Despite COVID-19 risks, USI, UE students returning to campus are hopeful about the year
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Six months ago, Madelyn Morris had envisioned what her first steps on a college campus would be like. The Mooresville, Indiana, student was focusing on successfully finishing her final semester, sending out graduation party invites and getting ready for the University of Southern Indiana's student orientation, scheduled for March 20.
But everything changed with COVID-19.
Morris never thought the world would be ravaged by the novel coronavirus, let alone that it would impact her first college move-in experience. While it all worked out in the end, it wasn't what she expected.
"It was just kind of odd," she said. "We had to wear masks and had to be very quick with getting stuff from the car to the room because they didn't want everybody going in and out and have that contact.
"I knew I'd feel a little nervous and anxious, and I still do, but not as bad as I thought I would be."
Throughout the week, students from USI and the University of Evansville have slowly made their way back to campus, with the two schools establishing a phased move-in approach to limit the number of students and family contact.
These plans are in line with the Indiana State Health Department and Gov. Eric Holcomb's directives, which require all schools to enforce proper safety measures and guidelines to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The two universities have reduced room occupancies, placed restrictions on visitors and asked new and returning students to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 before arriving to campus – among other practices.
Even with the risks surrounding students' return, UE junior Kyle Nicholson said he's looking forward to coming back to campus on Sunday when he's scheduled to do so. He also hopes to compete alongside his teammates during track season in the spring.
"My thoughts on coming back are actually hopeful," he said. "I'm hoping we as a student body can still have our good times as young adults, but also comply with what needs to be done so we don't have to go back home again."
Nicholson said he doesn't anticipate the move will be any different than the ones he had his freshman and sophomore years. In fact, his excitement has only grown as his move-in date has gotten closer.
"I think it's been working very, very well," said Amy Price, director of USI Housing and Residence Life. "With this year being more spread out, it's actually gone a lot smoother with the traffic flow."
Along with welcoming students back in staggered move-in dates, USI officials have conducted drive-thru check-ins and scheduled families in 45-minute time slots. And in monitoring the process, Price said there's been a lot of excitement among students this week, even under these unprecedented circumstances.
Having been on campus less than a week, Morris said she's still been able to connect with other students and gain a sense of comfort on the university's grounds.
"The atmosphere is pretty uplifting," she said. "Everybody is just so nice, and it makes me feel really comfortable. I'm really excited to see what USI has to offer."
And while the first day of classes hasn't started, the nursing major said she's witnessed other students in passing who have worn their masks and practiced social distancing as best they can.
"USI is doing a really good job of reminding us that if we want to stay on campus, that it's our job to make sure that we do our very best to protect ourselves, our classmates and faculty," Morris said.
And while ensuring every student follows these guidelines will be a challenge, Price said, she and other housing staff will continue to promote proper hygiene and precaution for the safety of those on campus and in the Evansville community.
Classes at USI begin Monday and Wednesday at UE.