In the week leading up to the dependency on technology, there were many feelings, emotions and actions released from the Bluffton University student body and administrators.
Chapel, which is usually held in Yoder Recital Hall, was instead held on the lawn directly outside Yoder on Thursday, March 12. This shift was in compliance with restrictions of gatherings of no more than 50 people (which has since been changed to no more than 10) and allowed people to still spread out and get some fresh air. The Spiritual Life Week speaker was David Stamile, an Enneagram instructor and Spiritual Care Coordinator at Gentle Transitions Hospice.
The announcement that was sent via email from President Jane wood on Wednesday, March 11, stated all classes would be transferring to an online format. To prepare for that change, all classes held on Friday, March 13 were canceled. As a result of these many events, students enjoyed the outdoors and a sense of community after their classes finished up that Thursday, March 12. They played a large and intense game of kickball and then later played a game of wiffle ball.
On Friday, March 13, many students were in their processes of moving out. Other students, who planned to stay on campus enjoyed themselves with games of ping-pong and pool in Marbeck Center. Students have since been informed that the residence halls will close Wednesday, March 18, and the rest of campus will essentially be closed while faculty and staff who are able to do so will work remotely.
