The COVID-19 outbreak has not been an easy issue to deal with, especially as a full-time college student. TAMUT made the decision in March 2020 to move all classes to an online format for the remainder of the spring semester. The decision was then made to hold both online and face to face courses during fall 2020. This adjustment was not an easy one for many students, including Murray. “At the time I was a pre-nursing major and it was not easy. At that point is when I began to think about changing my major.” Murray stated. During the time of the pandemic it has opened many students’ eyes and made them realize that things can change in a blink of an eye.
The Eagle Family is what attracts many students to our campus. “I am from Idabel, OK and everyone back home went to the same five colleges, and I didn’t want to go to one of the five everyone else went to. So I chose TAMUT.” Murray stated. Most students choose TAMUT because they love the atmosphere and all the opportunities presented to them.
Murray is involved in greek life on campus, she is a member of Omega Delta Chi, a sorority on campus. “This semester has been very different from the past. We can only have one event a month and two meetings. We are used to having a meeting once a week and getting everything done then.” Murray stated.
Many students question whether or not face to face classes are the best choice. Students feel their health is more at risk being around others that come from the higher risk areas. “It should be mandatory to wipe down your desk and sanitize your hands when you enter a classroom or public space.” Murray stated. There are many things on campus that are mandatory to do, but wiping down your desk spaces is only encouraged.
As far as the future of our campus it is still unknown what will happen. In an ideal world everything will go back to normal once the pandemic is over, but we all know that will not be the case. “Classes next semester should be online only to help decrease the amount of classes that have to be quarantined.”Murray stated. Since the beginning of the academic year at least five classes have had to quarantine for 14 days, some people are having to quarantine multiple times. “Our campus has handled the situation as best as they can with all the sanitizer stations around campus, the signs, masks being required, and limiting the number of people that can be in the elevator.” TAMUT is taking all precautions recommended by the CDC.
If you are a student or faculty/staff at TAMUT and think you may have the coronavirus or have been exposed, go to the COVID-19 tab on our website and get more information on your next steps. Remember to always wash your hands and masks, only go places when you absolutely need to, and most importantly do not leave your house if you have symptoms or are starting to feel sick. Students are encouraged to help stop the spread.