OPINION: Cart shortage leaves poor first impression for many Eagles

Move-in day was supposed to be a joyous moment. The plan: My entire family – my mother, my two sisters, and my nephew – would help me move into Chidley North Residence Hall.

But when we arrived, the parking lot was crowded. People were frowning in their vehicles. Others were anxiously pacing outside. What was the issue? I wondered. I discovered why after entering Chidley to grab a cart.

Most students, like myself, have a lot to unload. So a cart is vital, especially for students who uses the elevator up to their room floor.

“it’s been that way since my freshman year,” complained Aster Thompson, a music and vocal performance major. “There wouldn’t be enough in Landing [Eagle Landing Residence Hall], so people would try Ruffin, only for it to be none in there either.”

“My roommates didn’t have a cart for an hour,” said Jemia Raley, a social work major. “There were only two in the building. They had to use mine.”

“Yea,” agreed Emmanuel Craig, a Business Administration major. “There was less than what was needed.”

To get a cart I had to head over to New Residence Hall and leave my State ID. And I was one of the lucky ones. New Residence was short on carts as well.

This left my fellow students and their families to make multiple trips from their cars to their rooms — all in 90-degree heat.

According to Wanderlog, the average humidity in Durham during August is 68%.

According to Residential Life, students bear some responsibility.

“Students have a habit of taking carts and not returning them,” I was told.

But still, isn’t it the responsibility of University officials to inventory and distribute the carts before move in? After all, it’s no surprise when that day arrives. Arriving Eagles deserve better. Providing additional carts and distributing them better would have a positive impact on the N. C. Central University experience.

Otherwise, heat, humidity and too few carts becomes the first impression students and families have of life at NCCU.

“This is crazy,” said my mother as she watched a student carry all her belongings up the stairs. “They will hear my complaints.”