The community of Saint Xavier University has been constantly adjusting since the Covid-19 pandemic surfaced. This has stirred various feelings among students on campus.
With cases going up and variants surfacing, will we ever get back to the “pre-covid” era? That life almost seems unrecognizable now after living through these past years with Covid at an all time high.
SXU has been adjusting accordingly to the unpredictability of Covid-19.
Read SXU’s Campus Plan for Spring 2022 for more information.
The Xavierite Editorial Board have voiced personal concerns about themselves and the campus’ actions to Covid-19.
Two board members believe that the university has done an “okay” and “alright” job transitioning through the constant changes.
“I think they’ve done okay, and I might be being generous by saying they’ve done an okay job.”
“I think the university has done an alright job when handling the pandemic. I appreciate the work a lot of professors have put in to ensure we are all safe. However, I think a lot of the policies are ones that look good at face value but hide a lot of flaws.
The flaw in question is the entire door holding situation. This board member in particular is skeptical about the cougar card entry to buildings.
“The key card, for example, is good in theory; in practice, however, it doesn’t do much as students let each other in all the time. Nobody wants to be the one to shut a door in another person’s face when entering the building!”
Besides the door holding issue, mask usage in the classroom seems to be an ongoing problem. Even though wearing a mask shouldn’t be news to everyone at this point.
A board member added, “But my biggest gripe has been with the mask mandate on campus. There have been students in my classes who show up not wearing a mask correctly or without a mask on at all. And some of the professors won’t even say anything to the students and just let them be.”
It is extremely easy for students to feel alone during this time if they see their campus community isn’t taking proper precautions to ensure safety.
Although, members of the board do see a silver lining amidst all of the chaos.
“The adjustment hasn’t been perfect, but I am appreciative of the steps taken to try and help student and staff safety on campus.”
“SXU is doing what and ALL they can (legally) to adjust to the pandemic!”
Concerns on campus are one thing, but students deal with the repercussions of the virus on a daily basis.
A member of the board expressed feelings of laziness as their college experience was altered by the pandemic. But this laziness has given them a boost to become a better student.
“I’ve noticed that I’ve become much lazier since everything had gone remote—which was HUGE a plus for me and made online courses more feasible for me.”
Another member of the board agrees that online courses have been a huge plus.
“I definitely have become a better student since the pandemic started. Mostly because with hybrid and/or online courses, it allows for me to have more control over my schedule and I don’t have to dread going up to campus.”
There are ups and downs, but that hasn’t stopped students from succeeding in their studies on campus.
For further information regarding the university’s journey with Covid-19, The Xavierite News Section captured the perspective of students and staff here.
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