An inside look at campus life during this unprecedented year
2020 has been a year unlike any before. A year that just makes many of us want to scream. There were many times throughout the year that we were unsure if we were ever going to be able to be on campus. Now that we are there have been many things that are different from prior years and many changes made. Some of the biggest effects that 2020 has had on campus can be sorted into the topics below:
Social Distancing
COVID-19 effects on Campus
Northwest has implemented many new procedures to help keep students safe and on campus amidst the pandemic. These new procedures include:
- enforcing the use of a face covering
- disinfecting seats between classes
- smaller class sizes to allow for social distancing
- moving classes to online when needed
- allowing students to zoom when in quarantine
On-Campus Quarantine
For the students on-campus who need to quarantine due to either testing positive or being a close contact, North Complex has become their home for two weeks. Here students have to stay in their rooms and are only allowed to leave to get food or use the restroom.
Election Effects
This year, the election was one of the most important and notable events. For many students at Northwest, this was their first opportunity to participate in a presidential election. Students all across the country participated in this election more than many previous elections.
The Pandemic changed the way that students participated in the election.
Many Northwest instructors allowed students to miss class to be able to vote in their home towns. Many students also voted by mail-in ballots.
Both Parties on Campus
Students from all over the Midwest and the country come to Northwest for school and with this, they bring many different political views. On-Campus there are groups for both parties: Northwest Missouri College Democrats and Northwest College Republicans.
To learn more about how the political organizations at Northwest reacted to the election follow the link:
Black Lives Matter
With the Black Lives Matter Movement gaining popularity during summer 2020, the topic gained recognition it has needed for a long time on the Northwest Campus.
Many students of color have spoken out this year about what it is like being a person of color at Northwest Missouri State. The article “Being black in Maryville means never feeling safe” by Corbin Smith has been read by many students on campus and has led to faculty at Northwest posting signs that read “I believe Corbin”.
Environment
In 2020 there have been several events that have made people around the country realize there needs to be something done to combat climate change. These events include hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and heat that without a change in how we treat the earth will only become worse.
Northwest is doing their part by recycling and offering recycling to students.
There are many ways college students can incorporate simple changes to become more sustainable and help the planet.
Follow the links below for some tips on becoming more sustainable: