University Recreation empowers every body, every mind, every day to lead active, healthy, and balanced lives and strive for personal growth throughout and beyond their time at UNC Charlotte by providing recreational, sport, and fitness opportunities for Charlotte students and members. Programs include intramural sports, sport clubs, group fitness, personal training, swim lessons, and more. All fee paying enrolled students are members while non-fee paying students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees may purchase memberships.
Let's get Niner Nation moving!
Student Focus
We embrace a "students first" philosophy in all decisions and actions. Through purposeful programming and services, we empower students to develop lifelong wellness behaviors and career readiness skills that extend beyond their college experience. While serving the broader UNC Charlotte community, students remain our primary focus and driving force.
Holistic Wellbeing
As integral members of the Health & Wellbeing Unit, we champion recreation and physical activity as a cornerstone of comprehensive wellness. We recognize its vital role in nurturing healthy individuals and fostering vibrant communities. Our commitment extends to supporting all dimensions of wellbeing through our work and partnerships.
Belonging
We cultivate an environment where every member of our community—students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders—feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and secure. Our facilities, programs, and services are intentionally designed to promote access and meaningful engagement for all. We actively work to remove barriers and create spaces where everyone can thrive.
Innovation
We embrace forward-thinking approaches throughout University Recreation. By remaining adaptable and responsive to evolving needs, we ensure our offerings remain relevant and impactful for the UNC Charlotte community. We continuously seek creative solutions and emerging practices to enhance the recreation and wellness experience.
Our department operates in alignment with the mission and vision of our national organization, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association.
2005
First task force was created concerning recreational facilities, including the participation of consultants from NIRSA.
2006
Chancellor Dubois stated a need to expand recreational facilities.
2012
Committee was created and charged with researching campus climate, student interest, and spacial needs.
2013
Brailsford and Dunleavy conduct study and present need for a dedicated recreation center to Chancellor's Cabinet.
March 2014
Focus groups were held to gauge student perspective and response to the idea of a new recreation center on campus.
October 2014
The idea of a new recreation center was presented to the Board of Trustees at the Chancellor’s retreat.
March 2015
Visit by the Board of Governors.
April 2015
Advanced planning of a new recreation center was approved by the Board of Trustees. Plan to send proposal to Board of Governors for approval.
June 9, 2015
Pre-proposal meeting held for potential designers to ask questions about project and visit site.
June 23, 2015
Proposal Deadline—all proposals due from designers.
June 29, 2015
Design Interviews—3 finalists selected from 14 proposals to present to new recreation center (HAWC) committee. Committee consisted of Phil Jones, Donia Schauble, John Fessler, Chris Gilbert, Jim Hoppa, Jeainne Bachtel, and Board of Trustees member—Mary Ann Rouse. Ex-officio member—Jim Walczyk.
July 2015
UNC Charlotte team conducts site visits to institutions in Virginia, including: James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Old Dominion University.
August 2015
Jenkins Peer Architects and Cannon Design were both selected as designers for the new recreation center, also known as the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC). Conversation is held regarding site of new facility, to be located in the space nex to the Popp Martin Student Union.
September 2015
First advanced planning meeting of design team.
January 2016
Initial meeting for Schematic Design Steering Committee.
May 2016
Initial meeting for Design Development Steering Committee.
June 2016
Construction Manager at Risk expectations meeting held. Edifice, Inc. hosts meet and greet meeting for stakeholders and team members to establish project goals.
October 2016
Initial meeting for Construction Document Development Steering Committee.
October 2016 – March 2017
Development of construction documents for bids.
April 2017
Draft of bid manual sent out for review.
May 2017
Pre-bid meeting held for HAWC to explain the project to potential bidders.
June 8, 2017
Bid documents and addendum documents are sent out by Jenkins Peer Architects.
June 12, 2017
Construction contract is issued, allowing project to proceed.
June 22, 2017
Initial bid opening for HAWC project.
July 11, 2017
Second bid opening for HAWC project to complete packages
July 31, 2017
Construction contract and construction of HAWC project begins. Edifice, Inc. and Construction Manager at Risk have 700 days from this point to complete project. The anticipated completion date is June 30, 2019 (excluding weather days, etc.).
August 2017 – September 2017
Students vote on official name of new HAWC building, options included: University Recreation Center (UREC), Center of Recreational Engagement (CORE), and Niner Fitness Center (NFC).
October 2017
Results of the student vote are announced—HAWC name is updated to the University Recreation Center (UREC).
January 2020
University Recreation Center (UREC) grand opening!
University Recreation operates as a part of the Health & Wellbeing Unit within the Division of Student Affairs, consisting of University Recreation, Center for Wellness Promotion, Student Health, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, and Center for Integrated Care. All of these departments within the Health & Wellbeing Unit strive to assist and support students in amplifying their well being journey throughout college and beyond.