By George Ledbetter
CHADRON – As Chadron State College continues to makes plans for students returning to campus, staff members in charge of student activities have been working to develop programs that will provide safe and enjoyable experiences.
Chadron State is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nebraska State College System Office, the Governor’s Directed Health Measures and Panhandle Public Health District as it prepares for the return of students and the beginning of the fall semester, Monday, Aug. 17.
Details of college plans are available on CSC’s COVID-19 web page and include the basic advice that everyone should follow to reduce the pandemic’s spread, said Megan Northrup, Student Activities Coordinator.
“Follow the three W’s: Wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear a mask,” she said.
Students living in residence halls have already been notified of one change related to the pandemic, noted Austen Stephens, Director of Housing and Residence Life. On-campus students had the opportunity to schedule an early drop-off time before the August 13 move-in date to reduce congestion. More than 150 took advantage of the offer, Stephens said.
Although the option of providing single rooms for all on-campus students was considered, it was not feasible because of the limited number of rooms and anticipated occupancy, according to Stephens. However, the Housing Office has thus far been able to accommodate all of the requests it has received for private rooms, he said.
Students living on campus will be expected to follow the NSCS guidelines limiting groups to no more than eight in a single room or area, if space does not allow for six feet of social distancing between individuals, Stephens said. Appropriate signage related to the Directed Health Measures and COVID-19 symptoms and reporting will be posted prominently throughout the residence halls. And measures are in place if students are recommended to quarantine because they are exhibiting symptoms or have exposure to infected individuals, said Stephens.
“Student cooperation will be the key to limiting potential spread,” he said.
Following the Directed Health Measures means that many of the events that have been part of student life in the past may look different this fall.
“Many clubs have provided buffet-style food at events in the past,” Northrup said. “I am working with dining services and the clubs to provide food at events that follow the new guidance.”
Two mandatory events that have typically been part of the semester opening for first-year students will look a bit different this year, said Taylor Osmotherly, Associate Director of Residence Life. The alcohol awareness and Adulting at CSC programs will take place in Memorial Hall, rather than the Student Center Ballroom, and participants will be split into two groups to allow for social distancing, he said.
A Residence Life sponsored carnival that has traditionally started off the year has been canceled and will be replaced by a week-long scavenger hunt, with teams of floor mates captained by their Resident Assistant. The contest will include picture challenges, trivia, riddles, social media challenges, and hidden mystery items, and will culminate in a finale with prizes for winning teams.
“This will hopefully get students acquainted to the college, the town, and their floor mates, while also fitting within COVID-19 guidelines,” Osmotherly said.
The Uptown on Campus event that gives local businesses the chance to inform students of the goods and services they offer will take place this fall, but with changes in distancing of booths and how items are given to students, Northrup said.
Creating programming for students that meets COVID-19 guidelines has required creative thinking, said Osmotherly. Some events may be virtually rather than in person, arrangements will be made for social distancing, and students may have to RSVP for events to maintain appropriate attendance levels, he said.
But CSC is committed to providing a full college experience to students, while following the measures needed to keep COVID-19 in check, said Northrup.
“We will continue to give students a safe and fun experience with activities and events outside the classroom,” she said.