Winter vs. Fall: A semester review OPINIONS

Colin Ahern, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com

OnJan. 11, Bishop’s students came back on campus for the start of the 2023 winter semester. Students had the opportunity to resume classes on campus, rather than remotely. However, this privilege also came with an abrupt reality check as pre-COVID expectations are now enforced on university students that have only known COVID-adapted course loads and accommodations.

Since the 2020 winter semester, the university has been in ongoing transition phases as it balanced provincial health guidelines with a desire for in-person classes. Communications between the university and students have been frequent in the past two years to constantly offer updates on the health situation on-campus as classes were conducted in-person and online.

As the class syllabi have been presented throughout the first week of class, submission dates are less flexible than previous semesters when there were further accommodations due to online classes and the mental challenges of self-isolation. This semester, professors are encouraging students to contact them or on-campus mental health resources if needed, but have instated stricter syllabi with higher expectations and more rigid deadlines.

As for entertainment, the winter semester offers great opportunities to meet people and enjoy the Bishop’s party experience with Winterfest, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the new Gait Night themes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Indeed, the Gait welcomed back all students with a New Year’s themed party which was very popular. A smaller event was organized on Tuesday Jan. 17 for students in Residence to meet newcomers at the Residence Karaoke Night. Quiet Bar on Tuesdays is also back to offer opportunities to meet other students in a friendly environment. Despite the fact that life on campus has been vibrant since the start of the semester, the winter semester does not stand out the way the fall semester does.

Starting with O-Week that welcomes all newcomers and unites returning students, Club Day that is more crowded in September than in January, and Homecoming Weekend, the atmosphere in the fall is full of excitement compared to winter, as more fatigue is felt after a smaller break.

Fortunately, the winter months are soon coming to an end which introduces the spring excitement accompanied by warmer weather and sunny days towards the end of the semester as we get closer to the long summer break.

Although the winter semester starts abruptly compared to the fall semester, it is possible to notice the campus coming back to life as it gets warmer, and as we have more occasions to meet and enjoy the Bishop’s student life inside and outside.