Niner Character Promise

UNC Charlotte Youth Programs seeks to foster an inclusive, positive, learning and social environment for our campers. Through our Niner Character Promise, and with the help of our families, we seek to educate our participants prior to their program experience about the expectations we have regarding conduct and attitude while participating in our programs. During the registration process, we will ask that families registering confirm that they will review the following Niner Character Promise with their student prior to the start of the program. We will also utilize and refer to the Promise during staff training and throughout our programs.

As a Youth Programs Participant, I promise to:

  1. Treat my fellow participants and staff with kindness, respect, and cooperation in my words and actions at all times and NOT use bullying words or behavior that disrupt the experience of others.
  2. Seek help from instructors or staff in resolving conflict especially if it is something I do not feel I can resolve on my own.
  3. Respect the property of the university buildings as well as other people’s property.
  4. Notify my instructor or a staff member immediately if I witness a violation of this Niner Character Promise.

What are examples of unacceptable social cruelty at UNC Charlotte’s Youth Programs:

  • Teasing
  • Exclusion
  • Bullying
  • Rumoring
  • Ganging Up

Is teasing ever acceptable?

We recognize that when working with young people. Teasing does not always equal bullying. Teasing may be acceptable when these elements are all present:

  • Everyone gets an equal share of the teasing within the group (one person is not being ganged up on).
  • People are not making fun of someone’s disability, ethnicity, faith, or other characteristics beyond the person’s control.
  • It is not repeated over and over again.
  • It is not meant to physically or emotionally harm in any way.
  • If you ask the person to stop the teasing, they will immediately.
  • The teasing comes from someone you are close to (close friend, family member).

Violations of the Niner Character Promise will result in a phone call home and could lead to partial or full suspension without a refund when deemed severe.