted by Parking And Transportation Services (PATS)
Tour campus for free on a Lime e-bike or e-scooter, with stops along the way for beverages, snacks and prizes. Space is limited. Registration required.
pats.charlotte.edu
1st Day Free Coffee
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Outside of Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Campus Outreach
Free coffee will be served on the first day of classes to welcome students back to campus and connect with new students.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/campus-outreach
Investment Club
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM, TBD
Hosted by Investment Club at UNC Charlotte
Learn about the investment club at UNC Charlotte!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/investment-club-at-unc-charlotte
First Day of Class Photos
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, CHHS/CoED Plaza
Hosted by Family & Supporter Engagement (F&SE)
Happy FDOC Niners! Kick off the semester with a First Day of Class picture in front of the Norm Statue!
https://tsi.charlotte.edu/families/family-programs
Career Center Art Gallery Opening Reception
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Atkins Annex, 150
Hosted by University Career Center
Please join us for the opening reception of the 2025-2026 Career Center Art Gallery, featuring work by students from the College of Arts and Architecture. Artists will be present to discuss their work. Food and beverages served to all guests.
career.charlotte.edu
Pizza Pie in the CSI
11:45 AM - 1:30 PM, Center for Student Involvement (CSI)
Hosted by Atkins Library
Enjoy free pizza and drinks on the first day of the semester in the Center for Student Involvement!
studentinvolvement.charlotte.edu
Gold Rush Athletics Pep Rally
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Jerry Richardson Stadium
Hosted by Charlotte 49ers and Student Affairs
Don't miss the first-ever Gold Rush Athletics Pep Rally! Meet the coaches and teams and learn athletics traditions from the marching band and student pep groups as you get ready for the 2025-26 athletics season. The event concludes with an invitation for new students to come down to the field for a 2025 incoming class photo. Wear Green!
charlotte49ers.charlotte.edu
Investment Club
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM, TBD
Hosted by Investment Club at UNC Charlotte
Learn about the investment club at UNC Charlotte!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/investment-club-at-unc-charlotte
ICEEs with EPC
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Star Quad
Hosted by Enrollment Programs & Communications (EPC)
Swing by for free ICEE pops and a chance to reconnect with your Orientation Counselor (OC) from NSO this summer! While you're there, learn more about the New Student Community (NSC) program and discover how you can get involved this year.
epc.charlotte.edu
Niner Diners Dash - First Year Eats Scavenger Hunt
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, Star Quad
Hosted by Dining Services
Welcome to the First Year Eats Scavenger Hunt! This exciting activity is designed to help new students explore campus dining services, make new friends, and learn about the resources available to them. Participants will complete six unique challenges across campus, with opportunities to win big.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11352046
Bad Art Day
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Makerspace, Atkins Library
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!
https://library.charlotte.edu/
Socializing with the SRCs
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Cone Center Lucas Room
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
New to campus? Curious about sorority life? Just tryna make friends? Join us for a low-key night of succulent planting, good vibes, and even better convos with our Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Counselors (SRCs) and others interested in recruitment and sisterhood. You’ll get to meet your SRC in person, connect with your group, and ask real questions—no pressure, no expectations, just space to be yourself. Whether you’re signed up for recruitment or just thinking about it, this night is for you. Pull up. Bring a friend. Leave with a plant and a few new people in your corner.
https://www.charlottepanhellenic.com/
Niner United Cookout
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Levine Field
Hosted by Niner United
Celebrate the beginning of the year with Niner United in South Village for Free Food, Games, and More!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11319920
Latinos Unidos
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340
Hosted by Latinx Student Union (LXSU)
Latinos Unidos brings together Latin organizations to share culture, community, and involvement opportunities—open to all students interested in learning, connecting, and getting involved.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/latinxstudentunion
Glow in the Dark Dodgeball
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Belk Gymnasium Courts
Hosted by University Recreation
Grab your friends, roommates, and classmates for an intense edition of dodgeball! Wear your best neon clothes. All are welcome!
urec.charlotte.edu
A World of Opportunities
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union Front Porch
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/
Plaza Party
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, North Main Quad (Rain Location: Cone Center, Lucas Room)
Hosted by Career Center
The Career Center emphasizes fun and connection during the Plaza Party, and through the fun and games, students informally connect with employers and campus partners.
http://career.charlotte.edu/
Back-to-School Brunch
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340 A-F
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Welcome back Niners!!! Come celebrate a new year with CAB by enjoying a delicious back to school brunch spread and Niner trivia!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11323493
Group Fitness Sampler
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, University Recreation Center (UREC)
Hosted by University Recreation Center
Come check out 20 minute fitness demos and find your next favorite group fitness class! There will be shirts, great music, and lots of fun!
http://urec.charlotte.edu
Help! I Want to Go Greek!
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340 GHI
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
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?
greeklife.charlotte.edu
Worship & Death by Chocolate
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union Theater
Hosted by Niner United
Join Niner United for worship and chocolate dessert options!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11319932
Plant a Succulent - Connect with Nature
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Greenhouse and Botanical Gardens
Hosted by the Botanical Gardens
Plant a succulent at the greenhouse! 10:00am - 12:00pm
Take a walk in nature with our forest therapist! Walks meet at the greenhouse and start at 11:00am and 1:00pm
https://gardens.charlotte.edu/
Transfer T-Shirt Giveaway
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Colvard Breezeway
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!
https://transfercenter.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/11319940
First-Gen Meet & Greet
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Cone Center Lucas Room
Hosted by Transition & Belonging
Join us for the First-Gen Meet & Greet! Connect with fellow First-Gen students, enjoy games, food, and mingle with others. It's a fun, supportive space to kick off the semester and build community! https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11353570
Panhellenic Sorority Meet and Greet
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Star Quad
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
Thinking about sorority life but not sure where to start? Or just wanna meet some cool people and see what each chapter is all about? Come through to our Panhellenic Meet & Greet and connect with all 7 sororities in one place.
Come as you are. Everyone’s welcome.
https://www.charlottepanhellenic.com/
The 49er Water Balloon Fight
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Front Field 14
Hosted by Campus Outreach
A water balloon fight to kick off the semester, bring students together, and create a fun, welcoming environment for all.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/campus-outreach
Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Northeast Recreational Field Complex (NRFC)
Hosted by University Recreation
Grab your friends, roommates, and classmates for a friendly game of Capture the Flag, glow-in-the-dark style! All are welcome!
https://urec.charlotte.edu/
Aqua-Cinema: Dive-In Movie
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM, UREC Indoor Pool
Co-hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB) and University Recreation (UREC)
Hey Niner family! Bring your swimsuits and jump into the UREC Pool! Join CAB and UREC for our third annual fun and thrilling movie experience.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11323500
Sunrise Bible Study
6:45 AM - 7:45 AM, CHHS/COED Plaza B
Hosted by Niner United
Join us for a chill Bible study during sunrise with free cold brew!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11319949
2025 UNCC NPHC Yard Show
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Star Quad
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
The NPHC Yard Show is an annual tradition that brings the UNC Charlotte community together to celebrate the cultural excellence of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. This dynamic event showcases the rich history, pride, and traditions of each organization as they share their stories with the broader campus community.
http://greeklife.charlotte.edu
UNC Charlotte Night at Charlotte FC Soccer Game
7:30 PM - Game End, Bank of America Stadium, 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Hosted by Student Involvement
Join fellow UNC Charlotte students, alumni, faculty, staff, and families for a special night at Charlotte FC. Purchase tickets HERE.
https://www.gofevo.com/event/Unccharlotte27
Safe Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340 A-F
Hosted by Center for Wellness Promotion
An interactive resource fair by CWP promoting wellness through education on recovery, sexual health, safer sex, IPV, and substance use, with games and giveaways.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/11360495
Sumobot Smackdown
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Popp Martin Student Union 340 G-I
Hosted by Gold Rush Robotics
Enjoy free food while you build Lego robots and battle to stay in the ring!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/goldrushrobotics
Back to School Bash
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Harris Alumni Center
Hosted by Future Alumni Network
Join FAN for FREE food trucks, swag, lawn games, and music! The Black Alumni Chapter, Latinx/a/o Alumni Network and LGBTQIA+ Alumni Network will be there to help FAN celebrate the new year with fun activities and free swag!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/fan
Greek Village House Tours
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Greek Village
Hosted by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL)
Ever wonder what sorority life really looks like? Now’s your chance to see it up close.
Join us for a walk through Greek Village and tour the homes of all 7 Panhellenic sororities. You’ll get a peek inside, chat with current members, and of course—grab some sweet treats along the way.
It’s not just about the houses—it’s about the sisterhood, the spaces they’ve made their own, and what life in the Village is really like.
https://www.charlottepanhellenic.com/
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 - 1:00 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, Popp Martin Student Union 340 G-I
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 in the Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Barnes & Noble Charlotte (Auxiliary Services)
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
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