Higher Education

Editorial: The feasibility of UNC mandating COVID-19 vaccines

The lack of a vaccine mandate has stirred frustration from students and faculty. The Editorial Board hopes to answer some frequently asked questions.

As UNC reopens in-person, students and faculty have COVID-19 safety concerns

As UNC begins the fall semester, thousands of people are returning to campus without a vaccine mandate, consistent gathering limits or physical distancing procedures.  This “return to normal” leaves some students and faculty concerned about the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Mimi Chapman, chairperson of the faculty, worries that there is not enough time for all members of the campus community to get vaccinated before UNC returns to normal operations.  UNC senior Brooks Fitts fears for his own safety as an individual with diabetes, a risk factor for severe illness from COVID-19. 

UNC System to require weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated students

The University will not require vaccination, but will instead follow the guidelines in the UNC System ‘Get Vaccinated or Get Tested Weekly’ requirement.

BOG discusses plans for new relationships with community colleges

The Board of Governors discussed recent UNC System controversies and updates on university and community college relations and reviewed tuition policy recommendations.

Faculty Council holds emergency meeting over fears about removing Guskiewicz

Chapman admitted that Guskiewicz is “not perfect,” but that it wasn’t a good time for a change in leadership. “He is someone we know,” Chapman said. “Many of us have served with him for many years, and he could not have assumed his post at a more difficult moment.”

Op-ed: Let's create a Coalition for Carolina

"Most importantly, the current governance structure means that we are unable, as an institution, to live our values. The faculty, staff and students cannot change this situation alone. We need all those that love Carolina to come to our aid in a concerted, organized, sustained effort to reform the way our campus is governed and chart a forward course."

Meet Sharon James, recipient of the BOG's 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award

UNC Classics Professor Sharon James selected for a 2021 Award for Excellence in Teaching by the UNC Board of Governors. 

LISTEN: University building renaming process and new BOG members

Board of Governors discusses fall operations, out-of-state HBCU enrollment caps

The Board of Governor's met Thursday to discuss fall operations, HBCU enrollment caps and UNC System Board of Trustee appointments. 

'Start educating yourself now': Groups around campus celebrate Earth Day

Plant a tree and make a friend. Earth Day is an appreciation for the planet we all share together. From planting flowers to being activists for the global climate change, UNC students are sharing what Earth Day means to them.

Column: PragerU, 'liberal lies' and the war against higher education

PragerU and Turning Point USA have given new life to the art of discrediting and devaluing higher education.

UNC System not planning to require COVID-19 vaccines for students returning this fall

The Faculty Council heard updates regarding COVID-19 vaccine requirements, resolutions supporting inclusivity on campus and the election of a new secretary of the faculty. 

Wanna Smash, Bro?: UNC students unwind with virtual tournaments

“Smash is easy enough to get into that there’s a constant influx of new players,” Phil Register said. “It’s really satisfying to learn more about it. You can tell when you’re learning and when you’re getting better.”

Who are the voting members on the UNC Board of Governors?

The North Carolina Board of Governors governs the University of North Carolina System, which consists of 16 public universities and the NC School of Science and Mathematics. The BOG has 24 voting members.

UNC group to hold virtual art show to benefit Habitat for Humanity

“It’s about physically lending your support to two communities that mean a lot to North Carolina, which is Habitat and the arts community,” junior Claire Hyde said. “They’re all awesome pieces and people would be happy to buy them, but the important part is knowing that all your dollars are going towards Habitat.”

Meet the five new members of the UNC Board of Governors

State legislators appointed five new members to the UNC Board of Governors last month.  The new BOG members all said they are honored to serve and hope to positively contribute to the UNC System.  They said in particular they hope to focus on affordability, access and improving student outcomes.

N.C. House bill would give UNC-System president power to cut salaries across the board

House Bill 243 passed unanimously in the House late last month, and it has since moved on to the Senate. The bill would give UNC-System President Peter Hans the power to implement temporary across-the-board salary reductions and layoffs. 

Morrison Art Studio hosts collaborative digital mural for Arts Everywhere Day

“We don’t get a chance to show off our art all the time, we don’t get a chance this year to get on campus and see everybody for Arts Everywhere Day, so we might as well put it somewhere that’s pretty accessible,” Morgan Pestyk, digital marketing assistant for Arts Everywhere, said. “It’s really nice to have that out there and have a place where you can put your art safely.”

Rajiv Mohabir reads century-old poetry, now translated, to mark Holi

"Rajiv Mohabir sharing these poems educated more people about what Holi is and the history behind it," Shivam Bhargava said. "It's very easy to celebrate Holi without understanding the cultural and religious significance behind it, but Rajiv's poems add historical and cultural context to the celebration so that more people know what they are celebrating." 

Editorial: Repetitive class curriculum needs to change

"It's frustrating and ridiculous to be paying thousands of dollars and putting in hours of our time on subjects that we already learned about in high school — and then learned four more times at UNC."