Gold Rush
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.
Gal Pal Gala
10:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., After Hours, Cone Center
Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL)
Join us for Gal Pal Gala, where you'll create intentions for recruitment, connect with Panhellenic women, and celebrate the meaning of sisterhood
https://www.charlottepanhellenic.com/
Cheer Nation Back to School Pep Rally
7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M., 49th Acre
Hosted by Cheer Nation
The pep rally will be hosted at the 49th acre. Cheer nation will be performing along with other invited student organizations.
NPHC Yardshow
4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Star Quad
Hosted by National Pan-Hellenic Council
The NPHC Yard Show is our annual welcome-back event! Watch historically Black fraternities and sororities showcase their culture through stepping and strolling. Don’t miss it!
Meet the Honors College & Learn How to Apply
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M., Front Porch, Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Honors College
Come meet members of the Honors College and find out how you can apply for entry in Fall 2026!
http://honorscollege.charlotte.edu
Annual North Village Cookout
6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M., North Village Quad
Hosted by Niner United
A great opportunity to connect with other students with free food and outdoor games.
49ers Meet Half Moon Empanada
11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M., Half Moon Empanada, Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Dining Services
Celebrate the grand opening of Half Moon Empanada with free samples, giveaways, and a first taste of UNC Charlotte's newest dining destination.
https://dineoncampus.com/unccharlotte
Coffee and Conversation; Adult Student Meet 'n Greet
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M., Colvard 2344
Hosted by University Transfer and Adult Student Center
Adult Students start Fall 2026 with a cup of coffee, classmates, and friends you haven’t met yet! Claim your Charlotte t-shirt and Academic Survival Kit. See you there!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12488925
Sugar Rush
1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., Cauble Quad
Hosted by Niner United
Stop by for a sugary snack and learn about upcoming Niner United events!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/niner-united
Niner Aux Guides Bingo Bash
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Upper Prospector
Hosted by Niner Aux Guides
Play bingo, win prizes and learn about key campus services and the Niner Aux Guides, the student voice of Business Services.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12490868
MiS Meet & Mingle
5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 262
Hosted by Minorities in Sports Next
Come meet the Minorities in Sports E-board, grab a snack, win prizes and learn about how you can get involved!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12474960
Panhellenic Sorority Meet and Greet
6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M., West Quad
Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL)
Come to our Panhellenic Meet & Greet and connect with all 7 sororities. Ask questions, make connections, and get a feel for each org's vibe.
Gold Rush Resource Fair
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Cauble Quad
Hosted by Transition & Belonging
Don't miss our Resource Fair! Connect with over 20 campus resources and collect some SWAG. It's your one-stop spot to get informed and stay connected!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12477557
Craft & Graze Session 1
11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., Demo Kitchen, University Recreation Center
Hosted by Dining Services
Experience an afternoon of creativity and flavor at our Craft & Graze workshop. Create a charcuterie box, craft personalized soap, and paint a taper candle.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12506671
Clothing Closet Pop Up
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Outside of Career Center
Hosted by Career Center
Join the Career Center’s Clothing Closet Pop-Up Event! Browse and select free business casual and professional attire for interviews, career fairs, and networking events.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12515384
Art Gallery Opening Reception - Career Center
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Career Center, Atkins Annex, 150
Hosted by Career Center
Join us for the 2026-2027 Career Center Opening Reception. Our pieces were selected from COAA student submissions to the spring 2026 juried exhibition.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12515382
Belonging Board
11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M., Fretwell Quad
Stop by the Belonging Board and connect with New Niners!
Craft & Graze Session 2
12:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M., Demo Kitchen, University Recreation Center
Hosted by Dining Services
Experience an afternoon of creativity and flavor at our Craft & Graze workshop. Create a charcuterie box, craft personalized soap, and paint a taper candle.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12506677
Write That Down! Journal Decorating and Making
1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M., Area 49 Makerspace, Atkins Library 2nd Floor
Hosted by Area 49, Atkins Library
Join Area 49 to learn simple bookbinding techniques, make and decorate a journal, or bring your own journal to decorate!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12499273
The Kickstart: New Engineering Student Resource Fair
3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Food Court Area, Barnhardt Student Activity Center
Hosted by Office of Student Development and Success (OSDS)
Welcome to engineering! Join The Kickstart to unlock essential campus resources, meet student organizations, and build your community from day one.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12484326
Connect with CAPS
4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M., Counseling and Psychological Services - Price Center
Hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Students will be able to create their own self-care kits to help promote self-care and wellness this semester.
2026 Back to School Bash
5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Harris Alumni Center
Hosted by Future Alumni Network (FAN)
Kick off the semester with FAN at the Harris Alumni Center for free food, a live DJ, exciting prizes, and plenty of fun activities.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12481481
AMA: Interest Meeting + Professional Headshots!
5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M., Cone Center 111
Hosted by American Marketing Association
Get a free professional headshot, meet new people, and learn how UNC Charlotte AMA can help you grow your career and leadership skills.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/american-marketing-association
DGC Picnic
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Star Quad
Hosted by Diversified Greek Council
The DGC Picnic brings together all DGC organizations to celebrate our collective identities and showcase the unique pride of each individual organization.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/diversified-greek-council
Worship & Slushies
7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M., Woodward Hall 106
Hosted by Niner United
Worship God, connect with other students, and enjoy great frozen drinks.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/niner-united
Event Staff Interest Meeting
7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., Union Theater, Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Join CAB to get firsthand experience with event planning and operation through the Event Staff program. Come to the interest meeting to learn more!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/campus-activities-board
Popsicles & Pop Up Advising - Transfer Credit Edition
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Belk Plaza
Hosted by The University Transfer and Adult Student Center
Transfer students can get their transfer credit questions answered while enjoying free popsicles at this quick, casual Pop-Up Advising event. Come and see us!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12483841
Midday Devotion
1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 200
Hosted by Niner United
A great way to pause in the middle of the day for prayer and reflection, with a free lunch and trivia.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/niner-united
Family Feud: Sustainability Edition
4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M., Cone Center, Room 112B
Hosted by Office of Sustainability
Join us for Family Feud during Gold Rush Fall 2026! Teams will guess popular answers to sustainability-themed questions. Teams are assigned upon arrival. Snacks and refreshments provided.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12476585
Overwatch Takeover - Niner Esports
4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Charlotte Esports Arena, Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Niner Esports
Niner Esports takes over the Charlotte Esports Arena for Overwatch. Mini tournament, prizes, or just hang out. Join our Discord: https://discord.nineresports.org
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12491291
Kickback into Entrepreneurship
5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M., Norm’s Lounge, Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI)
Start your year with us at a relaxed, conversation‑driven kickback. Connect with real founders and get a look at what it takes to build something of your own.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12513263
Coffee & Crafts
6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M., Hauser Alumni Pavillion
Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL)
Grab a coffee, get creative, and meet Panhellenic members! Make a mini vision board, connect with other students, and explore sorority life at UNC Charlotte!
Light Rail Scavenger Hunt
3:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M., UNC Charlotte Main Station
Hosted by Parking and Transportation Services (PaTS)
Student teams compete for prizes, solving clues to find locations in walking distance of light rail stations.
First Adventure: Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad
7:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M., French Broad River
Hosted by Venture Outdoor Leadership
Kick off your semester rafting the French Broad River and making friends! Transportation, lunch, snacks, gear provided. Trip leaders support all experience levels.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12497815
Sickle Cell Awareness Fun Run
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Hauser Alumni Pavilion
Hosted by Housing and Residence Life (HRL), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
Come join HRL, NRHH and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease as we enter Sickle Cell Awareness Month!
New Semester, New Trails - A Gold Rush Hike
8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M., Pisgah National Forest
Hosted by Venture Outdoor Leadership
Start your semester on a beautiful hike for fresh air and community. Transportation, lunch, snacks, gear, and boots provided. Our leaders welcome all experience levels!
Financial Survival Escape Room
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 200
Hosted by Niner Finances
Can you escape financial reality? Solve money challenges, unlock clues, build real-world financial skills, and compete for prizes in this interactive escape room.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12505300
BMES Interest Meeting
6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 200
Hosted by Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
BMES Makeshift Prosthetic Arm Shark Tank + Interest Meeting! All materials provided! Winner gets a FREE t-shirt! Free food
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12498503
Greek Village House Tours
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Greek Village
Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL)
Join us for a tour of Greek Village and the homes of all 7 Panhellenic sororities. Peek inside, chat with current members, and grab sweet treats along the way.
https://www.charlottepanhellenic.com/
Sunset Devotion
7:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M., Woodward Quad
Hosted by Niner United
End the day by giving thanks to God as the sun sets over campus.
Ombuds Office Open House
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Colvard South, 1043A
Hosted by University Ombuds
Stop by Colvard South, suite 1043A and learn about the University Ombuds office at our open house on Tuesday, September 1st 9am to 5pm!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12516927
Sumo-Bot Smackdown
5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 340
Hosted by 49er Robotics
Students will manufacture LEGO SPIKE robots in teams to learn engineering and block programming through a competitive robot sumo tournament, where winners receive a trophy.
Postcards to Home
2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M., Lower Prospector
Hosted by Auxiliary Services
Decorate your own Charlotte-themed postcard, write your message, and mail it home for free!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12494657
Mix & Mingle: Mocktail Hour
2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M., Star Quad
Hosted by Student Legal Services, Center for Wellness Promotion, Housing & Residence Life, Off-Campus Student Services
Join SLS, HRL, and CWP, OCSS for an engaging event full of activities, tasty mocktails, and the resources available to you on-campus and in the community!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/event/12496652
Worship & Picture Night
7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M., Woodward Hall 106
Hosted by Niner United
Worship together, get pictures with your friends, and celebrate the start of the semester.
Midday Devotion
1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 200
Hosted by Niner United
A great way to pause in the middle of the day for prayer and reflection, with a free lunch and trivia.
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/niner-united
Pop the Balloon
6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., Popp Martin Student Union 340
Hosted by Campus Activities Board (CAB)
This is a live social experiment where contestants can find new friends! From fun questions to surprise twists, the energy stays high the whole time!
https://ninerengage.charlotte.edu/organization/campus-activities-board
Recruitment 101
8:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M., McKnight Hall, Cone Center
Hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL)
Still deciding about sorority life? Come get the real rundown. It’s chill, helpful, and your last chance to register if you’re thinking about joining!
College Colors Day
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Barnes & Noble Charlotte, Popp Martin Student Union
Hosted by Barnes & Noble Charlotte
Celebrate College Colors Day with games, swag and snacks before the first football game of the season. Wear your Niner green!