The university has issued updated protocols for those wanting to host events for student organizations on campus.
Student events are limited to an attendance of 10 people, and all activities must be submitted to and approved by the Office of Student Engagement. Students must also wear face masks at all times and maintain social distancing for the entirety of the event.
Levi Harrel, dean of students, said student organization activity has not decreased.
“To my knowledge, all of our student-registered organizations are still active this semester. Certainly, that’s going to look and feel different, but we don’t have any organizations putting a pause on operations,” Harrel said.
Harrel said organizations have been putting members’ safety first.
“Zoom meetings have definitely taken priority with our student organization out of an abundance of caution. Our student organizations are utilizing Zoom more,” Harrel said. “Certainly, they are hybrid operations as well, but I’m seeing a strong transition to Zoom and online platforms.”
Harrel said despite the restrictions, some students are working to create new organizations.
“We have had a few new student organizations begin the registration process this semester,” he said. “It’s exciting that students are ready to tackle the challenges.”
Noah Paul, undeclared freshman, is working to start a new democratic socialists club on campus through the Young Democratic Socialists of America.
“We have had a meeting with the YDSA about how we will navigate the pandemic and how that looks for a new club.”
Paul said Democratic Socialists of America sign-ups will be virtual.
“We’re thinking of doing meetings over Zoom to keep things as safe as we can,” he said. “That means we’ve really been utilizing calling and texting to get people interested.”
Paul said getting a new organization started in a pandemic is tough, but not impossible.
“It’s hard to have meetings for a new club when the pandemic is going on. People’s safety is much more important right now than recruiting people to join,” he said. “The pandemic is the top priority, and we are trying to function within the world of Zoom.”
Harrel said students have resources for getting involved.
“We know it’s hard right now. Normally, it is easy to get involved and easy to try out new organizations, but there are unique challenges,” Harrel said. “My biggest piece of advice is reach out to the involved center, reach out to the Office of Student Engagement; our director is there to help you get involved. We truly have a student organization for almost everyone on campus, certainly every interest.”
More information on the updated COVID-19 protocols for student organizations can be found on the OCU website’s coronavirus information page.
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