BY: FARZANA ROHIT
Back to School for York University Students—Transitioning from online to in-person learning.
York University students head back to school for the first in-person school year in over two years this fall. Most students have not been on campus since 2020 – making it a difficult transition. Students not only had to make a big adjustment from in-person to online learning, but now, two years later, they must make another adjustment to go from online to in-person learning. For many, this will not be an easy transition, and some students are anxious about the change.
For some students, going back to in-person learning is something they are looking forward to. Students can finally meet with their professors, attend office hours, and utilize school services such as the library and student centres. It is an opportunity for students to mingle with one another and build friendships with students alike—which has been difficult to do remotely.
Online learning has made it difficult for me to completely immerse myself in the university experience by going to school events and joining campus clubs where I’d be able to make friends. I am the type of student who enjoys attending lectures, not only because I do not have the distractions of my home at my fingertips but because I can meet with my Professors and TAs in person to ask questions and create lasting connections. Creating those connections through email has not been easy, to say the least. We have also had those days where Zoom was not cooperating, or eClass was down, and we had no access to our work and lectures. Technology is not always reliable, and going back to in-person learning will alleviate some academic concerns.
However, on the other hand, going back to in-person learning can be a difficult adjustment that some students may not be looking forward to. To help ease the transition, York University has implemented guidelines to help minimize the spread of the virus to ensure students feel safe. Maintaining clean classrooms with sufficient ventilation is important for many returning students. There will continue to be on-site vaccine clinics taking place on the Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses for students to get up to date with their vaccine status.
For information on York University’s latest COVID-19 information and the steps they are taking to help minimize the spread, visit YU Better Together.
Finally, for those returning to campus this month, I hope you have an amazing school year and remember—be kind to yourself.