A Comprehensive Guide to the Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte

The Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte stands as a vibrant center of student life and campus activities. Since its opening in 2009, the five-story structure has served as a community hub for student affairs, offering a multitude of resources for students, faculty, alumni, and visitors. In 2016, it was renamed to honor Karen Popp (1980) and Demond Martin (1997), two distinguished alumni, recognizing their exceptional dedication and service to the university. This guide provides a floor-by-floor exploration of the Popp Martin Student Union, helping you navigate its many offerings and make the most of your UNC Charlotte experience.

Location and Directions

The Popp Martin Student Union is situated on Craver Road, near the intersection of Craver and Cameron Blvd. Here are detailed directions from the university entrances:

From the University Entrance on University City Blvd:

Continue onto Broadrick Blvd.
At the traffic circle, take the second exit to stay on Broadrick Blvd.
Turn left onto University Rd.
Turn right onto Cameron Blvd.
- Front Entrance: Turn right onto Craver Rd. The destination will be on the left.
- Visitor Parking: Continue straight past Craver Rd and turn right onto Student Union Ln to enter the visitor parking deck.

From the University Entrance on N Tryon St:

Continue onto Institute Cir.
At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Robert D. Snyder Rd.
Turn right onto Phillips Rd.
- Front Entrance: Continue onto Craver Rd. The destination will be on the left.
- Visitor Parking: Turn left onto Cameron Blvd.

First Floor: Dining, Entertainment, and Essential Services

The first floor of the Popp Martin Student Union is a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide array of dining options, entertainment venues, and essential services.

Dining Choices

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a satisfying meal, the first floor has something to satisfy every craving:

Bojangles: Indulge in Southern comfort food with Bojangles' famous chicken 'n biscuits, cajun seasoning, and buttermilk biscuits. Located in the Food Court. Download the Niner Diners app to order ahead.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Start your day with a fresh bagel and coffee or grab a quick lunch at this popular spot.
Erbert and Gerbert's: Enjoy original sandwich creations or design your own at E&G. Complete your meal with mac n cheese, soup, or a salad. Located inside the Market on Craver. Download the Niner Diners app to order ahead.
Market on Craver: This one-stop shop offers a variety of options to meet your needs, including Erbert and Gerbert's and Outtakes Quick Cuisine.
Outtakes Quick Cuisine: Located within the Market on Craver, this spot features a sandwich deli counter dining experience and a wide variety of tasty refreshments.
Shake Smart: Focused on healthy, balanced, and protein-rich ingredients, Shake Smart offers a variety of shakes, bowls, and sandwich options designed to fit your lifestyle. Located in the Food Court. Download the Niner Diners app to order ahead.
Starbucks: Get your caffeine fix and enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and snacks. Download the Starbucks app to order ahead.
Wendy's: Delivering quality fresh food with real ingredients, Wendy's offers cheeseburgers, chicken, wraps, salads, fries, sides, and more. End your meal with their signature Frosty! Located in the Food Court. Download the Niner Diners app to order ahead.

Entertainment and Relaxation

Norm's: Kick back after class at Norm's, where you can catch a performance, play a game of pool, watch TV, eat, study, or simply relax.
Union Theater: This venue hosts movies, events, and presentations for students, faculty, and guests.

Essential Services

Campus Hair Salon: Get a haircut or other hair services without leaving campus.
ID Card Office: Obtain or replace your student ID card.
Information Center: Get information about the Student Union and campus events.
NinerTech Computer Store: Purchase computers, accessories, and software.
Rotunda seating area: A central gathering place for students to relax and socialize.
Union Station: Find paper and shipping services for your academic and personal needs.

Mezzanine Level: Study and Relaxation

The mezzanine level offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with ample seating for studying, impromptu meetings, or simply unwinding. The open floor provides a bird's-eye view of the first floor, allowing you to observe events or general happenings below.

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Second Floor: Dining, Student Involvement, and Meeting Spaces

The second floor of the Popp Martin Student Union offers even more dining options, opportunities for student involvement, and meeting spaces for organizations and events.

Dining Choices

Bistro 49: The union's premiere leisure eatery, complete with table service, offers a more upscale dining experience.
Crown Commons: One of the university's two dining halls, Crown Commons offers an ever-changing menu where you can grab a table with friends or dine solo.
Social 704: Located on the second level, Social 704 features action stations, allowing for a customized, more personal dining experience. Grab a pastry, hot breakfast, sandwiches or yogurt cups.

Student Involvement and Organizations

Campus Activities Board Niners on the Weekend: Get involved in planning and participating in campus events.
Office of Identity, Equity & Engagement: Connect with resources and programs that support diversity and inclusion on campus.
Student Government & Organizations Complex: Find offices and resources for various student organizations.

Meeting and Event Spaces

James M. Hoppa Room 200: A versatile space for meetings and events.
CRES/Reservations and Student Venues and Engagement Administration offices: Reserve meeting rooms and event spaces for your organizational needs.
Various meeting rooms: Available for organizational meetings and other gatherings.

Third Floor: Multipurpose Rooms

The third floor features multipurpose rooms A-I, which can be reserved for conferences, organization meetings, and company events. All reservations for these rooms can be made at the CRES/Reservations office on the second floor.

Lower Level: Student Media and Bookstore

The lower level of the Popp Martin Student Union houses the Student Niner Media offices and a lower level of the Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Barnes & Noble (Lower Level): Access the lower level of the bookstore through the first-floor entrance.
Media Marketing: Student media marketing offices.
Niner Times: The student newspaper.
Sanskrit: Student-run literary magazine.
Uptown Audio: Student-run radio station.

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