How Pacific is Dealing with Covid 19. Students’ thoughts on being in Person: What Might be in Store for the Future ?

After being away from Pacific for a year and a half, students finally got the news that campus was going to be open for students and faculty. With in-person classes going on, students living on campus, athletics events, and other extracurricular activities, it seems to bring everything back to normal. But how is the university dealing with the on-going pandemic by protecting the students and ensuring they get the most out of the college experience in a safe way?

According to the university’s website, Pacific is following a safety plan that aligns with the regulations and recommendations of the California Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the State of California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With that, there are some requirements that everyone coming back to campus this Fall should follow, including: wearing a facial covering at all times while indoors (“only to be removed when eating or drinking, when in a room alone, or with your roommates in a residence hall”), and being fully vaccinated, including faculty and staff (with the exception of choosing not to for health or religious reasons by completing a declination form). 

If the student is showing symptoms of COVID-19, the university offers a test scheduled by Student Health Services provided that the individual’s healthcare provider allows it. If the students are tested off-campus, they are to notify SHS as well. When testing negative, the student can return to campus “on the advice of your health care provider or Student Health Services,” according to Pacific’s website. Furthermore, when testing positive, they are to immediately quarantine for 10 days after exposure and notify Human Resources or the Student Health Center after that; speak with your instructor or supervisor about remote work and learning options. 

While it might be hard to adjust to the “new” normal, Pacific also offers training for students on Canvas, Covid-19 Awareness and Prevention for Students. We decided to ask a couple of students what their experience was coming back to campus after being taught online and what their opinion was of how Pacific is adhering to safety COVID-19 protocols.

As a freshman who had to experience an online senior year of high school, Neil Yerem, Mechanical Engineering, ‘25 says that he is “very happy to be back in school and see  people [which is] definitely better than staring at a screen for hours on end.” 

Many students share his same views however, others have brought up concerns about the restrictions that the university has placed as well as the rising Covid cases and new delta virus. 

Kenny Le, pre-pharmacy 3 + 3, ‘25 expresses slight dissatisfaction in that “despite being in person, COVID restricts many activities and potential events that can further connect students together.” 

Le’s comments serve as a reminder that  COVID-19 is still significantly affecting each and every individual, on a global as well as a local scale. While communities are opening up, life continues to deviate from the mundane with the COVID threat still very imminent, especially on campus. As UOP COVID testing centers have started to announce COVID positive individuals on campus through email announcements, students’ uneasiness starts to grow. 

For some students, the transition to college is hard, but expected. Jeannie Pham, Biological Sciences, ‘25 admits to struggling and overcoming the harsh timing of 8 A.M. classes. While pleased to be on campus, Pham conveys her apprehensions about the pandemic and is “[comforted] to see how well enforced masking policies are and how the community at UOP is determined to take care of one another.” 

In times of stress and uncertainty, Pham brings up the importance of unity. Covid-19 has challenged each and every student, faculty member, and staff. Each person has struggled due to Covid, whether it be directly or indirectly. It is in these times that building and protecting your community collectively as individuals who share one voice in solidarity is most important. 

As the semester progresses, and as the pandemic continues, the fight does not stop to protect those around us. Wearing masks. Social distancing. Practicing hygienic etiquette (coughing into your elbow, washing your hands, etc.). It is these simple, yet effective, actions that will aid in the safety of yourself and those around you.