Pooja Shaunak
Reporter
COVID-19 has dealt a number of challenges to universities, but not all of them involve masks, social distancing and intensive cleaning. Some are internal — a transition to news ways of learning, new ways of teaching and a new sense of isolation for many people.
The “new normal” for students and faculty often involves Zoom meetings, solitary meals and a decrease in social connections on campus. This presents challenges for everyone, including those responsible for teaching courses.
“I have taught online classes for many years, but I have never taught synchronous classes. This is new for me and the MUW students because I don’t think we have ever done that on campus,” said Dr. Dee Dee Larson, the interim chair of the Department of Business.
More than 75% of the university’s classes are online this fall, leaving only a few courses meeting in classrooms. Some courses which began as face-to-face instruction have since moved online, and many students are still adjusting to their new schedules in which they attend classes virtually. Larson asked students to keep in mind that this process is still new for everyone, including professors. For those adjusting to a completely online schedule, Larson suggests communicating with the professors frequently because a teacher won’t know if you can’t understand.
Another teacher who took training classes to prepare for synchronous learning is John Williams, an Accounting instructor. Williams said he finds that holding synchronous classes is bit challenging because not everyone uses the video function during Zoom, and therefore, it’s hard to gauge if a student understands or not, even after asking.
“At the end of the day, your future employers won’t give you the easy way out because you went through COVID. Students are still required to know everything when entering their job. In the business community, the expectations that were there two years ago are still there,” said Williams. “Continue to stay dedicated, focused and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.”
Teachers are still learning how to keep students motivated and engaged during their synchronous classes, and students are trying to do the same.
Some students are experiencing MUW’s campus for the first time, but it’s not how they anticipated their experience at the university would begin.
“I picked The W because of the atmosphere, and they had a good program for my major. I do struggle with online classes because I procrastinate since there is no set schedule of showing up in person,” said Shemario Jackson, a senior Management Info System student. “As a transfer student, I try to get involved in clubs when I see flyers posted around campus, but sometimes my class times interfere with the club’s meeting times.”
In addition to the traditional on-campus students, MUW has a good number of international students. Samprada Chapagain is a senior Accounting major from Nepal. She currently lives in Virginia with her sister and had planned to live in Mississippi with her friends this fall but stayed with her sister once everything moved online. COVID has affected Chapagain mentally as well as financially. She said she isn’t able to socialize with her friends or do little things to help relieve her stress about school.
President Nora Miller says the more the university sticks with CDC guidelines, the healthier the campus will be, and the faster the pandemic will end. The MUW campus released a COVID pledge for students in August that asks students to follow all guidelines to keep each other safe.
“The dichotomy of students coming into the (counseling) center are ones that are scared or ones that don’t know what to do. The new counselor, Monique, just started in July, but she has a full load,” said Dr. Deb Wells, a licensed professional counselor and director of the counseling center at The W. “Protecting yourself with masks is always a must, but just think about others as well. Protect those around you.”
The counseling center is open from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After-hours counseling is available as needed. Appointments can be made by calling 662-329-7748 or going online.
COVID is taking a toll on both students and teachers. Students are finding it hard to keep focused during a synchronous class, and teachers are finding it challenging to engage students and make sure they’re understanding the material. But the university is working hard to keep health, safety and instruction in balance. The semester is shorter this year, with graduation set for Nov. 24. Until then, everyone is asked to do their best to adjust to the “new normal” and have a successful and safe semester.