Sorry, The Rampage does not support Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer presents security concerns, and is no longer supported—even by Microsoft. Please download a modern browser such as:
News

BC Student Life in a COVID World

by Matti Stokes
Communication • 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March of 2020, how we live in the United States has not been the same. And that’s no different on the campus of Bluefield College. Campus life changed dramatically when the coronavirus made it’s way into southwest Virginia and onto the BC campus.

In response, members of the college’s Student Development staff began to work diligently with state guidelines and regulations to find a way for students to still live on campus while still enjoying the full college experience as much as possible. From that work came the following policies for student life on the BC campus in the COVID environment.

Residential 

  • All residence hall rooms will be limited to double or single occupancy.
  • No more than four students will share a bathroom in a residence hall. 
  • Enhanced cleaning procedures. 
  • Quarantine rooms for those testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. 
  • All campus visitors will go through a check-in process. Most check-ins will occur in Conference Area B in Shott Hall. 
  • All campus visitors are required to have a temperature check and to complete a questionnaire related to the coronavirus.

“​I think the regulations have done everything they possibly could,” said Katie Morton, a residence hall director who has become quite familiar with the new the protocols over the past seven months.. “Are they perfect? No. Have they brought a lot of frustration to people? Yes they have.” 

Dining Hall 

  • No more than 50 percent capacity allowed in the dining hall.
  • Extended hours of service.
  • To-go boxes encouraged.
  • No self-service options. 

Student Center

  • Frequent cleaning and sanitizing.
  • Temporary discontinuance of self-serve coffee.
  • Reconfigured seating to encourage social distancing.
  • No large gatherings greater than 50 people. 

In addition to efforts by the Student Development staff, faculty and other staff members have made it possible for students to return to the classroom to continue their studies. Unfortunately, it is not a typical classroom with the usual instruction. This fall features a hybrid approach to instruction with some students participating virtually while others take part in-person. In the classroom, students are required to remain six feet apart and wear a mask covering their mouth and nose.

And students are adjusting to the new guidelines and regulations in an effort to keep the virus under control. Senior Taylyn Strange, a dual sport athlete in cheer and softball, has lived on campus for four years, which makes this new way of living even more challenging, she said.

“I would have never thought being in quarantine could be so frustrating,” Strange said. “Although, I do appreciate the school has made sure to check up on me and my roommates to make sure everyone is feeling well. I feel like the new rules at the school are helping with students that live on campus.”

Along with Strange, Gabrielle Melick is uncertain how the rest of the school will go. Melick, who lives with three roommates in an apartment in Bluestone Commons, said her pre-season for softball has been postponed and it is unclear as to whether the spring 2021 regular season will be played.

“I am sad over the fact that softball has stopped and there is no solid return date,” Melick said. “I understand it is for everyone’s health to social distance, but I hope things will clear up and we can go back to our normal routines.” 

The safety of students and employees has been the top priority and the reason for the new protocols. Change was inevitable and has required everyone to do their part and follow the guidelines. 

“I think this is such a hard season for all, and to live with a new norm is hard,” Morton said. “It takes time to create change, it takes time to figure out new rhythms of life, and it takes time to change a culture. So for instance, going from visitation to none is hard. Although the changes were put in place to protect students, it still doesn’t take away how hard change can be.”

Like Morton and others, BC leaders are dedicated to keeping students safe and healthy and hopeful to return to normal as soon as possible. Despite the chaos, Bluefield College students, faculty and staff are managing to stay positive and make the best out of these times. For more details regarding COVID-related guidelines for campus, please see the Protocols for On-campus Residences.

Close Magazine