Navigating the New Norm TABLE of CONTENTS

1 Navigating the New Norm TABLE OF CONTENTS

Vasiliki Gkoulgkountina EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madison Dobrzenski 3 How and where to get tested for COVID-19 [email protected] Megan Bird EDITORIAL Olivia Lawless MANAGING EDITOR 4 Changes to CAPS sessions Tyler Trudeau COMMUNITY EDITOR Megan Bird NEWS EDITOR Olivia Lawless Hiral Patel OPINION EDITOR 5 Parking this fall Julianna Peres LIFESTYLE EDITOR Anders Hare A&E EDITOR Who’s your Niner Times Bradley Cole SPORTS EDITOR 6 COVID companion? (Quiz) Max Young COPY EDITOR Niyathi Sulkunte PHOTO EDITOR Olivia Lawless María Solano VIDEO EDITOR Feels like fall Nic Jensen LAYOUT EDITOR 8

ASSISTANT EDITORS Julianna Peres Milo Cain, April Carte, Jessica Ceballos, Emily Kottak, Beth 10 Bake it fall McGuire, Brandon Mitchell, Miles Ruder, and Reuben Sanchez Jaret Arneson CONTRIBUTING STAFF 11 Move-in amidst coronavirus pandemic Vasiliki Gkoulgkountina, Jaret Arneson, Arik Miguel María Solano COVER PHOTOGRAPH Nic Jensen 12 The pandemic as an international student

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bradley Cole James Bourke 13 A long road back [email protected]

MARKETING STAFF Arik Miguel Ridge Grant & Luisana Gonzalez 14 Songs to get you in the fall spirit

April Carte 16 Mask Market: Good places to buy masks

Jessica Cabellos LOCATED ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE STUDENT UNION 18 Are students wearing masks in the library? Niner Times • Uptown Audio Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine Max Young Media Marketing • Technical Quarantine 15: UREC THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE 19 Kelly Merges NINER MEDIA ADVISER during the pandemic Laurie Cuddy BUSINESS MANAGER Joshua Wood GRAPHICS & Julianna Peres 2 PRODUCTION 20 Socially Distanced Relationships How and where to get tested for COVID-19 by Vasiliki Gkoulgkountina Intern

As UNC Charlotte most COVID-19 tests are returns to some in person covered by health insurance classes, students need ac- providers and are no cost. cess to available testing sites This includes tests conduct- with quick results to ensure ed by the Student Health overall safety. Center. If a patient is not ex- How do I know if I need hibiting symptoms, not in to get tested? a high-risk category and The Centers for Disease has not been exposed to Control and Prevention someone with COVID-19, (CDC) recommends that however, insurance may not if you have been in contact cover the costing of testing. with someone who has COVID-19 or if you are Is the test experiencing any of the uncomfortable? below symptoms to imme- The most accurate diately reach out to health Photo of Student Health Center mobile testing site, by Sophia Fernandez test administered for services. COVID-19 is called a naso- • Fever CVS Minute Clinic provides your body now has antibod- pharyngeal swab in which • Shortness of breath testing sites and contactless ies against it. These antigen the healthcare professional • Cough self-administered nasal swab tests are offered at Better inserts a 6-inch cotton swab • Muscle or body aches tests with results in two to Med Urgent Care, Novant up both nostrils for 15 sec- • Loss of taste or smell three days. Walgreens offers Health and CVS Minute onds. Although this process • Nausea drive-thru tests with results Clinic. is slightly uncomfortable, it within 3 days. does not hurt. UNC Char- Where can I go for a test? How can I make an lotte’s Student Health Center, Students who have been If you’re seeking a more appointment? however, does not use this exposed to COVID-19 or are intimate consultation with a Many testing sites accept technique, and a shorter cot- exhibiting symptoms have medical professional, Tryon walk-ins for COVID-19 tests, ton swab is used instead. the convenient option of Medical Partners provides but it is always safer to plan heading down to the mobile medical team evaluations ahead and make an online Extra considerations: unit parked outside of the and offers tests at their two appointment by checking If you do decide to get Student Health Center to get available testing sites with re- the designated website. Each tested for COVID-19, the tested. Due to high-volume sults in 30-48 hours. Novant website has step-by-step CDC suggests you make sure lab testing, the time it takes Health Urgent Care is also guidelines which request that to “self quarantine at home to receive results may vary. offering testing from your you register online, bring pending test results.” While The Student Health Cen- car with available results in your insurance card and this process is uncomfortable ter is open until 5 p.m. on five to seven days. identification, and follow and inconvenient, precau- weekdays and until 3 p.m. on proper health precautions tions must be followed in or- weekends. There are also some places when arriving at the testing der to ensure public safety. If However, alternate options which offer rapid tests with site. it is necessary to go out into include a wide array of results in 15 minutes. This public, always wear a proper pharmacies all over Char- antigen test requires a sam- How much does it cost? mask and keep a distance of lotte with returned results ple and if positive, means In an effort to increase six feet from those around in two to seven days. The that you had the virus and safety and lower outbreaks, you.

A Student Niner Media Publication 3 CHANGES TO CAPS SESSIONS

Counseling and Psychological Services limits individual counseling sessions due to increased demand by Megan Bird Photo of Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and News Editor Psychological Services, by Niyathi Sulkunte

UNC Charlotte’s Center students during the first Despite increases in student counseling has always been for Counseling and Psycho- two weeks of this semester demand, the counseling goal-oriented and brief logical Services (CAPS) is compared with 270 during center’s operating budget in nature. When students rolling back the number of the first two weeks of last from the State has remained were able to attend up to 12 individual therapy sessions year’s fall semester. The aver- at $42,000 for the past 15 appointments, she says, most allotted to students each year age wait time, however, has years, according to CAPS only utilized 4-6 sessions. in an effort to serve more decreased to 2.19 days, likely Director Dr. Paula Keeton. “Our hope is that we people. Previously, stu- due to the smaller number The remainder of the budget have expanded the amount dents were allowed up to 12 of sessions allotted to each (salaries) is paid by student and types of offerings that sessions per year; now, that student and the stronger fees. Their overall budget we can provide students to number is capped at 4-6. emphasis on group therapy. decreased between 2019 and address their goals related to According to CAPS’ Lennon attributes the 2020 by about $68,000. their well-being and mental Assistant Director for increase in student demand Still, CAPS is finding new health,” said Lennon. “While Outreach Dr. Erica Lennon, to reduced stigma for mental ways to meet demand with- we recognize the changes the decision was made to health resources, a height- out increasing waiting times. in how we are approaching address the long wait times ened awareness of CAPS’ They expanded the number individual counseling, the caused by increased demand. services, recent tragedies of group workshops from 20 expectation is that this will CAPS experienced a 20% like the campus shooting in to 29 and removed restric- allow us to continue to serve increase in student demand April 2019, increased media tions on how many work- all students who initially seek during the fall semester of attention to race-based vio- shops students can attend. us out by connecting them 2019 compared to the pre- lence, and the coronavirus They are also devoting more with the service that will be vious year, resulting in wait pandemic. According to a time to initial consultations best suited to attending to times of 3.78 days on average study by the Center for Dis- and crisis services. their needs and reducing the between scheduling requests ease Control conducted in Keeton says group therapy time they will need to wait in and appointments. Demand late June, 25.5% of surveyed is the treatment of choice for order to be seen.” has stayed high this semester, 18-24-year-olds report- one of the most prevalent even with CAPS operating ed seriously considering concerns among students: virtually and many students suicide, and 75% reported at anxiety. living far from campus. The least one adverse mental or Lennon added that CAPS’ counseling center saw 264 behavioral health symptom. approach to individual

4 Navigating the New Norm Niner Times file photo of cars parked on campus

Parking This Fall Basic parking guidelines along with coronavirus restrictions by Olivia Lawless Managing Editor

With a high population of permits you can buy are limited to certain decks, 2020, to account for the fall commuting students, UNC Resident, Commuter, Greek, while football-designated move-in period. This page Charlotte parking rules are Night, and Two Day. decks require a new permit has been updated to reflect thorough and stringent. In addition to these gen- of up to $20 per vehicle. the new permit proration Every type of parking pass eral permits, there are also However, due to COVID-19 schedule for fall 2020.” coordinates to certain times several lot-specific park- restrictions, scheduled The schedule includes a and certain parking lots. ing passes, such as North football games currently do detailed plan of discount What is important to keep Deck, Lot 27 and 6FS. These not have any audiences. It is and refund rates for various in mind is that no parking include only limited parking unclear how this will affect parking passes as late as spot is free from 5 a.m. to spaces at specific times. Mo- game-day parking restric- March. 10 p.m. on Monday-Friday. torcycle and moped passes tions. Please note that this article Any UNC Charlotte student, are also available. Without Parking passes first be- is only a basic guide of UNC staff or faculty member can a parking pass, drivers must came valid August 17. Move- Charlotte parking rules buy permits, while guests park in a guest parking lot in dates were originally and not a full explanation can buy passes starting at and buy a guest pass. scheduled for late Aug. and of all rules and regulations. an hour and up to a day at a If you choose to buy a subsequently pushed back to Students are recommended time. Students may register parking pass, it will be vali- the weekend of September to consult the PaTS website, up to two vehicles but may dated through License Plate 25. which details a variety of not park both of them on Recognition (LPR), which However, select in-person rules, maps and frequently campus at the same time. means your license plate is classes did not start until Oct asked questions. Addi- Parking permits went scanned as verification of 1. A schedule for discounted tionally, all the restrictions on sale at the start of Aug. your parking pass. Therefore, and refundable passes was regarding COVID-19 are but are still available for you should not back into released to account for the updated at the time of this purchase. When you buy parking spaces unless you late start. From the UNC article, though students are a permit, you will enter have purchased an alterna- Charlotte Parking and Trans- encouraged to check Niner information about your car tive front plate. portation Services (PaTS) Alerts and the Niner Nation type and license plate. You Normally, the biggest site: Cares website for the most will also have the option of a exception to parking rules “Proration rates that were up-to-date information. semester-long or an annual would be football games. previously listed for Oct. 1 permit. The main types of Pre-existing permits become will begin early, on Sept. 26,

A Student Niner Media Publication 5 Who’s your Niner Times Covid Companion? by Brandon Mitchell Asst. Layout Editor Answer these nine questions to find out which What’s your fall aesthetic? Niner Times editor you should quarantine with. After completing the quiz, flip the next page upside a.) Sweater weather down to calculate your results. Disclaimer: Results b.) De-stressed jeans and concert tees only include editors within the the final production c.) Boots and a flannel team. d.) Sweats, hoodies and a beanie

How do you spotify? Which adjective best describes you?

a.) I listen to my liked songs on shuffle. a.) Unfiltered b.) I just put things on a queue. b.) Personable c.) I have playlists created for my specific moods. c.) Ambitious d.) I don’t. d.) Driven

What’s your ideal socially-distanced What’s your worst trait? date? a.) I’m flaky. a.) Grab dinner and go back home for a movie. b.) I’m a people pleaser b.) Drink beer and play board games. c.) I’m too cocky. c.) Coffee then something outdoors. d.) I procrastinate way too much. d.) Snacks in the back of my car as we watch planes take off from the airport overlook. Which of these do you find scarier?

What’s your quaratine read? a.) Being buried alive. b.) Drowning a.) Memoirs that place me in the c.) Dolphins perspective of the author d.) Being kidnapped. b.) Cheesy poetry books c.) Something scary or historical fiction. What’s your flirting style? d.) Mystery crime novel a.) I ask a lot of questions. What’s your Halloween costume last b.) I play coy. year? c.) I flirt obliviously and often. d.) I mock them until they take the hint. a.) Something nostalgic b.) A super hero What’s your gas station order? c.) Something sexy d.) A villian a.) Sour Gummy Worms and unsweet tea b.) A Zero Bar and a Cherry c.) Twizzlers and an Arnold Palmer d.) Coke Hot cheetos and Dr. Pepper

6 Navigating the New Norm Calculate your Results

Congrats! You got Max Young, our Copy Editor and an all around chill dude. He’s sometimes a bit introverted but always has a witty comment ready. You two will probably spend your time together watching Quentin Tarantino movies and listening to indie music. You should definitly ask to borrow one of his sweaters.

Lucky you! You got Madison Dobrzenski, the Editor-in- Chief herself. She runs the show, but still manages to always have time for her friends. You’ll probably learn a lot from her, but it will probably be mostly about beer and sitcom trivia. You ‘ll also get to meet her Guniea Pig, Flo.

Look at that. You got the best answer, Brandon Mitchell, one of our Asst. Layout Editors. Even if you are trapped indoors, he’ll find a way to make it an adventure. He has a deep love for all things Johnny Cash and the “yee-haw” aesthetic. The real bonus with this one is you’ll never know what sort of shenanigans you’ll get into, but it will be definitely worth it!

Nice! You are most like April, our Asst. Copy Editor. Your personalities revolve around a similar chaotic energy and sarcasm. If you’re an Aries, that’s also a plus. Together, you

will probably binge watch Tik Toks or dance to some Chance.

A=Max, B=Madison, C=Brandon and D=April and C=Brandon B=Madison, A=Max, Your most selected letter choice is your Covid Companion! Companion! Covid your is choice letter selected most Your

A Student Niner Media Publication 7 Feels like Fall These covid-sanctioned activities will make it feel like fall

Photo courtesy of Timothy Eberly by Olivia Lawless Managing Editor

As my friends in North Carolina First: decorations. Society’s obsession een-themed treats and more. Once the show up to Zoom meetings in hoodies with commercializing holidays ensures weather gets cold, we seek warm food and sweaters, I continue wearing the you’ll have a wide variety of choices in that evokes comfortable feelings. Try same spaghetti-strap summer dress and decoration, from two-dollar spooky making food that’s warm and cozy to keeping my hair up. Weekend tempera- door coverings at Walmart to $300 emulate fall. tures hovered at an average 75-80° F in twelve-foot skeletons at Home Depot. I recently made a “poison apple” drink Louisiana this weekend, weather which Oh, how I dream of that twelve-foot which was a mix of juices, with apple ci- was honestly quite pleasant without the skeleton, but that’s not exactly in my der at the base. The fun part was adding oppressive summer humidity. budget. edible glitter that made it shimmer and Despite the onset of fall, the sun still Instead, I’ve got some lights, a nice swirl like magic elixir. Was it a little over glares down at us. People jog in the park wooden door sign with a witch on it, the top for one drink? Maybe. But it was wearing tank tops and get snowballs af- and several cheap plastic decorations tasty and fun. ter school. I shuffle around coffee shops, for hanging around the house. Getting As for food, I’m planning for soups the local university, and the kitchen packets of “cobwebs” (cotton balls) are and curries as soon as it gets a little cool- counter to do all of my online school also a cheap and fun way to decorate if er. I’d also like to try making an apple work. you’re in the halloween mood. If you’re pie from scratch. Who knows how well Suffice to say, it doesn’t really feel not, pumpkins and message boards in that’ll turn out since I tend to eyeball like fall. The biggest indications of the neutral shades are great. If you live in ingredients instead of actually measur- changing seasons are the grass dying the country, you could probably find ing, but the fun is in the journey, not the and the sun going down at 6p.m. That’s some hay pretty easily. result. Right? kind of a bummer. Next: food. Even before the first leaf The final element of fall: halloween Halloween is my favorite holiday, and falls, everybody and their mother is movies. After drafting a list of classic my birthday happens to be about a week getting pumpkin spice lattes, baked halloween flicks to watch this October, before it, so I have a good justification goods, and scented candles shoved in I realized that I had seen a shamefully for throwing a party every year. That’s their faces. You might have winced in small amount of movies for a self-pro- obviously not going to happen with a anticipation of pumpkin spice even be- claimed halloween fan. I haven’t seen pandemic going on. Half my friends are fore you got to this paragraph, because Beetlejuice or the Blair Witch Project, several states away from me anyway. you knew it had to be somewhere in an and I only just watched the Addams Yet, with everything that’s been hap- article about fall. Well, here it is—and it Family this past week. It’s a little embar- pening lately—insert literally any major might not be too bad if you try a pastry rassing, but at the same time, I’m really event of 2020 —I desperately want or drink at least once, if only to check off looking forward to watching all these something else to look forward to, just a box. classics for the first time. like anyone else. However, no matter how much Despite not being as knowledgeable So this season I’m making every effort starbucks tries to make it seem, fall about halloween movies as I should be, to indulge in the most cliche “fall fun” food isn’t just pumpkin spice. It’s also I do still have some favorites: Stephen and “spooky” trends, foods and activi- hearty soups, freshly-baked cinnamon King’s The Shining, the animated yet ties. rolls, hot chocolate, apple cider, hallow- not quite child-friendly Coraline and

8 Navigating the New Norm basically anything by acclaimed film- for the Hallmark Christmas season. us, it’s more important than ever we maker Tim Burton. He's a great place to No matter what fall activities you find joy where we can. get started with some spooky movies, enjoy, my final advice is this: indulge. I So don’t waste your time thinking especially if you don’t like outright don’t necessarily mean buying every- you need permission to do something horror. His movies are entertaining and thing that you want but rather pursuing cliche or spend time trying to make creatively crafted with creepy themes the activities you want to do without a food that might end up being awful without really being scary. reservation or insecurity. because you accidentally used baking When I was younger, I was over- When thinking about things I wanted soda instead of baking powder. Don’t whelmed by my overactive imagina- to do, like baking certain foods from wait for a more “special” occasion. The tion. Forget horror movies; I would get scratch or having a halloween movie occasion is me telling you now: buy that nightmares on the regular just from marathon, I’ve often postponed or given silly decor you’ve been eyeing (unless daydreaming about some creature I up on them. I would try to save the it’s a $300 skeleton from Home Depot) saw in a trailer or some shadow I saw activity or food for a “more special oc- and enjoy a pumpkin spice latte while at the foot of the bed during the night. casion” or decide it was too complex to you watch a nauseatingly romantic Fortunately, I’ve long since come to ap- try at all. It’s like when you buy some- Hallmark movie. Even if your plans preciate the horror movies that inspire thing nice for yourself and never use it don’t turn out as fun as you’d hoped, at a deep sense of dread by tackling the because you’re waiting for the perfect the very least you don’t spend the rest of darkest human fears. time to consume it, or you don’t want the year wishing you’d tried. If spooky isn’t your style, try Hall- that thing to be ruined. mark instead. The romance of small- This year has beaten many of us into town encounters and shared hot choc- the ground and reinforced the harsh olates, while incredibly cheesy, can be ideas that life isn’t fair and tomorrow a great comfort and escape from stress. isn’t guaranteed. With so many aspects Consider these movies your warm up of our lives being pulled out from under

Latte art of a ghost, photo courtesy of Toa Heftiba via Unsplash

A Student Niner Media Publication 9 BAKE IT FALL

by Julianna Peres Photo by Lifestyle Editor Recipes to spice up your fall Juianna Peres

No one loves autumn more o 1 cup vegetable oil o ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract than my family and me and given o 2 teaspoons vanilla extract o 1 1/3 cup canned pumpkin the current state of things, what After fully combined, fold in ½ Once smooth, using a better time to bake together than large, ripe melon chopped into tablespoon, bake dollops at 350 for now? We’ve tried all of these small squares. 10 minutes. recipes over the past several Add mixture from the medium While still warm, break up the months and would love for others bowl. Do not over-mix. pieces and mix in a medium-sized to participate in making them too. Butter and flour two bread pans bowl. I think these goodies symbolize then divide the mixture into them. Roll the dough into balls and Sept., Oct. and Nov. in their fullest Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to put in fridge. extent. Personally, I think that the an hour or until toothpick comes Let rest overnight. pumpkin truffles go best with an out clean. Once hardened, dip in melted afternoon latte. As with all baking, chocolate of choice and freeze until have fun and make it your own! Pumpkin Truffles chocolate turns solid.

Melon Tea Loaf In a medium bowl, combine: Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte o 1 ½ cups flour In a medium bowl, whisk o 1 teaspoon cinnamon In a medium cup, add: together: o ½ teaspoon baking powder o 4 tablespoons pumpkin puree o 3 cups flour o ½ teaspoon baking soda o ½ cup oat milk o 2 teaspoons cinnamon o ½ teaspoon salt o 2 tablespoon maple syrup o 1 ½ teaspoons salt o ½ ground ginger o 2 shots espresso o 1 teaspoon ground ginger o Dash of cloves o 1/8 teaspoon sea salt o 1 teaspoon baking soda o Pinch of nutmeg o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

o 1 teaspoon baking powder o 1 cup brown sugar Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. In a large bowl, whisk together: o 1/8 cup melted butter o 3 eggs o 1/3 cup vegetable oil More recipes available at o 2 cups granulated sugar o 1 egg NinerTimes.com

10 Navigating the New Norm Move-in amidst coronavirus pandemic

Beginning Sept. 26, students with on-campus housing contracts had the option to move into the residence halls. by Jaret Arneson Intern

Fall 2020 has been a semester for the history books. Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, UNC Charlotte delayed the start of the semester by two weeks, moved all instruction online for the first month and even launched a new brand logo in the midst of it all. Beginning Sept. 26, students with on-campus housing contracts had the option to move back into the residence halls. Photo from students moving in on Sept. 26 2020, by Dominic DiNardi After the University announced that some campus revolves around of all students and faculty On Oct. 2, the UNC classes would be held in the student experience. on campus. Among these Charlotte announced that person, students with “I have had the same measures are predictive their routine wastewater on-campus housing were roommates for a couple of wastewater testing, a daily testing had identified given three options: cancel years now and it is nice to Niner Health Check, and the virus that causes the housing contract in its be back on campus with de-densified residence COVID-19 in Holshous- entirety, move in during them again,” stated Ryan halls. er hall. Students and late September and then Morrow, a junior living “I do feel safe on staff associated with the move out after Thanksgiv- in Martin Hall. “I look campus,” said Cooper dormitory were tested that ing break or move in and forward to living alone Lohr, a junior majoring in afternoon and asked to then request an exemption and hurdling the challeng- management information quarantine. As of Oct. 4, to stay on campus for es that come with being systems. “Students are there are nine active cases the rest of the fall semes- independent.” following mask and social on campus. ter, and pay for the full With the influx of distancing guidelines from semester. students on campus, what I have seen. I am also A part of the Universi- Chancellor Gaber and happy with the sanitiza- ty’s reasoning for wel- other school officials put tion of high contact areas coming students back to in place a few policies that in my dorm and around aim to ensure the safety campus.”

A Student Niner Media Publication 11 EXPERIENCING THE PANDEMIC AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

by María Solano Photo Courtesy of Video Editor Kelly Sikkema vis Unsplash

Being an international student more through Zoom calls that home on such short notice? And can be challenging but if you add we scheduled every week to keep if I ended up traveling, when a global pandemic and online up with each other. Spain was in was I going to be able to come instruction to the mix, it’s the lockdown for almost two months, back to the United States? All hardest thing you will ever go and seeing my family suffer of my classes were going to be through. I was born and raised through that and not being able to fully online except for one hybrid in Madrid, Spain, and living be with them in person took a toll class and I emailed my professor, through this quarantine has been on me. I was really nervous that begging him to not change his extremely tiring for my mental they could get sick. I was planning class at the very last minute. health. I’ve been wanting to write on visiting them over the summer, Luckily, that situation was how I’ve felt throughout this but that was the first thing that I resolved and I didn’t have to COVID crisis. This is a personal canceled. fly back home. I’m still living in story, but I hope that some of my Once summer came around, I Rocky Mount with my parents and international friends can relate felt relieved that I could escape even though this was an anxiety- to the overall feeling of worrying from school for a few months… inducing situation, I consider that I’ve been feeling for the past or that’s what I thought. I was myself one of the lucky ones. The few months. scrolling through Twitter in July situation in my home country Let’s start from the beginning: when I read a tweet that said has gotten better and my family the day students got notified that that international students may is safe, but I know that everyone they had to abandon campus have to leave the country if their has experienced this pandemic in back in March. I will never forget universities went completely different ways. I hope that every how that day progressed from online through the 2020-21 international student can get me thinking “this virus is getting school year. I began looking some peace of mind soon. I hope serious” to “I have to call my through media outlets to verify that reading this has made you parents so that they can help me what I just read, and it didn’t feel like you’re not alone through to move out in less than 24 hours.” feel real. I couldn’t believe my this. This situation is temporary I moved back to my parents’ house academic future was on the line. and we will be able to come back in Rocky Mount, which is three I already pictured myself in my to our normal lives soon. hours away from campus, and it’s grandparents’ house trying to where I’ve been living since the connect to my online classes, pandemic started. thinking about studying and Finishing the spring semester communicating with my teachers online was extremely hard for with a six-hour time difference. me. My family is very important How was that going to work to me, and we began to talk out? How was I going to go back

12 Navigating the New Norm A long road back As fall starts to settle in, fans finally start to enter stadiums once again by Bradley Cole Sports Editor As the leaves start to a perfect time as the football Just down the road at having fans back into the change, the sounds and season is just heating up and Bank of America Stadium, stadium does give teams an sights of fall are starting to the long road back to full the Carolina Panthers are advantage. The loud crowd return. Football, autumn’s capacity stadiums as begun. allowed to host a little over during tense moments of closest companion, has also For the Charlotte 49ers, 5,000 fans and did so in a game is what draws us to made its long awaited return. they will most than likely their home game against the sporting events. It is no secret that 2020 have fans for the first time in Arizona Cardinals on Oct. Even though fans are start- hasn’t been kind to us with 2020 at their Oct. 17 home 4. The look of having fans ing to be welcomed back, the COVID-19 pandemic. matchup against Florida is a lot different than past football’s return hasn’t been Since March, we all have International. Given the ca- years. Mask wearing was an easy one. The 49ers ex- adapted to a new style of life, pacity limits, there will only mandatory, fans were spread perienced some COVID-19 and sports are not immune be allowed to admit 1,071 out throughout the stadium related issues already this to change. For the first time people into the game. As of and it was not nearly as loud. year. The football team has since early March, fans have Oct. 4, there is no set plan But it was a start to the long had two games either post- started to enter arenas this on how allowing fans will be road back to normalcy and poned or canceled due to the football season. It’s been a handled this season. is something Panthers owner coronavirus. In the NFL, the long journey given that just “The reality is that no David Tepper. league had its first coronavi- roughly five months ago, matter what plan we develop, “I like the fans in the rus outbreak on the Tennes- spectators gathering amongst it’s gonna have to be a plan building. I like going out see Titans and other cases each other was unheard of. that our county and officials amongst the fans sometimes have popped up around the Nonetheless, North Car- and state are comfortable as people probably have league. olina governor, Roy Cooper with,” said Charlotte athletic seen me out there. They are Time will tell how the allowed fans to attend at 7% director Mike Hill shortly an undeniable edge for us. coronavirus will affect fans capacity at stadiums with a before the football season It’s hard not to have fans at stadiums. As the tempera- capacity of over 10,000 start- started. “We are a part of a in the building,” Panthers tures lower again, having ing Oct. 2, which was apart larger community and we owner David Tepper said in football back this fall makes of North Carolina entering want to make sure we don’t September to the Charlotte things seem a bit normal Phase 3 of the reopening contribute to community Observer. after the rollercoaster ride process. The move came in at s pre a d .” As Tepper mentions, that is 2020.

Photo of spectators at a football game in 2019, by Angelique Butler

A Student Niner Media Publication 13 SONGS TO GET YOU IN THE FALL SPIRIT

by Arik Miguel Photo Courtesy of Staff Writer Timothy Eberly vis Unsplash

With the leaves beginning to “Autumn Sweater” to effortlessly float through the change and the temperature - Yo La Tengo air, playfully rising and falling beginning to drop, the coming without ever hitting the ground. of fall might bring to mind This is a college rock essential. predictions of a second wave of Besides the song mentioning the “Don’t Let Our Youth Go COVID-19. On the other hand, season, the song evokes pure bliss To Waste” - Galaxie 500 others might find stability in and is perfect for the fall season. the predictability of the seasons Nothing says fall like slowcore changing. They still might “Androgynous” music, and no one does it quite be lamenting the classic fall - The Replacements like Galaxie 500. This cut from activities that are made difficult their first album is hypnotic, by social distancing. No matter Fall is a season of change, and fluid and talks about people and what, fall is a time that is often situations in flux. soundtracked by a very specific it has always evokes a certain type of song. androgynous feeling to me. This When I think of fall songs, I song wonderfully encompasses “Polly” think of songs that capture a that. - Moses Sumney mellow feeling, blanket you in warmth and being on the cusp “Tezeta (Nostalgia)” This highlight from Moses of change. The following playlist - Mulatu Astatke Sumney’s glorious double LP from pulls songs from a variety earlier this year is an emotional gut punch. It is a simple song of genres, time periods and Few songs result in contentment with the focus being on Sumney’s geographic locales, but they all like this Ethiopian jazz number. angelic voice and poetic lyrics. feature that hazy and easygoing Just let it wash over you and feeling that this season is known unwind. for. A few songs from the list are “Afelan” highlighted below. “Bonfire” - Mdou Moctar - DJ Koze Mdou Moctar is a Tuareg musician who plays guitar like no DJ Koze has a magical way with other. He first gained popularity music. He makes songs that seem through a network of trading cell

14 Navigating the New Norm phones and memory cards in West match perfectly with the changing phenomenal album, “When I Get Africa. This song from his 2013 seasons. Home,” features a surprisingly album is a soothing and stunning chill Playboi Carti feature. The testament to his artistry. “Green Eyes” song is an outstanding meditation - Erykah Badu on black ownership, black culture “Let Me Get There” and a beautiful reawakening of (feat. Kurt Vile) - Hope Erykah Badu’s iconic album, the chopped ‘n’ screwed genre. Sandoval & The Warm “Mama’s Gun,” concludes with this “Strawberry Privilege” Inventions sprawling and breathtaking song. In the song, Badu sings her way - Yves Tumor Mazzy Star vocalist Hope through love, loss and the need to Sandoval’s angelic and heal and grow. Yves Tumor is difficult to define. mesmerizing voice is paired Blurring boundaries between perfectly with the grittier and “Acid At 7/11” genres and styles like it’s first quirkier stylings of Kurt Vile. - Yung Lean nature. “Strawberry Privilege” The resulting song almost seems is a highlight from this artist’s designed to soundtrack the most If you have not yet been explosive album from earlier this blissful moments of fall. inducted into the digital universe year. In this song Yves Tumor of “Drain Gang,” let this song be a sounds like an alien rockstar from the future. “Alien” gateway. It can be characterized - Beach House as music of the digital age and for the digital age, but with the power “Harvest Moon” Beach House has been to capture timeless feelings. - Neil Young consistently churning out otherworldly dream-pop songs for “Almeda” This song is a classic. Beautiful a decade. Their songs cut directly - Solange and romantic and wonderfully to whatever emotions you are suited to a crisp fall night. This feeling. 2018’s “Alien” is Beach Solange radiates poise and years harvest moon already House at their most shoegaze- perfection like few other artists. happened, but this song is eternal. like, but the layers of sound This highlight from last year’s

A Student Niner Media Publication 15 MASK MARKET

A guide for picking out the perfect mask

by April Carte Photo by Asst. Copy Editor Dominic DiNardi

COVID-19 has altered our your best bet. Not only are the breathable and are “Charlotte” or day to day lives in many ways, prices very affordable, but with “CLT” customized. There is even fashion included. How? We now an Amazon Prime account, your a Panthers mask for any fan! have to think about how our masks could be delivered the outfits match our masks. As the very next day. Price: $12 holiday season is approaching, themed masks are becoming Prices: Disposable packs of the new trend. Here are eight 50 can range anywhere from $10 Fabletics different places to shop when to $20. Reusable cloth packs of looking for the perfect mask to three or more can range between As an athletic clothing add to your collection. $10 to $30. company, Fabletics offers masks that are perfect for working out in. The cloth is very breathable Amazon Glory Days Apparel and lightweight. Also, they come in a wide variety of designs! I am a dance teacher and my Fabletics It’s a fact that Amazon has Glory Days Apparel is a small mask is my most preferred mask almost anything you’re looking little shop in South End. Like to teach in as it is very comfy and for. As far as mask shopping many places, they began selling doesn’t make you too hot. goes, if you are looking to masks along with their other purchase face masks in bulk, merchandise when COVID-19 Price: “The Solidarity Mask” is either disposable or cloth, this is hit. These masks are extremely $7.95 or 3 for $15.

16 Navigating the New Norm intend to workout in them or wear Etsy them for longer periods of time. Paper Skyscraper However, they have a wide variety of options either in store or online Etsy is a website where you for anyone that is looking to pay buy directly from people or a little extra for a higher quality Paper Skyscraper: Another local companies that have created mask. Charlotte shop, Paper Skyscraper personalized items. Therefore, sells cards, books, jewelry and this will be where you can buy Prices: $25 for a three-pack of quirky gift items. And of course, your most unique reusable masks. your favorite team. All other masks! They have solid ones that Most orders are shipped fairly masks range from $10 to $30. are a perfect go-to for matching quickly, and it is a perfect place any outfit but also unique themed to find Halloween or “Black Lives masks that are great for making a Matter” masks. This website is my Target statement. An added bonus is that personal favorite. most of their masks are water repellent! Prices: Anywhere from $2 to Target: Target has a wide variety $20 depending on how many you of mask options for both kids sizes Prices: Most range from $5 to get. and adults. So far in my quest to $20. find the cheapest masks, Target may be the winner. Not only are Remember: Wear your masks (preferably not the neck gaiters UNC Charlotte they affordable, but they also come in a ton of different colors that actually do more harm than Bookstore and patterns. They also have a good) and protect your neighbors. good online selection of themed They may get slightly annoying at children’s masks that would be times but they are necessary— so UNC Charlotte bookstore: As a great addition for a Halloween make them fun! you may know, UNC Charlotte costume, and perfect for (safe) requires masks on campus, and trick-or-treating! what better way to comply with school requirements than wearing Prices: Ranges anywhere from a mask that shows off your school $2 to $15. spirit! The Union’s bookstore sells packs of disposables, n95’s and cloth UNC Charlotte logo ones both in-store and online.

Prices: Ranges from $8 to $30.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods: Although more pricey, Dick’s is the best place to show off team spirit through your mask. If you’re not looking to rep your team, they also offer simple Under Armour and Nike masks. Since they sell sporting goods, most of their masks cater to people that

A Student Niner Media Publication 17 Maskin’ in Atkins?

Atkins Library could be an indicator of how well students are wearing masks around campus by Jessica Ceballos Photo by Asst. News Editor Niyathi Sulkunte

The J. Murrey Atkins says “Masks are required at in November. Once the move that contain a list of policies Library opened to students all times in Atkins Library” has been completed, we will to abide by. If they are not on Sept. 7, 2020 after shut- with a current occupancy re-open the tower to provide upheld, the staff are obligated ting down in March due to count that updates every few additional seating.” to ask the students to leave the coronavirus. Since the minutes, though the library Study rooms are single-oc- the library and the students opening of Atkins Library, has no occupancy limit. cupancy this semester and will be reported to the Dean the campus hub could be “We have sensors on the students are encouraged to of Students for additional an indicator of how well public doors that count as wear their masks inside due repercussions. students will adhere to the people enter and exit and the to insufficient air flow turn- “We are doing our best to mask mandate now that the indicator displays the results. over. They can be reserved protect the health of stu- University has returned to That count includes staff and in advance on the library dents, faculty and staff,” says some in-person instruction. will improve in accuracy as website but are not required Dean Moore. “Students are wearing soon as we install sensors on to check-in. masks when they enter the the staff entrances,” ex- According to the Atkins building, but are still learn- plained Moore. Library reopening guide, ing that they need to wear In order to adapt to the “Security guards will be them at all times while in university and state policies posted at library entrances Atkins Library as they must of six feet of social distanc- to ensure that entering users in classrooms and anywhere ing, the library has moved adhere to all safety require- on campus. We ask that the furniture so that there ments. Security guards students eat and drink only will be one seat per table, will also circulate through while seated and reposition regardless of size. This also the building to enforce the the mask as soon as possi- discourages group work policies; users who do not ble,” said Dr. Anne Moore, among students. comply will be asked to leave Dean of the Library. Moore added, “We have the building for the rest of When a student logs onto floors G-3 open for use as we t h e d ay.” the Atkins Library website, are preparing to move 70% The staff and security the first thing they will see of the books and most of the guards have been asked to is bright yellow signage that journals to an offsite facility distribute information sheets

18 Navigating the New Norm THE QUARANTINE 15: A UREC STORY Updates regarding University Recreation operations during COVID-19 by Max Young Copy Editor

March 13, the day al Field Complex that COVID-19 stole (NRFC) is open to UNC Charlotte’s hottest most activities as workout facility. UREC long as social dis- was closed to the niner tancing is practiced. nation as student’s and However, all contact on-campus residents sports are prohibited were sent home due to until the University the pandemic. When has direction from quarantine hit, I went the State. Addition- from going to the gym ally, the Hayes Field five times a week to not Complex is open to at all. To be honest, I was pre-approved sports a little skeptical about clubs to practice drills going to UREC this year. and non-contact However, after going training. All contact a few times, I saw that practices and matches safety was the priority of any kind have been and the unified effort canceled. to socially distance was This update may Photo of UREC basketball court, by Curtis Cheung present from the get go. be self-explanatory Strict, but neces- people are not close to each sports, alternative program- but worth mention- sary policies designated to other. It is also expected that ming and virtual options are ing. Guest passes will not be prevent the spread of germs individuals will completely available for sign up. available for the fall semester. that all patrons and staff wipe down equipment after Club sports are also However, faculty and staff must abide by. Masks are use. seeing major changes in may purchase guest passes required when entering and One of the largest chang- their logistic process. To for themselves. moving about the facility, but es involves fitness classes. meet, clubs need to submit This year will look are not required when using Although there are some a socially distanced practice completely different from cardio equipment. The max outdoor “pop-up” classes, plan to the assistant director last, and will be that for number of people that can there are still some indoor for sport clubs. In-person the foreseeable future. I be in UREC at a time is 242 and virtual classes. Virtual activities will be limited to appreciate the University including staff. events include: yoga class- non-contact practices, drills for prioritizing students’ The indoor and outdoor es, a virtual 5K and even and meetings that adhere to physical health and general pools have reduced occupan- several Madden and FIFA social distancing. social engagement. Now, the cy. The indoor pool is only tournaments. Registration The available sports game is yours. The only way for lap swimming, while the is required for all virtual that you can play still have the niner nation will thrive is outdoor pool is for more classes. some restrictions. Basket- if we cooperate and protect casual swim time. For both Intramural sports is ball requires registration, each other. UNC Charlotte is pools, you must reserve a attempting to make a come- Badminton, table tennis your oyster, and I know you time. back after a long summer. and pickleball have capacity will take advantage of it. The workout equipment Nonetheless, organizers have restrictions and volleyball is is separated by screens and adapted to account for dis- not offered at all. other equipment to ensure tancing. Offerings including The Northeast Recreation-

A Student Niner Media Publication 19 ROMANCE FROM SIX FEET APART

by Julianna Peres Photo Courtesy of Lifesyle Editor iStock

Keeping things interesting unique gift you can give anyway. -Museu de Arte de São Paulo during COVID-19 has not been Set up your room to look nice -The Studio Museum in Harlem easy for anyone. There are no for a Skype/Zoom/FaceTime date. - National Museum of American more movie theaters, malls, or If they can’t smell the candles Jewish History coffee shops to lounge around at you’ve lit, describe it to them. - DuSable Museum of African on a first date. There are no more As for celebrations, bake them American History fancy restaurants in which to something at your own house. - National Museum of Natural celebrate an anniversary. And, for Then, like the candles, describe History many, there is no more face-to-face it to them. Make sure you write - Deutsche Spionage Museum contact. We’ve all had to adapt to down the recipe so that you can - The Louvre video conversations and phone recreate it for them later on. calls this year. I personally went Email them a love letter. It’ll Here are a few good date night months without being able to hold get to them faster than through Netflix movies: my partner’s hand. I know how the mail and they can pull it - The Feels (2017) hard it can be and I know how up on their phone or laptop - The Half of It (2020) much we all want this to be over. whenever they miss you. I’ve - Nappily Ever After (2018) However, we really do have to done this anytime that I find - Murder Mystery (2019) make the best of what we’ve got to myself thinking about my partner - Valentine’s Day (2010) work with. throughout the day. It’s almost - Just Go With It (2011) If it’s all virtual, mail them a like an online diary and sharing - Lovebirds (2020) photo, flowers, or care package. It your thoughts with your partner - Scott Pilgrim vs the World does not have to be fancy and it is always a good thing. (2010) can consist of inside jokes between With virtual museum tours and you and your significant other. Netflix parties, it is possible to do While you and your partner It can be something you send things together without being in work to make things work with your perfume or cologne the same room. Virtual visits also during COVID-19, remember sprayed on it. Or, if you like mean that you can go further than to keep the important things crafts, make them something. I before. Here are a few museums in mind. Compassion, kindness recently learned how to crochet that you can visit on your phone, and love are the most important a rabbit. Weird and seemingly computer, or iPad: things now and forever. useless? Maybe. But I figure why - The Guggenheim Museum Keep communicating with not learn how to make a candle, - American Museum of Natural your significant other. Keep paint playing cards, or whittle a History appreciating your significant block of wood. And who better to - New York’s Botanical Garden other. And keep enjoying the appreciate your work than your - The Museum of Africa moments between you two— partner? Homemade is the most American Art whether it is virtual or not.

20 Navigating the New Norm