UNC professor awarded MacArthur Genius Grant for research on social mobility
Tressie McMillan Cottom, an associate professor in the UNC School of Information and Library Science, was named a MacArthur Fellow in the foundation's class of 2020.
CAMPUS
UNC students experience anxiety as they await COVID-19 test results
As UNC provides COVID-19 testing to its students, some experience anxiety while waiting for results. Dr. Allen O'Barr, director of CAPS, recommends students utilize mindfulness techniques as they deal with uncertainty.
UNC to offer five modes of instruction, single-occupancy housing for spring semester
The University will offer five modes of academic instruction, single-occupancy on-campus housing, regular COVID-19 evaluation testing and mandatory reentry testing in the spring 2021 semester, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz and Provost Bob Blouin said in an email Friday.
University leaders discuss independent COVID-19 testing system for upcoming semester
Provost Bob Blouin proposed plans to switch COVID-19 from an outside vendor to University-reliant testing, decreasing the cost of testing and potentially improving the reporting of results.
UNC lacks plans to remove white supremacist name from Morrison Residence Hall
UNC still hasn't made moves to rename Morrison Residence Hall despite his ties to white supremacy.
UNC Libraries create delivery service for students away from campus
The University Libraries instituted a new delivery-by-mail service, making physical books and materials accessible during this remote semester to any active UNC student or faculty member living in the continental U.S.
UNC students step up to work the polls for early voting and Election Day
UNC students volunteer to work election polls to help combat a poll worker shortage. Typically, a majority of poll workers are part of the older population, but since they are not signing up this year due to health concerns, younger volunteers had to step up.
University allows students to list pronouns in ConnectCarolina
Students now have the option to list their pronouns and gender identity on ConnectCarolina, but University employees currently don't have the option to do so.
Behind the mask: Students share skin care tips for quarantine
Here's how students are adjusting their skin care routines for mask-wearing and quarantine.
UNC community works to support child care needs in wake of inactive committee
University leaders, faculty members and other campus community members are pushing to fill the void of the dissipated Chancellor’s Child Care Advisory Committee. The urgency to improve caregiving has been heightened by the remote nature of work this semester.
UNC crew leader for housekeeping services becomes first recipient of staff award
The first recipient of the Rebecca Clark Staff Award for Moral Courage, James Holman, was recognized on this year's University Day.
Carolina Housing announces new housing option, programming for rising sophomores
Carolina Housing announces a new program to help rising sophomores relive on-campus experiences missed during a virtual semester.
Midnight classes, thousands of miles away: Living abroad during UNC's remote semester
International students living abroad face compounded challenges taking online classes, from class times at odd hours to uncertainties surrounding returning next spring. Vedika Parikh was studying abroad in Denmark in March when she heard that President Donald Trump had imposed a travel ban on all non-U.S. citizens coming in from Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parikh, who isn't a U.S. citizen, didn't think she could go back to the United States, but she also didn't know if she could stay in Denmark. Due dates, too, have become a minefield, as the time difference makes it more difficult to keep up with submission deadlines.
Pumpkin houses and DIY costumes: Students find ways to celebrate Halloween indoors
The spooky spirit is still in the air this season. While there are less people dressed up on Franklin Street, more students have chosen to stay inside to safely celebrate Halloween.
Employee Forum committee discusses COVID-19 survey and town hall
Here’s a rundown of Tuesday’s Employee Forum Executive Committee meeting.
Campus & Community Advisory Committee plans recommendations for spring housing
Here's what you missed at Tuesday's Campus & Community Advisory Committee meeting.
Student club calls for divestment from fossil fuels, reinvestment into the community
The club was formed last semester by co-presidents Gabriela Duncan and Katie Flanagan, who wanted to create an environmental organization that focused on systemic issues over individual actions.
Musical Empowerment bridges technological divide to teach local students
A student organization continues to provide underserved children with music lessons — despite the technological and internet disparities heightened by the pandemic. Musical Empowerment serves about 160 children remotely this semester.
‘World’s changing quickly’: UNC graduates face uncertain labor market
Over 4,000 seniors graduated from the University as part of its Class of 2020 — entering the workforce during the most severe economic contraction in U.S. history. Here's a look at how the massive negative shock of the pandemic may impact the financial and professional trajectory of recent UNC graduates.
‘Don’t rock the boat’: UNC resident advisers grapple with media policy
As the public raised questions for months about Carolina Housing’s operations in the face of COVID-19, student staff had been hesitant to answer them to the media — many citing their fear of getting fired or losing their chance to be rehired. Several RAs, who asked to remain anonymous due to employment concerns, said the media policy is confusing. When asked for interviews, they said they’ve felt afraid, nervous and unsure of what would be in violation of the policy — and if it would cost their jobs. The Supreme Court ruled in the 2006 case of Garcetti v. Ceballos that the speech of public employees is protected under the First Amendment — if it is engaged in as a private citizen.
