UPDATED Monday, Sep 3: Will you be in Charlotte when Johnson & Wales University becomes a part of history? The Democratic National Convention, Sep 4–6, is coming to our city and the action will be in our own backyard.
You can get involved in this monumental event. It's a unique chance to build hands-on experience as interns and volunteers, not to mention networking opportunities in your industry.
News
Admissions Closed Sep 3–7 Visitors will not be permitted at our admissions office due to building security during the DNC. All Charlotte Campus offices will be staffed during this time. Students are encouraged to call or email if they need assistance. The Charlotte Campus can be reached toll-free at 866-598-2427.
First Day of Class: Monday, Sep 10 As the DNC date draws near, Charlotte Campus administration has been meeting regularly to discuss logistics regarding Wildcat Welcome (move-in and the start of school for the fall term). Traffic, street closures, and other general conditions during the first week of September are still largely unpredictable.
After evaluating the many intricacies of what is known regarding the DNC, it has been decided to move the first day of classes to Monday, September 10. This decision was made after careful consideration of the information that has been made available to us, as well as the awareness that there are many things related to such a large citywide event that we do not know.
Orientation Session 8 Cancelled Session 8 previously scheduled for August 26-28, has been cancelled. All other Orientation sessions will run as scheduled.
If you were registered for Session 8 and have not already been in contact with someone from our Orientation team, please call New Student & Parent Programs at 980-598-1880. If you have any other questions, call or visit New Student Orientation for more information.
Plan AheadThe majority of DNC events will occur September 3-6, mostly at Time Warner Cable Arena, just minutes away from our campus.
Advance planning will facilitate a smooth trip to Charlotte for the opening of school. JWU offices will be open for business during the week of the convention. Use this information and other resources to plan ahead, whether you’re moving in or visiting JWU and looking for things things to do in Charlotte.
Check this page often. As the DNC draws closer, we’ll update this page with information on DNC-related campus events and tools to help you plan ahead.
Important DatesReview the dates below to plan ahead for returning students move-in, Wildcat Welcome, new students move-in, as well as key DNC events that will affect your visit to JWU — or use our calendar.
Returning students may move in either before the DNC begins (Aug 31- Sep 1) or after it concludes (Sep 7-9).
Additional DNC-related events:
Uptown museums are open to the public. Some will be free and others will provide discounted tickets. Check the individual site for fees: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Gantt Center, Mint Museum, Discovery Place, NASCAR Hall of Fame and The Levine Museum of the New South.
Legacy Village will be located next to the Gantt Center, highlighting the great programs in Charlotte that are addressing challenges in the community, including Healthy Children, Healthy Lifestyles; Building a Broader More Inclusive Community; Youth Employment and Civic Engagement; Energy, Technology and Community Sustainability.
Parking & TransportationExpect delays when parking at or near JWU during the DNC. Parking lots may require security checks. Charlotte Area Transit public transportation will continue to run on its regular schedule during the DNC. Outside of convention days, expect typical traffic and parking delays during peak times of rush hour. Day-to-day Maps of Uptown Charlotte & South EndRide Transit augmented transit routesGold Rush Maps CATS service re-routesCharlotte B-cycle's new bike share program
Tips for Getting Around Have JWU ID and/or your driver’s license (with current address) with you at all times!Interactive Access Maps
Street Closures and Access:
Temporary Transit Center: 3rd & Mint Streets, Sunday, Sep 2 – Wednesday, Sep 5The CATS Transit Center is shifting to accommodate for upgraded security. Visit the CATS site for specific information.
HotelsPlanning on staying in Charlotte during the DNC? Right after the DNC, Sep7-9, our hotel on campus will have a limited number of rooms are available at a discounted rate. During the DNC, hotels in the city will have limited vacancies and higher rates. Explore staying at our hotel on campus or alternate hotel options.
SecuritySecurity on and near campus will be tightened. Make sure to have your student, faculty or staff JWU ID at all times to enter buildings and security areas around our campus. Parking lots may require Secret Service/CMPD security checks.
The DNC Committee has announced that security zones will not be made public until mid-August, and for national security reasons, street closings and secured areas may not be known until very close to the event.
The event is classified as an Extraordinary Event. This means:
ResourcesThe Char-Meck Government channel is Channel 16 on Charlotte Metro-area television. Learn more about visiting Charlotte during the DNC at:City of Charlotte's DNC InformationVolunteer at the DNCDemocratic National Convention
"To work on an event this monumental was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Democratic National Convention intern Natasha. read more