BY: Jayla Brown
Coronavirus slammed the nation back in spring of this year, shutting down school and work for most people. Fast forward to fall, and everyone has a new normal.
On July 15, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, among other governors, issued a statewide ordinance that required everyone to wear a mask. This ordinance was set to expire on July 31 for Alabamians, but it has since then been extended throughout October.
There were many questions concerning college students, faculty and staff with the Fall semester coming as quickly as it did. Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) is one of many colleges and universities that decided to resume on campus. The University has made numerous accommodations and changes to better benefit the students and staff.
Exactly what has AUM changed to help prevent the spread of COVID?
AUM released information to the public and to students and staff about the return to campus. The first thing being talked about is the enforcement of a face mask in every building. Whether you are in the halls of your dorm or waiting in the hall for your class, you are required to wear a face mask.
Along with face masks, they are asking that everyone “watch their wingspan.” In other words, stay 6 feet away. If you walk around campus, you will see a variety of signs reminding students to keep their faces covered and social distance.
You will notice that some stairwells are to be used only to go down to prevent traffic on the stairwell. Along with those measures, AUM is also trying to avoid traffic in the café by allowing students to order their food on an app for pick up. Much of the seating inside the café has been either closed or limited, and a lot of seating around campus has been closed to promote social distancing.
Another thing that has been limited is the number of students allowed in a classroom. AUM has reduced the amount in a classroom by 50%, which has opened up another change. Many professors have allowed students to opt-out of in-person classes. Students have been able to choose to go to class via Blackboard Collaborate or Zoom. Professors have also given them a chance to come face-to-face one class day out of the week.
There are so many more changes around campus, and you can read them on the school’s website or by using the links below.
For more about AUM back to campus plans: https://online.fliphtml5.com/qgze/bbst/#p=1
AUM Daily Health Checks: http://www.aum.edu/aumhealthcheck