Student Groups Stay in Touch Despite COVID-19

COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has caused couples to postpone weddings, for schools to cancel commencement, and for families to scramble to find childcare as states continue to lockdown further and further. All of this change and upheaval has directly impacted Frostburg State University students, many of whom live in urban areas where the virus is spreading rapidly. 

Surprisingly, one element of collegiate life that is continuing without missing a beat is the prominence of student organizations. 

For Erin James, President of Active Minds, staying in touch is part of why the group even exists. “Considering our mission, which is to advocate for the mental wellbeing of students, we hope that the student body is adapting well,” she says. “We send mass emails out and social media posts just about every week to check-in with our members and we will be sharing tips to manage during times like this.”

James says the check-ins will consist of emotional, mental, and physical wellness checklists, tips, and advice to boost self-esteem while processing the impacts of COVID-19. 

“This isn’t just a time to rest, this is an important time in everyone’s development, and a great time

to learn more about yourself and the various topics that could lead you to your passions,” says James. 

Korey King, President of the Black Student Alliance, echoes James’ sentiments.  

“We are all still reeling, and we are mostly frustrated about this situation for sure,” says King. “Right now I am sending positive messages to my fellow members,” she says, “and so far I’ve managed to keep in touch with group members through social media and text messaging.” 

Other groups, like the National General Assembly and Debate Team, are going even further than check-ins. 

Jessica Thayer, one of two Co-Presidents of the Debate Team, used GroupMe to message her clubmates to inquire about how to proceed in this uncertain time. Her suggestion, “virtual debate meetings,” was warmly received by club members. While the club is still working out the kinks, club members have suggested pre-recorded clips, live-streamed debates, and video calling as some of the ways to stay connected. 

The National General Assembly, who was due to present legislation at the Maryland State Legislation (MSL) meeting in Annapolis this April, has had to rework their semester plans.

Thankfully for the club, a Canvas site was developed in Fall 2019 which has facilitated communication. The group also uses GroupMe to chat, and club member Jon Huzier has developed a “virtual legislature” environment using Adobe Connect. Huzier says that his virtual legislature may be adopted state-wide as a way to convene the April MSL meeting.

Among those organizations moving ahead is the Student Government Association who will hold their election beginning on Wednesday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m. The ballot, accessible on Bobcat Connect, will feature a paragraph from each candidate detailing why they wish to represent the student body. The annual SGA election has been held online for over a decade. 

However, not all groups are back on their feet. 

The Fandom Society, a large and emerging group on campus, has had to cancel all their events and trips due to COVID-19, they announced in a social media post. They also will not be holding meetings for the rest of the semester. For club members, there is one silver lining, the Fandom Society’s weekly Dungeons & Dragon game will still run online each Friday. 

The Geography Club, too, has canceled events including a tree planting with Trout Unlimited and the Maryland Native Tree Society, as well as travel to the American Association of Geographers’ annual meeting in Denver, Colorado. 

“Unfortunately, there is little we can do from a distance while everyone is trying to adapt to this new normal,” says club Vice-President, Emily Hoyt. 

Near or far, all groups are reassessing their operations during this period of time. Our publication, The Bottom Line, is doing the same. Per Gwen Schemm, our Editor-in-Chief, the paper will move entirely online for the rest of the semester. 

“I think this presents a unique opportunity for The Bottom Line to join newspapers across the nation to transition online during the digital age,” says Schemm. 
So, Bobcats, we will see you at www.thebottomlinenews.com.