Nubian Message, Aug. 9, 2021 — What is we even doing y'all? NC State's Pandemic Plan

NUBIANMESSAGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | Monday, August 9, 2021

What is We even Doing y’all?

Monday, AUGUST 9, 2021 | 2

Letter from the editor Hey y’all, Welcome to NC State Class of 2025!

And to everyone else, welcome to NC State! Nobody’s really spent more than a year and a half on campus if we’re being honest. Let me introduce myself.

I’m Andrea Alford, but you can call me Andie. I’ll be the editor-in-chief for the 2021-2022 academic year. I’ve been working with Nubian on and off for about two years.

I’m very honored to take on this responsibility that’s been passed down since Nubian was born out of unrest and protest. I hope to continue to uphold the ideals of those who laid the groundwork for us to be where we are today.

THISISSUE 3

PANDEMIC PROTOCOLS

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CAMPUS LIFE ADVICE

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WOLFPACK WELCOME WEEK

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CAMPUS COMMUNITY CENTERS

Campus action updates on the pandemic Tips from seniors and grad students about NC State Essential welcome week activities

Reintroducing central community hubs for fall 2021

cover photo BY amrita malur/Staff Photographer Students line up for entry to the Back 2 School Jam at Harris Field in August 2018.

In this issue, we start with some campus updates on how the university is “handling” their COVID-19 response. We’ve also compiled some quotes to help shed some light on how to go about being a student of color at NC State.

Be sure to check out the playlist Elikem and I curated for when it finally hits you that you’ve paid thousands of dollars to go to a PWI in the middle of a pandemic that’s almost in its terrible twos. Just scan the QR code below and vibe out.

The Sentinel of the African-American Community at NC State Since 1992 314 Witherspoon Student Center, NCSU Campus Box 7318, Raleigh, NC 27695

Make sure to follow @nubianmessage on Twitter and Instagram to get all of our updates.

office 919-515-1468 advertising 919-515-2411 online thenubianmessage.com

At the end of the day, we’re still in a pepperoncini pepper so stay safe and make the best decisions for your health and the rest of the fam.

Much love, Andie

Andrea Alford

Editor-in-Chief

nubian-editor@ncsu.edu Elikem Dodor

We (Still) Inna Pandemonium playlist by Nubian Message Staff

Managing editor

nubian-managingeditor@ncsu.edu

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of Nubian Message: Dr. Yosef Ben-Yochannan, Dr. John Henrik Clark, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, The Black Panther Party, Mumia A. Jamal, Geronimo Pratt, Tony Williamson, Dr. Lawrence Clark, Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon, Dr. Wandra P. Hill, Mr. Kyran Anderson, Dr. Lathan Turner, Dr. M. Iyailu Moses, Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are still on the journey to true consciousness.

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News

NC State’s Pandemic Plan As we return to campus after a year of virtual learning, NC State has shared its plan for combatting the ongoing pandemic in-person.

ANDREA ALFORD Editor-in-Chief For the past year and eight months, COVID-19 has plagued our daily lives. Our in-person lives went virtual in every aspect from classes and club meetings to birthday parties and celebrations.

There are over 4 million lives lost with over 600,000 of them American. We’re at a time of uncertainty as new and evolved variants arise. As of Aug. 7, there are four COVID-19 variants of concern: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Variants of concern are mutations of the virus that are shown to be easier to spread, have more severe symptoms or cause a different method of care. This does not include the emerging lambda variant as its impact continues to be mapped.

The most recent variant of concern is the delta variant.

The delta variant is more contagious than the previous variants of the virus. There are rare cases of the variant infecting and causing symptoms to those who have been vaccinated. However, it has been shown that most of these breakthrough cases have more mild symptoms compared to those who have not been vaccinated.

With this new information that continues to change through the weeks and months, NC State decided on Aug. 2 to again require face coverings “in all indoor spaces for students, faculty, staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status” with a few exceptions. These exceptions include being alone in a private enclosed room with a closed door, an enclosed space with only people you live with, or actively eating or drinking. Face coverings are also required to get on the Wolfline and other public transportation that stops on NC State’s campus.

“Vaccine appointments are still available on campus on an appointment basis.”

natalie folsom/Staff Photographer Mo Ibrahim, a graduate student studying computer engineering, studies in Hunt Library on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020.

NC State requires students to wear masks or face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Starting on Aug 16. NC State is requiring those who work or live on-campus and have not given proof of vaccination to participate in weekly surveillance testing. Surveillance testing for COVID-19 continues to be available on campus.

Any testing completed off-campus must be a PCR test and the results can also be uploaded to the HealthyPack portal.

If any individual misses more than two testing cycles without an approved exemption, they can be subject to disciplinary action.

Unvaccinated individuals who test positive for COVID-19, show symptoms of the virus, or believe they have been exposed are highly encouraged to self-report, isolate and quarantine themselves. This information can be reported through NC State’s coronavirus website for students, faculty and staff.

Students, faculty and staff are also highly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and update their vaccination status in the HealthyPack portal. Those who received their vaccination on campus do not need to update their status as it is recorded automatically. Vaccine appointments are still available on campus on an appointment basis.

Please visit ncsu.edu/coronavirus for more information

about on-campus vaccination efforts.

Once proof of vaccination has been uploaded and confirmed, these individuals are not required to participate in the surveillance testing program. NC State also allows vaccinated individuals to be exempt from mandatory quarantine in most cases if they tested positive for COVID-19 or believe they have been exposed. However, it is highly encouraged that people still undergo a quarantine period following these situations.

Although they are exempt, NC State is asking for vaccinated individuals to volunteer for weekly PCR viral testing to track the symptomatic and asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 in vaccinated people as part of the Wolfpack Surveillance Program. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

NC State continues to monitor the effects of the pandemic and will make decisions according to how they perceive threats to campus. Continue to do your research and make the best informed decisions for you, your family, the people you live with and our campus community.

Visit go.ncsu.edu/coronavirus for more information.

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Features

Navigating College Life at NC State With our return to campus this semester, Nubian Message talked to a few upperclassmen and graduate students to get their best tips and tricks on navigating campus and collegiate life as a student of color. Check out our website for some bonus advice.

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I think that the basics are really important, because it’s sort of your foundation! So like sleep, food/exercise, and meds (if applicable). Anything you do past that will crumble if you don’t have those three things solid.

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Priyanka Kundeshwar Fourth year biology student

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Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Use the resources you are paying for. Take advantage of the tutorial center and your professors’ office hours.

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Danielle Dantzler Fourth year biological engineering and history student

Your best opportunity for success in college is to surround yourself with people who are driven and want to see you succeed. Your community will make or break your experience in college. As the saying goes ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

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Sign up for TRIO. Get the transloc app.

Make sure to look online because the route numbers change every so often. Make sure to look at where your classes are before you put back to back courses. Even if it doesn’t say yet, usually classes with the same discipline are close to each other.

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Elliott Holliday Physics graduate student

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Always go to the events and get a free shirt. Always ask questions in class because you’re paying real money to be here and your classmates won’t think you’re dumb for asking that question.

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Elikem Dodor Fourth year science, technology and society student

Kayla Wilmot Fourth year psychology student

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Expect growth and accept that change will happen. The person you walk in as isn’t the person you’ll be coming out, and that’s a good thing. Surround yourself with people that help you grow instead of hinder you.

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Dani Coan Fourth year social work student

News

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Don’t overextend yourself trying to get involved. Slowly add things into your schedule until you find a sweet spot.

Don’t be afraid to tell people no. Be on the lookout for your circle of people that will support you in college. That group could either make or break your experience and success here. Also don’t be afraid to add or subtract people from that group as you continue through your time here.

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Lauren Moore Fourth year chemical engineering student

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I would say finding your community is the biggest thing, whether that’s a club or an organization that focuses on students of color. Building those connections really helps build a sense of belonging for yourself on such a large campus. But also branch out and try new things. This might look like taking an art class, going to a dance concert, or attending a powwow. However it looks like for you, your undergraduate experience is the best time in your life to learn about things and have new experiences. So explore where you feel comfortable.

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Kara Reddish Higher education administration graduate student

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Don’t do all nighters. I don’t care what class you’re taking. If it’s not done by 2 a.m. and you got a class in the morning, it’s not getting done. Just turn it in and sleep. Talk to as many people as you can and try to make a bunch of friends but if they disrespect you, drop them the first time. It’s easier to do that in the first semester than it is when you’ve known and hated them for a year.

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Maya Sethuraman Fourth year mechanical engineering student

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WolfPack Welcome Week Events 2021: Thursday, Aug. 12 - saturday, aug. 21 This year’s Wolfpack Welcome Week (#WWW) events are showing the desire to return to a sense of normalcy. There are still a few events that will be held virtually but most of them will be held in-person. There’s an event for everyone, so let’s celebrate the beginning of a new school year.

For the full list of events, download the mobile guide, visit go.ncsu.edu/NCStateWWW, or scan the QR code here!

MGC Field Day (Talley/Stafford Commons)

Aug. 13, 2-5 p.m.

How to Thrive Workshop Series (Virtual)

Aug. 14, 10:13 a.m.

Student Media Block Party (Harris Field)

Aug. 16, 5-7 p.m.

Semester Ready (WellRec 2150)

Aug. 16, 6-7:15 p.m.

Define Your Happiness Hour (Virtual)

Aug. 17, 1-2 p.m.

Chillin’ and Grillin’ with IFC/IRC (Tucker-Owen Beach)

Aug. 17, 4-7 p.m.

BSB Back 2 School Jam (Talley/Stafford Commons)

Aug. 18, 5-9 p.m.

Chicken & Waffles (Talley/Stafford Commons)

Aug. 18, 6-9 p.m.

Self-Care 101: Taking Care of You (Virtual)

Aug. 19, 6-7 p.m.

Find Your Vision (Virtual)

Aug. 20, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

On the Hunt with F1rst (Witherspoon Student Center)

Aug. 20, 3-5 p.m.

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Features

NC State Community Centers Even though we are still reeling from the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NC State’s campus community centers are still available to support all students. The four community centers, which are part of the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED), serve as gathering spaces and resource hubs for many students with marginalized identities.

For more information visit diversity.ncsu.edu/community, or scan the QR code here. *Note that these hours and events are subject to change throughout the semester*

Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA): In-person Hours:

• Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., for the fall 2021 semester • The MSA Suite is located on the fourth floor of Talley Student Union

events:

• Grads n Greetings, Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., MSA Suite: Graduate students can stop by for food and conversations • Open House Kickback, Aug. 19, 2-4 p.m., Harris Field: Hosted by all campus community centers, for all students • Events will be held both in-person and virtual as the semester progresses to promote safety and comfort for students

Follow MSA on social media Emily Laskowski/ archive photo

Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir singers perform at the Back to Black Kick-off Event, hosted by MSA, in Talley Student Union on Feb. 1, 2019.

• @ncstatemsa on Instagram • @NCState_MSA on Twitter

GLBT Center: in-Person Hours:

• Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., for the fall 2021 semester • The GLBT Center is located on the fifth floor of Talley Student Union

events:

• GLBT Symposium is on Saturday, Aug 14.

Both virtual and in-person events. Register at go.ncsu.edu/glbtsymposium.

Follow on Social Media:

• @ncstateglbtcenter on Instagram • @NCStateGLBTCenter on Facebook • Sign up for the weekly GLBT newsletter at this link: diversity.ncsu.edu/glbt/contactus/

student organizations:

These student groups will be posting meeting times and information soon. Email Andy DeRoin at aederoin@ncsu.edu for general information about these groups.

QTPOC A support group for Queer and Trans people of color T-Files A support group for Trans and gender nonconforming students OStem A professional organization for GLBT students in STEM fields.

AcePack An interest group for students who identify as members of the asexual and aromantic communities.

Bi/Pan An interest group for bi/pan sexual or romantic students and their allies.

jay bate/ archive photo

The NC State GLBT Community Alliance proudly march through Durham at the Durham Pride Parade on Sept 29, 2018.

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Features

Women’s Center: In-Person Hours:

• Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., starting Monday, Aug. 16 • The Women’s Center is located on the fifth floor of Talley Student Union • Staff will be available both in-person and virtually • Students can request virtual meetings by emailing womens-center@ncsu.edu or by directly contacting a member of the Womens’ Center staff via diversity.ncsu. edu/subgroup/womens-center

Events:

• Events will be held both in-person and virtually this semester, and will be indicated on marketing materials as programs are set.

Survivor Services

• Reach out for support via NC State’s Sexual Assault Helpline at 919-515-4444 or by email at ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu.

• Additional information, including how to access the Survivor Fund, can be found at go.ncsu.edu/supportsurvivors.

• Schedule a time to meet by emailing ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu.

Follow the Women’s Center on Social Media

• @ncsuwomenscenter on Instagram • @NCSUWomensCenter on Facebook • Sign up for their newsletter (http:// go.ncsu.edu/wcnewsletter)

marissa mchugh/ archive photo

Two students chant into megaphones at the April 2019 Take Back the Night March, an annual event for sexual assault survivors across campus.

African American Cultural Center (AACC): In-person Hours:

• Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• The AACC is located on the third floor of Witherspoon Student Center • Staff will be available on a hybrid basis of 3 days on-campus and 2 days virtual • There will be programs and events available both in-person and virtual throughout the semester, so check calendar listings for location

Library: Open

• The newly renovated library reopens fall 2021, and new hours will be posted • After Hours Study Vibes: every Wednesday evening the AACC Library will open as a quiet place for students on Central Campus • Everything Black Club: every Thursday students are encouraged to bring media or art related to Blackness and engage in conversation

Follow AACC on social media • @aaculturalcenter on Instagram • @ncsuaacc on Twitter

emma dimig/ archive photo

Students share their thoughts at a February 2018 What’s On the Table. The African American Cultural Center hosts the weekly meet-up so members of the NC State Community can share perspectives, provide support and discuss pressing issues in a safe environment.

You’re invited...

Campus Community Centers Open House Kickback Aug. 19, 2–4 p.m. Harris Field Join the Campus Community Centers and colleagues on Harris Field for our annual Open House event to kick off Fall 2021. We'll have music, games, food and more.

If you need accommodations to attend this event or have questions, please contact the GLBT Center at 919.513.9742.

Meet the staff (old and new), make new friends and get connected with the African American Cultural Center, GLBT Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, Women's Center and other units from the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.

See you there!