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Alesha Griffo, a junior physician assistant major, admits to being nervous as she returned to campus in late July. “I was concerned with being with so many people,” she said. “One thing that helped me was being a transition guide and hearing everything the university was doing – masks and cleaning and even the new plan for Waldron (Campus Center). It felt like it was all thought out.” By mid-November, she said, “I don’t feel like this is an inconvenience to me whatsoever. Being here, I have no worries.” Griffo, like others, settled into a routine defined by precautions against COVID-19. Leading up to the semester, Gannon faculty and staff had mobilized to prepare for students’ safe return to campus, resulting in a detailed plan that outlined modifications around classroom learning, housing and dining, and social interactions. As part of those plans, students, staff and faculty wore their masks, kept their distance and submitted daily health screenings via the LiveSafe app. They also adjusted to temperature screenings in key buildings and offices. Some faculty elected to teach remotely, but more than 75% of all courses were taught face-to-face this fall, more than at most schools that opened. Each classroom featured COVID-1916
GANNON MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020
