By: Victoria Crosdale, Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications
3:00 PM ET, Fri. September 4, 2020
Freshman and incoming transfer students, who were expecting to engage in some “college level fun” this semester, may have to put those expectations on hold for the foreseeable future.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic many colleges and universities, including the University of South Florida (USF), have decided to limit the amount of on campus activities taking place this semester.
This means that for the first time in years, all the parties and parades have either been postponed, canceled or placed online. With fewer opportunities to mingle, students are feeling isolated in this time of social distancing.
USF Freshman Zoe Campbell was excited to be with her peers after spending so much time in quarantine. “I miss actually being around people – making new friends.”
Even students from other Florida schools are feeling the same way. University of Central Florida transfer student Mellina Evert, expressed her disappointment as well, “I feel like I can’t connect like I’ve wanted to.” Evert was especially looking forward to attending tailgates and parties, two well known college ventures that made it easy to meet new people.
Colleges have been working hard to come up with alternative methods for students to interact. So far the most reasonable option has been holding events online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other similar platforms.
Despite these efforts, there remains a preconception that any activities taking place online would be “awkward,” “difficult” and boring.” Both Campbell and Evert agreed that this type of interaction would leave them feeling unenriched.
Renee Hunt, the director of communications and marketing at USF’s Department of Student Affairs and Student Success,
“The programming departments themselves are working diligently to develop interesting and creative virtual programming to engage students.” These departments were also using social media, the BullSync forum and email “interest lists” to make students aware of virtual programs.
Associate Director of the Center for Student Involvement Joshua Wilson.
“The Center for Student Involvement is happy to provide online spaces for students to have opportunities to connect, laugh, and explore”
Assistant Director of Marketing & Membership Michael Coccagnia said that the school’s actually offering “both virtual and in-person programs right now.” A list of these programs can be viewed on the “Fall 2020” section of The Department of Recreation & Wellness website.
First-years and others can sign up for Involvement Consultations. “These consultations are an excellent resource for any student at USF to learn the various options students can use to get involved.”
To learn more visit http://www.usf.edu/involvement.
“If we all do our part, we will be able to return to in-person events, programs and gatherings and students that connected virtually will already have established a network on campus.”
