Throughout the pandemic, the University of Maine has put the interests of students and their families first. While our current focus is staying together safely through the fall semester, our students can expect the University of Maine System and our university to prioritize room and board adjustments if developments with COVID-19 force a change in our current plan. Those are to continue in-person instruction and residence hall occupancy until the Thanksgiving break. 

I appreciate Owen Baertlein’s Sept. 14 op-ed highlighting the University of Maine’s response during the pandemic to the needs of students and other members of the UMaine community. That response, as he pointed out, includes extensive health and safety measures campuswide, and in UMaine facilities and offices statewide.

Owen also asked the question: What happens if we’re suddenly forced back online due to a new outbreak? We can answer that question best by looking at the precedent we have set in both the spring and the fall semester. 

The University of Maine System announced room and board adjustments effective March 13 and was one of the first higher education institutions in the country to get the 46% credit adjustments back into the hands of its students. The System also made wage commitments to student workers counting on their on-campus employment in the spring to finance the cost of their education.

For this fall, the University of Maine System approved a 20% Room and Board Rate Reduction for the semester to account for the planned transition to distance instruction at the Thanksgiving Break. That Aug. 13 announcement also is online.

Owen is correct in noting that there is plenty to be thankful for at UMaine this semester. 

I am grateful and proud of the participation and leadership we have seen from UMaine students in our public health campaign. Face coverings, physical distancing, participation in COVID-19 testing and group-size limits are not what anyone would want, but it is what we must do to stay safe and together. 

 Joan Ferrini-Mundy

President of the University of Maine

Since the word “coronavirus” entered the world’s collective consciousness five months ago, all sense of predictability has been lost. The past few months have been a rollercoaster, and no one seems to know what is going to come next or when the pandemic will end. It is nearly impossible to feel any sense of security. People are isolated, they are stressed and they are tired. COVID-19 has serious mental health implications, and it’s time to start talking about them.

When considering your own mental health, it’s important to recognize the unprecedented nature of the stressors in our national and global environment. The pandemic has resulted in the deaths of over 190,000 Americans, severe unemployment and a global recession. These are not exactly uplifting facts, but that is the point: we are living through the unimaginable. It is normal to feel uneasy; the New England Journal of Medicine reported that public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, will result in widespread emotional distress. They also state that it is important for these emotional outcomes to be addressed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) symptoms of anxiety and depression had multiplied in June of 2020, compared to their data for the second quarter of 2019. Symptoms of anxiety disorder and depression disorder were three and four times more common, respectively, than in 2019. The CDC also reported an increase in substance use and serious thoughts of suicide.

These statistics are not distributed equally across age ranges in the U.S.; young adults are among the top demographics affected. The CDC reports that close to half of people ages 18-24 have symptoms of anxiety or depression. This is a significantly higher proportion than those seen in older age groups. It can be expected that older adults already have their social lives established, as they have had more time to create their own support system. They’re also more likely to have stable partners to keep them grounded during times of crisis. Young people often have not had enough time to develop these securities. If you have been wondering how your parents, or even grandparents, have been keeping it together so well, rest assured that you are not alone.

National Public Radio (NPR) published an article by Yuki Noguchi that explores why young people are being affected by the social limitations of COVID-19 at higher rates. Noguchi explains that for young adults, socialization is actually a critical part of development, and it provides us with a stronger sense of self.  

If you have been feeling lost lately, this may be why. These are trying times, and while jokes about how awful 2020 is are prominent on social media, it is important to realize that this is a hard year, and it’s okay to feel lost. Allow yourself to feel lost. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with someone else; chances are that they have experienced something similar in these past months.

Aries (March 21 – April 20)
Taurus season begins on Sunday, April 19 bringing you a wonderful opportunity. Take a tip from the Taurus book and slow down. Everything seems like it has come to a screeching halt, but that does not stop the mind from rushing off with “what-ifs.” Bring yourself back to the present with mindful meditation. Breathe in deeply without the weight of the world on your shoulders. Find ways to stay calm and centered amid the panic. To help shoulder the burden, reach out to friends virtually. The importance of platonic relationships comes to light in times such as these.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)
Sunday, April 19 marks the beginning of your season. Does that mean it’s time to get all dolled up and hit the local nightlife? Of course not. First, it is important to practice social distancing. Second, there is no better way to celebrate than by leaning into your natural inclination to take it low and slow. Take an evening to indulge in all the luxuries you love in life. Eat that extra slice of cake, take two hot bubble baths on the same day, order delicious take out; the sky’s the limit right now. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it. You deserve it.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
Social distancing for a busy bee like you has its problems, but don’t look at this time as a negative. Sunday, April 19, marks the beginning of Taurus season. Take a tip from the bull’s book. Ground yourself. Being at home does not mean a cease to the hustle. Brainstorm and plan for the future. However, don’t be hard on yourself if you feel a lack of motivation, this is normal given the situation. Ease up on yourself. By giving yourself the room to relax, you will find yourself bursting with more ideas than ever before.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
Starting on Sunday, April 19, the start of Taurus season, look to a friendly bull for some advice on the art of self-love. Taking time for yourself is just as important as looking out for others. With everyone safely cozied up in their homes, make yourself the top priority to care for. Start by making Sunday a day of luxury. Bring the spa to your doorstep with a luxurious bath, indulgent food and positive affirmations. After giving yourself all the TLC you deserve, look towards the future. Now is a good time to brainstorm and get ahead of the game. While planning fantastic new endeavors, remember to leave time for you.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 21)
Taurus season begins on Sunday, April 19, and with it comes an adventure of your sensual side. Nestled away in the safety of your home, let fantasies begin to blend with reality. Whether it’s with a partner or yourself, there is much to explore so don’t waste a minute of it. There will be plenty of time for chores and work in the days to come. Now is the time to slow down and savor all the good things that surround you right now. Look to our feline friends for examples of the easy life. Indulge in naps, snacks and attention.

Virgo (Aug. 22 – Sept. 23)
In times of uncertainty look towards what is certain. Set goals for the future and start working towards them now, this way you have something to be sure of. Don’t work too hard. When Taurus season starts on Sunday, April 19, it’s time to go big or go home, or more fittingly, go big and stay home for the safety of yourself and others. Spend the day giving in to your every desire. Make a pan of brownies at 2 a.m. while singing at the top of your lungs, then lick the bowl! Live each day with less regret towards the good things in life.

Libra (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23)
Give yourself permission to be lazy. Taurus season begins on Sunday, April 19. You share a ruling planet, Venus, with Taurus. Sleep in until noon, then make a full meal to enjoy. Make every action an experience meant for royalty, because right now you are the ruler of your home. Your talent for self-love will come in handy during this stretch of time. Light all the candles, curl up in the softest of blankets and give yourself a hug. It’s too easy to take stress out on yourself. Remember that you are stronger than the stress. Be kinder to yourself than usual.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22)
Sunday, April 19, brings the beginning of Taurus season. Tauruses are known for their love of beauty, and it’s time you felt the same way. You don’t have to turn into the next leader of the beauty guru community, but while you’re chilling around your home, do something fun to feel pretty. Play around with an eyeshadow palette to create some daring new looks. If make-up isn’t your strong suit, then head outside during golden hour to take some fantastic photos for Instagram. Who doesn’t feel stunning bathed in some golden sun?

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 – Dec. 22)
Be slow and steady like a bull on Sunday, April 19, when Taurus season starts. With all the changes going on right now, it can be hard to adapt quickly. It’s okay if it takes more time than usual to get into a good rhythm. Be patient with yourself. You’re doing the best you can with the situation you are in. You will find a new routine, and when you feel normal you will settle in your home. In your new routine, be sure to include plenty of snack breaks, luxurious cat-naps and all the move marathons your heart desires.

Capricorn (Dec. 23 – Jan. 20)
Take a break from your scheme of world domination and try something new. Be like a bull on Sunday, April 19, when Taurus season begins. Do as they do and indulge in some much needed rest and recovery. Take a day to move at your own pace away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Make all your favorite foods to eat in the bathtub. Then try some new activities — meditation perhaps — to keep your mind in tip-top shape.

Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19)
At no point should you stop supporting the causes you care so much about. However, look inwards on Sunday, April 19, with the start of Taurus season and see the help you could use. What good are you to the community if you are not the best version of yourself? Lucky for you, Taurus excels in the field of self-love. Feed off their languid energy and slow down for a while to rebuild yourself into a stronger, healthier you.

Pisces (Feb. 18 – March 20)
Rest and relaxation are second nature to you so the start of Taurus season on Sunday, April 19 is the perfect excuse to waste hours dreaming in bed. Do just that, or spend hours connecting with friends and watching the hours slip away without a care in the world. However, be careful about getting too wrapped up in a lack of motivation. While it is important to be easy on yourself given this stressful time, do not forget your responsibilities. There is still work to be done, and putting it off will only bring complications in the future. Find a happy medium.

With daily trips to your local Starbucks, Dunkin’ or Aroma Joes no longer being an option, how can you get a caffeinated concoction? Look no further than the popular video platform TikTok.
Over the past few weeks, a drink best described as an upside-down cappuccino has taken TikTok by storm. The beverage is a mixture of equal parts espresso powder, granulated sugar and boiling water whisked together into a meringue-like texture. The fluffy combination is then spooned onto milk to make for an aesthetically pleasing and tasty product.
Originating in South Korea, the drink gained popularity toward the end of 2019 and picked up quickly through the start of 2020. Tutorials and reviews can be found on various foodie accounts on both TikTok and YouTube. However, the true origins of the drink are up for debate. Various people have spoken out in the comments of these videos claiming it as their own.
An Indian subcontinent calls the concoction phenti hui, which translates to beaten coffee. In South Korea, people claim that the drink was well known prior to its 15 minutes of fame on TikTok. Here, the caffeinated beverage goes by the name dalgona, since it has a similar appearance to a honeycomb toffee candy there. In an interview, South Korean actor Jung II-woo says he tried dalgona for the first time in a cafe when visiting Macau. After returning home, he began consuming the drink on the TV show Pyunstrang (fun-staurant), which ultimately launched the drink into the mainstream. Regardless of its origins, the sweet and creamy drink has become a means for people around the world to experiment and try something new.

Follow the recipe below to make your own dalgona.

Ingredients (for 1 serving):
2 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
2 tbsp of granulated sugar
2 tbsp of boiling water

Method:
In a medium bowl combine coffee powder, sugar, and hot water. Whisk the mixture until it forms stiff peaks after removing the whisk. This should take between 20 – 30 minutes of hand whisking, making for a great arm workout. However, using an electric mixer works as well.
For a hot version of the drink, simply heat a milk of your choice to 155°F (69°C) and froth. For a cold version, combine a handful of ice and your milk of choice.
To froth the milk, whisk it by hand or with a mixer. Another method is to place the liquid in a jar, carefully if it is heated so as not to burn yourself, turn on a bopping playlist and dance, shaking the jar in the process.
Assemble the sweet treat by pouring the foamy milk into a glass, with or without ice, then spoon your coffee concoction on top. Garnish with toppings of your choice such as more coffee, oreos or cocoa powder. Don’t forget to snap a pretty picture because you have just created a masterpiece. After all this work, stir and enjoy. You’ve earned it.

The University of Maine community is mourning the loss of Evan McCoy, 18, who passed away unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon. McCoy was enrolled in the computer engineering program, beginning in the fall of 2018.

According to an email sent by Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Robert Dana on Wednesday morning, McCoy had been involved with UMaine since before he was a student. In the summer of 2017, McCoy interned with the Maine Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in UMaine’s Advanced Computing Group.

“His interests and abilities, including technical expertise that was at the graduate student level, led him to be involved in multiple UMaine research initiatives — from bee monitoring to forest mapping,” Dana said.

“The University of Maine extends its heartfelt condolences to Evan’s family and friends,” UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said. “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Members of the community can reach out to the Counseling Center at (207) 581-1392, UMaine’s Employee Assistance Program at (877) 622-4327 and the Dean of Students Office at (207) 581-1406.

The Maine Campus would like to recognize the situation occurring on the Orono and USM campuses regarding professors being put on paid administrative leave after claims of sexual harassment in the classroom setting.  Before we publish any pieces on the topic, we would like to make sure our facts are clear and not taken from other news sources.

It’s that time of year again: textbooks, class schedules, dorm rooms and lots of friends! This year, the Maine Campus added a fifth item to the list: a refreshed look and feel of the Maine Campus. With the launch of their new website, the Maine Campus is starting a new chapter in their more than 140 year history.

“We are always looking for ways to adapt to various media methods” Sam Chamberlain, web developer and marketing director for the paper, said. “One of our biggest adaptations has been the refreshing of our website, it brings in a whole new look and feel, that we hope is easy to navigate, and fun to use.”

The paper hopes to continue to move towards adding additional media methods while keeping the physical paper roots. With more than 140 years under their belts, the Maine Campus is ready to take on new challenges, and step into new realms of media.

The Maine Campus was founded in 1875, and this makeover is the newest chapter in the paper’s history. This new look includes an overhauled website, added social media channels, and continuous work towards adding new and exciting content to their website and social media accounts.

A new way to engage

With the complete overhaul of their website, the Maine Campus has expanded its methods of engagement for readers. The Maine Campus has recently joined Snapchat and Instagram (both under the handle @themainecampus) in hopes of engaging with you in a fun and new age way.

“We hope with the addition of Snapchat and Instagram, we can be able to push stories to the campus much quicker. With the story feature of Snapchat and Instagram, we are hoping to be able to share fun, exciting, and engaging content as it is happening on campus!” Chamberlain said.

The first few weeks of classes seems like it might be a good time to check out all of the cool things on the Maine Campus’ new website and social media platforms.

Though adult Mainers have long been afforded the right to unimpeded movement during their trials, it took several years and some ambitious University of Maine Law students to achieve the same right for Maine children.

As of Nov. 1, Maine minors will no longer be subjected to the overzealous use of shackles and chains for small-time, non-violent offenses. In fact, it will require a specific order by the judge to use restraints at all.

And though it’s only a drop in the figurative bucket, the decision is progress in a broader, more meaningful sense as well.

The United States has a long history of worrisome all-or-nothing policing. Mandatory minimums are just one of countless policies that demonstrate little sympathy for those who stand accused, even when the crimes they are charged with have caused no serious injury to other individuals or their property.

These measures, put forward by well-meaning -though misguided-public officials, cultivate a violently insensitive culture with little understanding or kindness for anyone who commits a crime — no matter how negligible its far-reaching effects may be. By doing so, those charged are dehumanized and abused in nearly every ring of the judicial process.

A society dedicated to punishing even the minutest of offenses with strict, unforgiving measures is not a healthy society in any respect. Those advocating for this treatment seek only to raise themselves — to stand superior above others who have had unfortunate, though understandable, errors of judgement.

Thanks to these harsh measures, small-time offenders — sent to prison particularly often for low level possession and distribution charges — are transformed by necessity and circumstance into hardened criminals. Such is the vice of a system that struggles to make use of humanity and reason, instead implementing severe and authoritarian mandatory sentences for trivial drug offenses in the name of “fairness.”

It is not up to the authorities to dictate the moral fabric of the country they exist to serve and protect. By shackling children and “making an example” out of misdemeanor-level criminals, that is precisely what they are, consciously or unconsciously, doing. Making an example of people without their permission — deterring further misbehavior by unfairly treating those who have already perpetrated a wrongdoing — is irresponsible and detestable.

The use of excessive force is not limited to a physical altercation. Though the alteration of Maine law to more fairly treat young offenders is a step in the right direction, it is only one small step in the marathon the US must run if it wishes to correct the wrongs of its past.

This Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day.

True to form, University of Maine students are readying themselves to celebrate.

Undergraduates will almost certainly take keen advantage of the day off for the noble pursuit of quiet reflection, deep appreciation of the United States’ numerous liberties and honoring those who have served both domestically and abroad.

Or perhaps not.

In light of the approaching holiday, a day dedicated to contemplating the sacrifices of those who have served, it’s important not to forget the real reason for a midweek oasis of vacation time.

Which isn’t to say that the entire day must be spent in fervent, punishing worship of an institution that, frankly, many disagree with the activities of. The purpose of Veterans Day is not to evoke a feeling of compelled endorsement for the conflicts the United States partakes in.

Rather, it is to understand and respect that, even should the individual disagree with the many engagements and actions of the United States’ military, there are still many persuasive reasons to appreciate those in its ranks.

It is not too much to ask that, even among the innumerable pressures of college life, individuals take at least a brief respite to applaud the selfless actions of the people who protect their country. Regardless of personal feelings on the particulars of foreign engagement, the actions of soldiers, sailors and spies still play a direct role in protecting all of those who live securely in the United States.

Because, though veterans are certainly not infallible, they are honorable in their most basic pursuit: freedom and security. It is not your local active duty officer making the choice to engage in Syria, Libya or Iraq. The only decision they are making is to follow orders.

As much as this country celebrates love, parenthood and marriage, so too should an action as bold as independently and purposefully entering an active conflict to protect one’s fellow citizens be celebrated.

If these days worshiping mothers, fathers and romantic affection can be cleared on a busy college schedule, so too can days seeking to venerate the persons responsible for the stable environment Americans live in. Those living in an environment that feels so little impact from the tragic events worldwide — thanks primarily to the insulating power of a diligent, professional and responsive military — certainly have much to be grateful for.

So put down the textbooks, just for a moment, and consider the comfortable reality of living in a country so comprehensively protected — thanks to the sacrifices of so many.  

One in 10 American men have experienced intimate violence in their lifetime, according to the CDC’s “Understanding Intimate Partner Violence” fact sheet, a two-page summary of domestic violence statistics put out in 2014.

Intimate violence is the perpetration of psychological, physical or sexual abuse against a romantic partner. Rape, stalking, battering and verbal assault are just a few of the numerous crimes and behaviors that qualify. Whether it be a single instance or a patterned response, these wrongdoings are classified as “IPV.”

Compared to the 3 in 10 American women assaulted over their lifetimes, a statistic provided by the same report, the number of men suffering from IPV may seem diminutive. Certainly, domestic violence prevention groups tend to favor raising awareness for female victims — earning domestic violence the distinction of being dubbed a “women’s issue” by media and officials alike.

But this should not necessarily be the case.

Rather, the prevention of domestic abuse is not just about empowering those

victimized by intimate partners, but also about identifying and dissuading its potential perpetrators — primarily, men. Women, being the principal sufferers, are not necessarily exclusively responsible for its discontinuation. Rather, the burden also falls upon those at risk for being potential abusers.

All genders are responsible.

Placing the responsibility of prevention squarely on the shoulders of those already disempowered and violated is not only insensitive, but irresponsible and ineffective. It is better to first prevent the violence than it is to simply mitigate and dampen its effects. It is better to avoid the fire entirely than it is to extinguish it after a third of the building has already been burned.

Of course, there are those that fit neither of these distinct categories — female abusers and male victims. All the more reason to do away with the label denoting intimate violence as a specifically ‘female’ issue. Perpetrators, regardless of their gender demographics or economic background are equally accountable for doing away with emotionally, physically and economically taxing violence.

It is no longer in the hands of those on the receiving end alone to put an end to intimate violence. The notion that domestic violence is an exclusively female issue needs to be done away with.

Domestic violence crosses boundaries of socioeconomic class, gender, education and geography. It is not an issue that rests upon the shoulders of any singular group to solve. While these efforts to educate those most at risk are noble, they are not enough. Perpetration, as much as victimization, needs to be addressed.

All genders, all people, are responsible.