Life on campus will likely stay as close to normal as possible for students and faculty at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), but there are going to be notable changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the summer, the university has worked to create a Safe Together, Strong Together program to make sure the transition back to campus is as smooth as possible.
“I thought that it was a good way to keep us informed throughout the whole summer,” a junior at CMU, Cheylynne Hirmin said.
CMU students have been updated about these new restrictions along the way in order to ensure awareness that the university is taking measures to keep campus a safe place to return to in the fall.
“I think that the school has done an excellent job handling the situation by taking recommendations through student surveys, as well as the help of health care professionals. I am still a little worried about going back, but I think the way the school has handled all of this will help a lot,” Junior Andra McDougall said.
The Safe Together, Strong Together plan has had the campus reopen in phases. This included opening the Mav Center in small portions and safely moving in students who live on campus. Students and staff will also be required to wear masks whenever they are in buildings on campus.
Even though a majority of students are excited yet anxious to return to campus, there are still a few that worry. There are still questions and thoughts as to what happens if there is a second wave of the virus and how the school will adapt to the new guidelines that keep changing.
A question that was on athletes’ minds throughout summer was whether or not fall sports will be able to compete in their 2020 season. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference announced that fall sports such as women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball and football will all play but will have a delayed start to their season. CMU’s Men’s and Women’s tennis programs usually take part in the PacWest conference, which is now said to start January 2021.
With social practices constantly changing and officials coordinating with the Safe Together, Strong Together team to make sure that CMU is a safe place to be, the return back to campus is imminent. For the most part, students are looking forward to seeing friends that they have not seen since before spring break and to have in-person classes again.
