Every year, students arrive in University City hoping to find the right off-campus apartment, but safety isn’t always guaranteed. The Niner Choice Program helps cut through the noise. Backed by UNC Charlotte Housing and Residence Life, UNC Charlotte PPS, and CMPD, this initiative gives students and families a trusted way to evaluate housing near UNC Charlotte. In this blog, we’ll break down what the Niner Choice Program is and why Rush earns its place as a Gold Standard property. Rush offers an exceptional student living experience designed with safety and comfort in mind. Contact Rush at (980) 350-2344 or visit their Charlotte community to see it for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- The Niner Choice Program is a UNC Charlotte initiative with CMPD to guide students towards safer off-campus housing options.
- Rush is a recognized “Gold Standard” property within the Niner Choice Program, offering enhanced safety and security features.
- Choosing a Niner Choice property like Rush provides students and parents with greater peace of mind regarding safety and community standards.
- The program distinguishes between “Green Standard” and “Gold Standard” properties based on specific security criteria.
- Living at Rush means access to a supportive community environment designed for student success and well-being.
Understanding the Niner Choice Program at UNC Charlotte
Not every off-campus option is created equal, and choosing the wrong place can lead to unexpected costs or even safety issues. Here’s how the Niner Choice Program sets a higher standard and what every student must know before they sign a lease near UNC Charlotte.
What is the Niner Choice Program?
The Niner Choice Program is a student safety initiative led by UNC Charlotte Housing and Residence Life, UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). Its purpose is to help students and their families make informed choices about off-campus housing by identifying rental properties that meet specific security standards. The program was built to address a major concern: too many students move off campus without clear guidance on which communities prioritize their safety. While the Niner Choice Program highlights properties that meet its criteria, it is not an endorsement or a guarantee of safety by UNC Charlotte. To learn more about the university’s safety efforts, visit UNC Charlotte Police.
Why Was the Program Created?
As more students move off campus, safety becomes a growing concern, especially in areas just beyond university grounds. The Niner Choice Program was launched as a proactive safety initiative to protect student well-being and reduce risks tied to off-campus housing. By setting clear crime thresholds and strengthening ties between the university, local law enforcement, and nearby properties, the program helps build a safer, more accountable community around UNC Charlotte.
Key Partners Involved
Creating a safer off-campus environment doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a coordinated effort by the people who enforce them. That’s exactly why the Niner Choice Program brings together key partners who each play a critical role in protecting students. UNC Charlotte Housing and Residence Life manages the program and offers direct student support throughout the process. UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety help align off-campus efforts with established campus safety protocols. Meanwhile, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) provides real-time crime data and insights that shape the program’s security standards based on conditions in the surrounding area. Together, they form the backbone of a safety-first approach to student housing.
Niner Choice Program Standards: Green vs. Gold
Each property in the program must meet a specific requirement to qualify. These standards form the foundation for safer living options.
The “Green Standard” – Foundational Safety
Before a property can claim to meet the Green Standard, it must check off a detailed list of essential safety features. These security requirements follow Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and are designed to create safer spaces for students from day one. To earn Green Standard certification, a property must:
- Install a deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw and a strike plate secured by 3-inch screws
- Equip every front door with a 160- or 180-degree peephole
- Ensure all window locks are secure and working, with no ability to be bypassed from the outside
- Provide sufficient lighting across walkways, entry points, and parking areas
- Maintain landscaping according to the CPTED 3/7 rule
- Include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and kitchens, as required by fire code
- Clearly label each bedroom in units rented by the room
- Conduct a criminal history screening for all applicants
- Provide a Drug-Free Housing Addendum in every lease
- Share electronic crime prevention resources at move-in
- Offer a 24-hour emergency contact for maintenance or management
- Display visible street numbers on buildings, with added signage if needed
These foundational measures form the baseline for participation in the Niner Choice Program and are reassessed regularly to maintain compliance.
The “Gold Standard” – Enhanced Security and Community
The Gold Standard recognizes properties that go beyond foundational safety to deliver enhanced security and a stronger sense of community. In order to earn this designation, a property must meet all Green Standard requirements plus at least five of the following elevated security standards:
- Gated community access with controlled vehicle entry and exit
- Self-closing, locking front doors on all units
- Solid core bedroom doors for added privacy and protection in shared units
- Alarm systems installed in each unit (fees may apply)
- Surveillance system with a 14–30 day recording loop and visible signage
- Licensed and insured security company on-site
- Blue Light Emergency Phones on the property
- Fencing that fully surrounds the property, with secure pedestrian gates
- High-security strike plates on exterior doors
- Bedroom door reinforcers for units leased by the room
- Student-only housing policies to maintain a peer-living environment
The Rush community meets the Gold Standard, reflecting its ongoing commitment to student apartment safety and top-tier security standards. Explore Rush’s Gold Standard Amenities to learn more.
How Properties Participate in the Program
Earning a spot in the Niner Choice Program means proving your property takes student safety seriously. Every rental property must complete a formal process that includes CMPD registration, meeting safety requirements, staying below crime thresholds, and passing annual assessments. Active participation also depends on maintaining accurate leasing records and meeting either the Green or the Gold criterion.
Benefits of Choosing a Niner Choice Property like Rush
Choosing a Niner Choice property like Rush gives Charlotte students access to safety-reviewed housing and a stronger sense of community. Each location meets a minimum set of standards and presents an opportunity for safer, more reliable off-campus living.
Increased Peace of Mind for Students and Parents
When student safety is clearly defined and actively enforced, it creates lasting peace of mind for both students and parents. Niner Choice properties meet structured security standards set by UNC Charlotte and CMPD, which go beyond the basics to address specific risks and vulnerabilities. This proactive approach shows a clear commitment to earning the trust of families and creating a more secure environment for daily student life.
Commitment to a Safer Living Environment
Niner Choice properties are built on more than basic checklists. Each community must align with defined community standards that reflect a deeper commitment to responsible housing and long-term student well-being. At Rush, that commitment is visible in every detail—from proactive maintenance to enhanced property oversight.
As a Gold Standard property, Rush goes beyond minimum requirements to offer a truly safer living experience. From day one, the team has worked to cultivate a secure and supportive living environment tailored to the needs of UNC Charlotte students.
Support from University-Endorsed Standards
When you’re weighing options for off-campus student services, having clear guidelines can make all the difference. The Niner Choice Program doesn’t endorse individual communities, but it does outline a university-reviewed framework rooted in UNC Charlotte resources that helps you make an informed decision. Students gain added student support by choosing housing that aligns with safety criteria recognized by the university and CMPD. Explore more through UNC Charlotte Off-Campus Housing Resources.
Living at Rush: Your Gold Standard Niner Choice Housing
Living at Rush offers a unique opportunity for UNC Charlotte students to enjoy Gold Standard comfort and security. Here’s how this community supports your needs beyond just rent.
Rush’s Commitment to Exceeding Expectations
Rush apartments are built with student safety features that go beyond the basics. From secure gated access to well-lit common areas and responsive on-site staff, each element supports a secure living experience. As part of the Gold Standard housing tier, Rush actively participates in the Niner Choice Program and works to uphold its standing with regular updates and ongoing collaboration. This commitment reinforces Rush’s role as a trusted leader in Gold Standard student housing.
More Than Just Safety: A Supportive Student Community
Living off campus should still feel connected. At Rush, the focus extends beyond student safety to building a true student community where every detail supports success. From dedicated study lounges to a modern fitness center, regular events, and roommate matching, these Rush amenities are designed to elevate off-campus student life. It’s a space that blends comfort, support, and purpose. Contact Rush for a Tour to explore what life here can offer.
FAQs: Niner Choice Program and Rush
Here are the most commonly asked questions that students have about the program:
What are the benefits of living in a Niner Choice property?
The benefits of Niner Choice properties include adherence to university-reviewed student housing safety standards, proactive security protocols, and increased peace of mind for both students and parents. Properties in the Niner Choice Program show a clear commitment to supporting student well-being.
What specific safety features does a Gold Standard property like Rush have over a Green Standard?
The key difference between the Gold Standard vs Green Standard is the addition of at least five enhanced security features. A Gold Standard property like Rush may offer gated entry, alarm systems in each unit, and solid core bedroom doors—all in addition to the baseline safety features required by the Green Standard. The Rush community exceeds basic expectations to create a secure environment.
Does UNC Charlotte own or manage Niner Choice properties?
No. UNC Charlotte does not own or manage any Niner Choice Program properties. The program is an information and safety partnership that supports off-campus housing providers like Rush in meeting university-aligned standards.
Is the Niner Choice Program only for students?
Yes, the Niner Choice Program is designed with UNC Charlotte students in mind. While properties may house others, the student housing program criteria and safety standards are focused specifically on benefiting the student population.
Choose Rush for a Golden Standard UNCC Living Experience
When safety matters and the stakes are high, choosing the right place to live becomes more than a box to check. The Niner Choice Program gives UNC Charlotte students a clear path to safer, more supportive student housing, and Rush is proud to lead the way. As a certified Gold Standard community, Rush reflects a deeper investment in student well-being through elevated apartment security and thoughtful property standards. Contact Rush at (980) 350-2344 or visit our website to view floor plans, check availability, and apply. Start your next chapter in a safe apartment community committed to raising the standard for UNC Charlotte student housing.
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Pamela Lynch
Area Manager
Get ready to meet Pamela, the driving force behind Rush Student Living in Charlotte! As our Area Manager in the Queen City, Pamela’s commitment to the Gold Standard is undeniable. Her meticulous approach led to her nomination for Community Manager of the Year, and under her guidance, her community was even awarded Community of the Year! She truly sets the bar high for student living.
