Following the nationwide shutdown and the shift to remote learning, OCU’s campus has gone through much change and adaptation in regards to the threat of Covid-19. Today, looking at the differences between Fall 2021 and Fall 2020, we see the campus has begun to open up due to the success of previous mitigation efforts.
Case counts August through October 2020 were at a higher rate of alert than the same month frame in 2021. Due to the low alert level, campus mitigation has altered.
In the Fall 2020 semester, masks were mandated indoors. Classes required masks, and students could not participate in events if they refused to wear a mask after being asked to wear one. The mask mandate which the university followed in these past protocols ended in May of 2021. Fall 2021 has held mask recommendations rather than requirements. Certain elective events may require masks, yet a mask policy is no longer enforced by the university for classes.
Senior Dance Management major Joanne Holdeman said she wishes more students would opt for mask-wearing, despite it now being optional.
“Though I am glad that students have more opportunities to have fun and connect, last year, our student body was much more dedicated to mask-wearing and social distancing,” Holdeman said.
Some students have chosen to exercise their free choice by opting out of wearing masks indoors and outside. However, according to junior marketing major Ericka Herrera, a large number of students and faculty have continued mask-wearing, following university recommendations.
“Even though the use of masks is no longer required, I see that our professors and fellow peers are actively doing their part to continue in safety protocols,” Herrera said.
In spite of different choices, she said the campus remains a place of respect.
“Although it was a bit weird coming back to campus and seeing many without masks, many more continue to take extra precautions for their sake and the sake of others and everyone I have encountered has been respectful towards one another in such dividing times,” Herrera said.
The Covid-19 vaccination became available for students in Spring 2021 and made a large impact on the status of mitigation efforts. The university offered free vaccination clinics throughout the semester to all students and employees.
Today, 66.6% of non-law students at OCU and 76% of non-law employees are fully vaccinated. Vaccines have not been mandated on campus for students or employees, but some extracurricular or major-specific opportunities require proof of vaccination for students who do not have a health-related or religious exemption.
“In my opinion, OCU did a great job getting students vaccinated in Spring 2021. The process was quick, easy, and very well organized,” Holdeman said, in regards to vaccine access on campus.
As it is an individual choice, some students and employees will continue to exercise freedom regarding vaccination status.
“I would encourage anyone with questions or on the fence to seek out those resources and make the decision that they think is best for them,” Herrera said.
Herrera closed by saying what matters most is the health of our student body and faculty members.
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