CSP Moves Forward

AFTER A YEAR OF REACTING TO THE EVER-CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING COVID-19, MEMBERS OF THE CSP COMMUNITY REFLECT ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE PANDEMIC AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

IN discussing the university’s discoveries throughout the last year, President Brian Friedrich commented, “We’ve learned a lot about ourselves, about Concordia as an institution and its tenacity, resilience, and agility. This is a strong institution, and the core of its strength is serving students.”

Dr. Eric LaMott, Provost and Chief Operating Officer, likewise emphasized the strength of Concordia’s systems and processes, referencing the university’s ability to, “quickly convert, particularly for the [traditional students] to an online learning environment with minimal disruption compared to our competitors.”

Dr. Kimberly Craig, Vice President of Enrollment Management, found that, “Our tagline: ‘responsive, relevant, and real’…was truly tested.” Craig also relayed the importance of CSP’s quick and agile response to the pandemic, the relevant nature of that response, and the real and clear direction given to staff and students. She added, “We were all impacted…but we always continue to get back up and we work for each other and our learners.”

Indeed, the pandemic impacted both traditional on-campus and adult online undergraduate and graduate students across the university. Isolation and distancing on campus strained mental health and relationships for many students. Additionally, many online students faced financial struggles, working from home, and children’s remote learning or shuttered day care facilities.

Dr. Basma Ibrahim DeVries, Professor of Communication Studies, reiterated how hard everyone worked to support both traditional and adult learners. She discussed how the pandemic illuminated across higher education the stark inequities in accessibility and the difficulties faced by those attempting to remain on track as universities suddenly transitioned to online learning during the 2020 spring semester. Ibrahim DeVries stressed faculty’s support for students inside and outside the classroom, adding thatshe has “also been part of a Faculty Learning Circle (which started pre- COVID) focused on infusing more Positive Psychology practices into our teaching.”

Through unique initiatives such as this, plus growing emphasis on prioritizing mental health and utilizing CSP’s mental, emotional, and spiritual care resources, the Golden Bear community increasingly finds opportunities to move forward together.

As CSP transitions to the next academic year, we look to the future with optimism. Kimberly Newton, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Leadership, is anticipating a time when events and programs will not require masks and social distancing. “Although this may not happen right away, I am hopeful we will get there at some point next academic year,” she said. “I know that the transition back to normal (or a version of that) is going to take time so I am thankful to be able to walk through that with this community.”

Newton is not alone in her anticipation of the “reopening” of campus. Dr. Tiray Johnson, Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance, reiterated this excitement, “I miss the buzz that is generally associated with a college campus. I cannot wait to see and enjoy the full slate of events and extracurricular activities to return. Everything from viewing plays in person to watching sporting events to full participation in clubs, and any other way I can show student support and enhance the true CSP experience.”

WE’VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES, ABOUT CONCORDIA AS AN INSTITUTION AND ITS TENACITY, RESILIENCE, AND AGILITY. THIS IS A STRONG INSTITUTION, AND THE CORE OF ITS STRENGTH IS SERVING STUDENTS.

— PRESIDENT BRIAN FRIEDRICH

Additionally, Davina Srey, ‘22, elementary education major, remarked, “I’m definitely looking forward to school being 100% fully functioning next year. As someone who will be the first to graduate from a four-year university in my family, I was really nervous that I wouldn’t be able to walk. After hearing that this year’s class would be able to, I’m extremely hopeful and excited for next year.”

Perhaps the most significant lesson of the pandemic is learning to not take anything for granted. As Johnson concluded, “the CSP community has a renewed value for each other. Whether that is an in-person laugh, hug, or high-five, we all have an even deeper appreciation for the students, staff, faculty, and administration that makes the CSP community so special.”

— Story by Katrina Wiering, ‘22, a public relations and business management double major at CSP | Photo by Nick Schroepfer, BA ‘18