When arriving on campus at the start of the 2021 spring semester, it wasn’t long before students were notified of changes to their routines regarding COVID-19.
The 2020 fall semester began with a learning experience for everyone, as no one truly knew what the semester was going to look like. The original protocol for students was to start off each day by logging their temperature via My.Bluffton. Students also had to log possible COVID-19 symptoms each morning. This has since been changed to the mobile app, Campus Shield.
“We found that it would just be much more convenient for students to use,” said Karen Bontrager, director of the president’s office and member of the COVID-19 steering committee.
The app makes students more accountable considering they have to show the green badge proving they have no symptoms to enter the dining hall.
“I think that the Campus Shield app is helpful, as long as students use it,” said Kallie Smith, a sophomore social work major.
Another change this semester was regarding leaving campus overnight. Last semester it was highly requested that students stay on campus/in the village on weekends. Now, to leave overnight students must fill out a “Special Event” form a week before their planned departure.
Bontrager said that she is already noticing the form being used for individuals leaving for appointments or out of town jobs rather than weddings, baby showers, etc. When regarding doctors’ appointments you are also asked to provide documentation when you return. To limit the possible spread of the virus, the committee may ask students to quarantine for ten days upon their return to campus.
Bluffton is also now performing rapid tests for non-athletes in addition to the rapid testing required by the NCAA. Students are chosen randomly each week to be tested.
“Last semester rapid tests still weren’t reliable, and they just weren’t available,” said Bontrager, “Through the state they made these huge batches of tests available more easily.”
Bontrager said there are five things each student can do to lower their chances of spreading the virus and asked that students practice them daily:
- Don’t share utensils,
- wear your mask over your mouth and nose,
- maintain social distance,
- limit your time eating with other people,
- avoid large gatherings.
