Among the students who moved into the residence halls, Aug. 14 to 16 were members of the new first-year class, who are getting their first college experiences while wearing masks and social distancing.
Bluffton University made the decision to go back to in-person instruction over the summer with constant monitoring and consideration with the Allen County Health Department and other health officials. Some changes made to campus include spaced environments for classes, barriers in the commons and at the mail desk and frequent cleaning of learning spaces and desks.
Ryan Barret and Alex Bacon are among the first-year students who moved onto campus Aug. 14.
When asked about online learning, both Barret and Bacon said they didn’t care for it and much prefer in-person classes. They are very pleased to be on campus and have in-person instruction.
First-year student Alex Bacon. Photo by Olivia Westcott
“I think they should’ve given a choice for the people that didn’t want to be on campus but still get their education,” said Bacon, “But, everyone knows that most people can’t do online; it’s not the same.”
Barret said he isn’t worried about the possibility of campus closing, while Bacon said she is worried about possibly being sent home. Bacon’s concern comes from the news during the first week of classes that there are a small number of COVID-19 cases on campus.
“[I’m] not worried about it, but I do think that if certain people don’t fix what they are doing, then we will be sent back in a month or two,” said Barret.
Both Barret and Bacon said they feel as though the university is doing a fine job with protecting the students and staff with the limitations set.
“I think they are doing a pretty good job,” said Bacon. “I’ve got classes split in half, everything is distanced. Everything was very well thought through.”
With the university itself being cleaned more often and having more precautions, the students, faculty and staff have done their own part to help lessen the spread of the virus.
Students and faculty wear masks everywhere except in their own dorm room and when using the showers or eating. Social distancing is encouraged by the university but it is up to their students to make the safe choices needed. Masks aren’t required outside when social distancing is able to happen.
Bacon, who is involved in cross country and track, said cross country has been suspended for a week due to changes being discussed by the NCAA. She said the team might not be able to have spectators or competitions. Their team meetings have also been cut in half so they are able to have them more frequently.
First-year Ryan Barret. Photo by Olivia Westcott
Barret is involved in baseball. He said it is in a different state at the moment with the restrictions they have. The team can go out on the field with one another, he said, but not with their coaches until official practices begin. Barret said the team has weight lifting in smaller groups and team meetings over Zoom.
Barret and Bacon have roommates and say those relationships are going well. They said having a roommate has helped make it easier to adjust to living on campus.
“I’m okay having one [a roommate],” said Barret. “I preferred having one to help adapt to things, at least for the first year.”
