Each fall students gather on campus to participate in many TAMUT traditions, but there was no Convocation for freshman or senior Torch Light and bonfire due to COVID-19. The pandemic is evolving the way we socialize on campus and in Texarkana. 

Texarkana offers a number of unique experiences that comply with social distance mandates, here are four picks to explore around town.

Texarkana Wall Mural

Grab some friends for a social distanced photoshoot with a hint of Texarkana for your Instagram feed. Located on Broad St. across from the Bi-State Justice Building, these murals are a trendy spot for pictures. The seven murals are within walking distance from several local restaurants and bakeries. 

Outdoor Brunch

The best way to spend a Saturday afternoon is brunch on a patio with good friends. Texarkana has three prime locations, Hopkin’s Icehouse, Redbone Magic Brewing Co. and Verona. Each restaurant has their own specialty and is sure to add some joy to your weekend.

Cafes

Texarkana has two local spots that will make your day. Brewsters on the Boulevard and Urban Tea Town offer unique drinks and seasonal specials. Be sure to say hi to Dr. Leighton when you stop by Urban Tea Town.

Bringle Lake Art

If you are looking to stay close to campus but want to get out, try the spillway art trail.  Accessible from a trail via Bringle Lake East hiking path or a quick drive down Richmond Road, this is an opportunity to see local artists make the community a little brighter.https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1SuEvRh_SuKRf-mkR9BI9EYyW6EWCRqH0&usp=sharing

The University Center is unusually quiet this September. The grey tile is missing the echo of young adult voices as organizations attempt to recruit for the semester. The tables normally decorated with bright table cloths, glittering awards and photos from the past are now surrounded with PVC and clear plastic curtains with a single representative behind the table. This is part of the “new normal” caused by COVID-19 that student leaders, like Omega Delta Chi President, Taylor Atkins have to accept.

“I go into the cafeteria now and there’s not tons of people talking and having a good time. It’s sad to see,” Atkins said. “TAMU-T’s main appeal was always the campus involvement you got.”

While the lack of involvement on campus is discomforting to returning students, the University staff noticed too, and asked Atkins and other leaders to join the student panel of the COVID-19 Task Force. This allows the students to meet with staff and faculty to gain different insights to the “Student Life” means in the era of COVID-19.

“I’m hopeful,” Atkins said. “I know all student leaders are working their butts off to try to build something we had last year and the year before that.”

Organizations on campus have turned to using Zoom, Google Forms, GroupMe and Doodle Polls to make up for lost events and meetings. Greek recruitment was held through a series of Zoom meetings in 30 minute intervals.

“It was always awkward, there was always a wall up, but the more that we had them the more comfortable the girls got talking to us,” said Atkins. “I feel like it was really successful because the girls that really wanted it stuck through it.”

For more information about campus life with COVID-19 guidelines click here.