As the school year approaches, schools in Louisiana seem to be
struggling with decisions concerning student safety. With many choices still
being made days before school begins, it might be best to hear from the
students themselves and what they hope the school year will look like.
Students from Loyola University, Tulane University, and
Louisiana State University have all voiced their opinions concerning online and
in-person courses and how their particular universities are managing safety on
campus.
Loyola junior Jenna Ollie will be starting her fall semester
shortly, yet she still has not been fully informed on how this semester will operate.
"[Loyola University] told us that there will be a mix
between 'hyflex' and online classes," Ollie said. "No one has fully explained
how hyflex courses will run, but to my understanding, it is a half-online and
half-in-person set up. I am not sure if that means students will alternate each
day, or we go in every other day."
This uncertainty causes more stress for students. Not only
will they have stress for the classes themselves, they now have to worry about
how classes will run and hope that despite the conversion to online, they will
still get the same education as if they were in class.
Louisiana State University junior Maddy Murret has had half
of her courses switched to online. Therefore, she will only be going to campus
two to three times a week.
"I am happy that I'll at least get to go to campus a few times a week because that will feel normal, and I won't have to be cooped up in my house every day," Murret said. "However, I will still have to adjust and get myself into a schedule to keep up with my online classes to keep my grades up."
Having to keep yourself on a school schedule while at home
can be challenging for students. Creating a separate environment for school can
help students separate homelife and school time, so that they are better able
to focus.
Tulane junior Kelsey Griffin explains how Tulane has made adjustments on campus to comply with COVID regulations.
"Tulane has built temporary buildings, so they are able to
hold more students," Griffin said. "They are doing in-person and online courses
but are offering students to go completely virtually, if that makes [the
students] more comfortable."
Although there are many changes this semester, that doesn't
faze many students from wanting to get back to "normal" college life.
"I am really excited to get back to campus. I am way more
productive being on campus and in a classroom setting," Griffin said.
Despite the challenges COVID has brought, students are
anxious to return to school. We all hope this semester goes as smoothly as
possible and that it is still enjoyable for faculty, staff, and the hard-working
students.
