Did you know that the U.S. Department of Education is encouraging colleges and universities to use their COVID-19 relief funds for student mental health programs? Over the past two years, there has been a major uptick of concern about mental health on college and university campuses, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing repercussions. … Continue reading “Did You Know? COVID-19 Relief Funds and Campus Mental Health”
For students who graduated in spring 2020, it’s safe to say that the semester ended on a disappointing note. After four, five, or more years of working toward degrees, graduates didn’t have the opportunity to walk across the stage or celebrate with their peers. Although campuses tried to make the best of the situation, virtual … Continue reading “Did You Know? Classes of 2020 and 2021 Get Make-Up Commencement Ceremonies”
The restrictions and changes made on college campuses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have remained a constant companion for students and faculty for the past two years. Whether it’s mask-wearing, social distancing, zoom classes, or COVID-19 testing, students and faculty have had to adjust and adapt. It seems, however, that cases are decreasing, … Continue reading “Did You Know? Some Colleges No Longer Require Masks”
As the Omicron variant spreads throughout the United States, university campuses are modifying their mode of instructions and their COVID guidelines for the spring 2022 semester. UNC Charlotte commenced the spring semester with all classes–both undergraduate and graduate–delivered online until January 24. Similarly, Duke went virtual for all classes until January 18. UNC-Chapel Hill, on … Continue reading “Did You Know? Covid-19 in Spring 2022”
It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has financially impacted the education system for almost two years. The North Carolina community college system (NCCCS), which had an enrollment drop of 11 percent in 2020, is no exception. With a reduction in enrollment comes a reduction in funding, putting a strain on the 58 community … Continue reading ““Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” to Be Embedded in NC Community Colleges”
While the year 2021 wasn’t quite as tumultuous and unpredictable as 2020, the higher education landscape continues to look very different: overall enrollment continues to drop and countless institutions have issued vaccine mandates. At the same time, schools have become all the more emboldened in demanding ideological allegiance to the “diversity, equity, and inclusion” movement. … Continue reading “Reform in 2022: Our Hopes for the New Year”
Last week, the UNC Board of Governors met at NC State’s Hunt Library for its November meeting. In meeting at one of its constituent institutions, the Board is returning to a tradition that was put on hold during COVID: occasionally traveling to each institution in turn in order for Governors to engage with each campus. … Continue reading “Surprise: The UNC System is Moving!”
In September, the chancellor of UNC-Wilmington, Jose Sartarelli, announced his plan to retire next year. Sartarelli took office on July 1, 2015. Before coming to UNC-Wilmington he served for five years as the Dean of the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University. Sartarelli also spent three decades in international marketing and management. … Continue reading “A Conversation with the Chancellor of UNC-Wilmington”
It has been two months since the start of the Fall semester at UNC-Chapel Hill. In those two months, four students have died by suicide on campus. In response to the tragic events, UNC Chancellor Guskiewicz announced a Wellness Day for students on “Tuesday, Oct. 12, as a step in addressing mental health.” October 12 … Continue reading “UNC-Chapel Hill in a “Mental Health Crisis””
Universities across North Carolina welcomed students back to campus last month for what may be the most “normal” semester since the pandemic began. And according to the chancellor of North Carolina State University, Randy Woodson, students are happy to be back in person, although there is some apprehension. Despite the massive interruptions caused by the … Continue reading “A Conversation with the Chancellor of NC State University”