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After a year of remote and flex-hybrid learning, Champlain College—in addition to other local colleges—is planning to hold in-person classes this fall.
An email was written by the Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion (SADI) were sent to all students speaking about Fall 2021 plans. For housing, doubles will be treated as doubles. But with quads and quints, occupancy will be limited to two students. However, it is possible that these rooms will return to normal occupancy by August. There will be a waitlist due to these rules, but Champlain College has made it clear that they want to house almost everyone. It is expected that a revised Health Pledge will stay intact for Fall 2021.
In regard to the learning format, the SADI stated, “Champlain College will open for in-person teaching and learning in the fall with the goal that classes will be taught face-to-face in the classroom.” Covid related updates can be found here. Overall the students are feeling excited, uneasy, nervous. There are many mixed feelings about this plan made by the colleges.
Some love the freedom that comes with online learning. Hannah Ferris, a first-year Professional Writing major, is in favor of virtual learning. “I love that I am able to do anything during class like crocheting or cooking or driving around or just to lay in bed and don’t feel guilty about it.” Ferris wrote in the email. Virtual learning allows students to be in a more relaxed atmosphere and to feel more comfortable. Reverting back to in-person classes will be a big transition. “I feel like I won’t be able to wear my pajamas if we have in-person classes,” she wrote. Being able to stay in comfortable clothing will be a challenge that arises.
How does Ferris feel about returning to in-person classes? Half and half. “I guess one thing that I look forward to in-person classes is actually seeing and meeting people, having that in-person connection which seems hard to create in an academic setting.” Ferris wrote. But on the other hand, she feels returning to campus can either be reckless or difficult. Champlain College has made the decision to limit dorm capacity, the limit being two people only. This policy raises concern and some anxiety. “It’s going to make it more difficult for people to attend with limited housing.” she wrote. Ferris is also afraid of how the school will even follow guidelines. “I don’t understand how they will follow guidelines, there are just too many students per class to fit in the classrooms and still follow the COVID-19 guidelines.”
Another student who has mixed feelings towards virtual learning is Isabelle Labbé. She is a first-year Professional Writing major with a specialty in creative writing. Labbé loves the fact that she can do classes from anywhere she wants. “It’s very convenient and I feel a lot more comfortable than in person.” wrote Labbé. But on the contrary, she feels like she’s missing out. “I hate that I have no motivation to do online work and the fact that I feel like I’m missing out on the classical in-person class experience.” she wrote.
Overall, it seems like Labbé is concerned about the Fall 2021 plans that are set in place by Champlain College. “I am very concerned about the plans for Fall 2021. I honestly don’t know what we’re supposed to do. I’ve already had a rough time this last semester and this is just a whole other thing to stress about.” But she’s excited about meeting other people and making friends in person. “I feel like I will apply myself much better.” she wrote.
Tanner Benjamin Williams, a Visual Communications Design major and first-year student, is another student with some mixed feelings. He expressed a huge concern for his academics. “What I hate about remote learning is that I can’t get that much help from my professors. If I need help for an assignment or just to explain it again.” But on the flip side, remote learning makes everything less stressful for him. “What I love about virtual learning is that I don’t have to participate much in classes and I can have my camera off, so I won’t get stressed and anxious.” he wrote.
For Willams, there is a lot of nervousness revolving around the fate of students at Champlain College. “I’m worried that we will lose students due to what’s happening so far,” Williams said. But is there anything he’s looking forward to regarding the return to campus? He’s really excited about seeing other people. “I’m looking forward to seeing others IRL. Just not online for classes or gaming. Also, get to see not just my parents and pets all day.” Williams wrote.
For some people keeping their focus on their academics has been especially challenging during the virtual learning format. Rebecca Natale, a first-year Professional Writing major as well, is struggling through this virtual learning era. Natale loves the fact that she is able to sleep in, but there are some downsides. “It’s very hard to focus and it feels like the class and the professors are less engaged.” Natale wrote.
After having a conversation with her, it’s clear that Natale is worried about the housing situation and feels uncomfortable overall. “From my understanding, not everyone will be able to come back on campus in the fall, so unless they live nearby or can somehow get an apartment before coming back, they’re basically screwed.” Natale wrote in the email. Overall, Natale is saying that due to the waitlist that may occur because of the limited occupancy, people will have a hard time even getting a room. She is feeling like it is out of her comfort zone to return to in-person learning. “I personally don’t feel comfortable returning to fully in-person classes so soon.” she wrote.
Champlain isn’t the only Vermont college assessing how to return in the fall. On March 15th, an email from UVM was sent to all students. “ We are pleased to announce today that we intend to return to a full on-campus experience this fall.” UVM wrote in the email. Graduation plans are also being discussed to “allow graduates attendance only.” They will still allow some classes to be online since there has been a “25% increase in students who enjoy virtual learning”. Every student is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are able to. UVM is anticipating no pre-arrival Covid 19 testing but may still do some testing early in the semester. Just like all other colleges, they will continue to monitor the guidelines and adjust plans accordingly.
If you would like to know more, you can go to the University of Vermont’s website here.
Osha Bensen Langstaff French, a freshman who is intending UVM this semester, shared her feelings about UVM’s Fall plans. “I feel like they are jumping into things really fast and kids have already been through a lot so it’s going to be a drastic adjustment once again.” French wrote. French understands that everyone wants to go back to normal, but we’ve adjusted to a “new definition of normal.”
By Gina Delossantos
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