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TUESDAY • AUGUST 25, 2020
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Students ‘Return to Learn’ amidst pandemic MAXWELL MAYLEBEN EDITOR IN CHIEF With the first week of classes at Minnesota State University, Mankato beginning this week, here is a quick guide to how the university is handling the COVID-19 pandemic and procedures that are required for students this year. One of the largest points of confusion for students is the decision for students to not return to campus after the Thanksgiving break. This decision was made at the recommendation of public health officials, who say that mass travel during a pandemic, especially during the flu season, can raise concerns for transmission of viruses. Maggie Engnes, an elementary education student, says she is slightly confused by the decision. “I understand their concern and why they are doing that,” Engnes says, “but my opinion on that is that it doesn’t make any difference between
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me coming to campus after spending all summer at home, versus me coming back after a week at home in November.” The campus will remain open for those who live in Mankato, and students who wish to remain in their dorms for the remainder of the se-
mester will be allowed to do so. Classes, as of now, are planned to resume in person again at the beginning of spring semester. Students are also now required to complete an online self screening before coming
to campus. The screening is designed to keep students, faculty and guests accountable for being healthy while on campus. For classes that were supposed to be in person but are now online, students will not be charged the online differen-
tial fee. Classes that were originally supposed to be online will still have the fee. Masks will be mandatory anywhere on campus unless a student is in his or her own dorm. University-branded masks were mailed out to students over the summer in order to ensure that everyone on campus had access to a facial covering. University administrators are adamant in the point that the spread on campus can be avoided if students keep up with the safety procedures put into place, both on campus and off. In a recent interview on campus radio station KMSU, MNSU provost Matt Cecil urged the campus community to follow safety measures. “We need people to follow those rules, to be aware of social distancing, to wear those face coverings whether they are on campus or not,” Cecil said. “Otherwise, we just can’t do it. This virus is just too contagious.”
Students experience a new type of dorm life JENNA PETERSON NEWS EDITOR Living in the dorms is arguably one of the best things about freshman year. Having a sense of freedom, meeting new people, and exploring a new life adds to the thrill of it all. While this year looks different for all students, those in the dorms are trying to live as normally as possible. Numerous precautions have been put in place in Minnesota State University residence halls to ensure a healthy and safe environment for students. But even with these precautions, many students have stated dorm life doesn’t seem much different than before. Kenzie, a junior at MNSU, says she is happy with the new rules in place to protect everyone and the ways in which Residential Life is resolving issues. The biggest changes come from each floor’s lounge and kitchen areas. Students can reserve the lounge up to once a week for an extended amount of time while being able to re-
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serve the kitchen three times a week for 20 minutes each. “These time limits have been difficult for those with restricting meal plans, but I know Resident Life is already trying to come up with new ways to fix the problem,” Ken-
zie said. “I’m glad they’re trying to make resolutions instead of leaving us on our own.” Sophomores Hailey and Katie compared living in the dorms from last year to now, and both said it seems as if there are fewer activities for
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all students to enjoy on campus. This can be difficult when trying to socialize, but they said they both understand the importance of everyone’s health and safety. “I’ve been struggling to balance my class schedule and my
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work schedule because I’m still getting used to having both in-person and online classes,” Haley said. “This is probably my only problem with classes, but as the semester goes on I know I’ll get used to it.” Freshman Colin Clabo says he’s been pleased with the housing situation so far. Moving into the dorms was easier than he thought it would be, due to the volunteers and dropoff option earlier this month. Clabo said that, while socializing and meeting new people is difficult, the RAs are constantly putting on events and activities in a safe manner. He said he appreciates that. “I’ve always struggled a bit when it came to socializing, as many people do, but I appreciate the work all of the RAs are putting in to make sure our freshman year is as memorable as possible.” Clabo also said he likes having the flexibility of both in-person and online classes.
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