Students Adjust to Campus and Classroom Changes Related to COVID-19

To ensure the health and safety of the campus community, Bluefield College leadership outlined new protocols and restrictions this fall to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Naturally, students are having to adjust to the campus and classroom changes, which include the wearing of face coverings, social distancing, routine sanitizing, and online or virtual instruction. But according to softball player Kenzie Lambert, she an her teammates are making the best of the changes.

“These circumstances can impact our softball team positively,” she said. While unable to practice, her teammates have been devoting more time to self-improvement and their education. Lambert said she sympathizes with quarantined students, recognizing the experience is “very trying of their mental health,” but academic, wellness, and pastoral counseling are available.

Classroom instruction is being streamed and recorded through Microsoft Teams to allow those in quarantine or isolation to participate.

“We started off on strong footing,” said Dr. Cynthia Bascom, chair of the Department of Communication. “Of course, there’s going to be some struggles.” The faculty, she added, have been “very well-trained,” but her greatest issue is persuading some online students to sit-up, show their faces on camera, and actively participate as if they were in the classroom.

In public spaces, people are expected to fully cover their mouth and nose with a face covering when less than six feet from someone else. Students are also encouraged to limit contact with others and practice good hygiene. Reminders of these protocols are posted across campus.

Common areas are being disinfected frequently, according to BC leadership. Classrooms, the dining hall, and Harman Chapel may accommodate half of their capacities, and seating has been moved or marked to distance students. Due to gathering limits, Vocatio credits may be earned at Prayer.30 and Elevate.

Restrictions have also been placed on non-essential travel and visits to other college campuses, aside from approved meetings and athletic competitions. Off-campus social gatherings not hosted by Bluefield College are also prohibited, and travel 50 miles outside of the local area without a family emergency or leadership approval is discouraged.

For more information about the protocols and restrictions, visit the Bluefield College website.