Month: March 2020

Due to the spread of COVID-19, Quinnipiac transitioned to online classes for the rest of the semester by using the application Zoom, giving professors and students only a few days to prepare for this change.

Initially, professors were shocked with the amount of time they had to change their entire course plan to an online version. 

“It was a shock at first. I knew that we were being asked to accomplish a very large feat in a short amount of time – to ensure that all of our classes would be online-ready,” said Katie Place, associate professor of strategic communications. 

For Place, transitioning her courses was easier due to her past experience with online courses. 

“I was grateful to have had the opportunity to teach an online class before – and so I was able to rely on what I had learned,” said Place. “For those who primarily teach face-to-face classes, I know that transition has been challenging.”

For professors whose in-class time is needed to ensure students are learning certain skills, rearranging their course was difficult. 

“The most difficult part was accepting that the online courses wouldn’t be perfect reflections of the on-grounds versions. There are things I wanted to do, and wanted the students to learn and experience, that they can’t in an online and social-distancing world,” said Ben Bogardus, assistant professor of journalism. “I had to go through each remaining lesson and assignment and tried to make them as valuable as they could be.”

And for Bogardus, teaching online is not as enjoyable as being able to interact with his students in the classroom. 

“I don’t find online teaching as enjoyable as in-person teaching. I miss the in-person interaction with students, and the ability to give and get the instant feedback,” said Bogardus. “But I understand that there’s no other option, so I’m making the course as valuable as I can to my students and looking forward to getting back into the classroom this fall.”

Even professors were unaware of the extent of the situation prior to the university making the decision to transition fully online, but they believe the university is making the best of the situation 

“We all assumed IF it happened, then it would just be for a week or two, and then we’d be back in the classrooms. So suddenly having to move seven weeks of course content online was jarring for everyone,” said Bogardus. “But the university has been very helpful in offering assistance with web tools and help with the technological requirements for online teaching.”

Yet, through the transition, professors are doing their best to provide similar learning experiences for their students. 

“I think the transition has been challenging and overwhelming, but it is nice to remember that we are all in this together: faculty, students, and administration,” said Place. “Each week it will get easier and we’ll get used to working together in this new online environment!”

For students, it is the professors making the transition easier. 

“I think the university did not handle it well. The only people who I thought handled it well were professors,” said junior, Olamide Gbotosho. “My professors are going out of their way to make sure this transition is easy and really wants to make sure we all succeed.”

Though some students using Zoom have not had too many issues with it yet. 

“So far zoom has been good and I enjoy it. Not all of my classes meet on zoom which is really convenient because I’m able to plan out my day as I want it,” said Gbotosho. “It is only difficult because some classes are not meant for zoom but I have to adjust to how everything is now. Learning excel has been really challenging for me.”

While other students are not a fan of their new learning environment. 

“So far I have had one class with zoom and it went fine, but it was a little weird being at home and “in class” because it was distracting,” said junior, Kaye Paddyfoote. “I couldn’t focus and I think it is going to cause a lot of students problems not being able to pay attention to what they are supposed to be learning.”

Between professors and students, Zoom is not an ideal learning situation, but is the best option considering the circumstances. 

 “I understand why the university had to do this. It is in the best interest for students, faculty and staff to be off campus right now,” said Paddyfoote. “I just don’t think any of us expected the entire semester to be moved online and that shock is why it has been a difficult adjustment.”

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 across North America several weeks ago, an era of uncertainty is beginning to form across the country. From major events like the Olympics, Roland Garros and Ultra Music Festival postponing/canceling, to events that hit more close-to-home, such as college commencements, no one knows what will unfold in the coming months.

One of the more universal changes  in the wake of COVID-19 is the cancellation of all in-person classes at colleges and universities, leading to a switch to online classrooms through the use of Zoom. However, the transition to Zoom can be frustrating for many professors and students alike. 

Senior sociology major Francesca Napolitano decided to launch a petition on Facebook last week to try and persuade Quinnipiac University to allow students the option to make their classes pass/fail due to the struggle of not having face-to-face classes for the remainder of the semester. 

“I first decided to write the petition on March 16 after talking to my sister who is currently quarantined in Italy,” Napolitano said. “I was stressing to her about having to do my last semester completely online. She had mentioned that other schools, like Fordham University where she did her undergrad, were petitioning to make certain courses have a pass/fail option.”

She thought it was a smart idea, and posted a petition for Quinnipiac to do the same on change.org, hoping it would get enough signatures to send to the administration.

So far, Napolitano’s petition has received over 2,100 signatures, with more coming in every day. Napolitano’s message that online classes do not provide an adequate enough learning environment is seemingly resonating with a multitude of students. 

“A major adjustment has been made to the way we are learning, so a major adjustment needs to be made to the way we are being graded. It is not fair for a multitude of students to be expected to be graded on their performance in online classes to the same standard as a face-to-face class.  It is simply unrealistic”, Napolitano said. “The online classes do not provide that same type of learning environment. Not to mention, there are difficulties it presents for international students, or students in a different time zone and those that require learning accommodations. There are things available online to help those with learning difficulties but it still is not the same or as good as being in person, on-campus”, Napolitano said.”

Napolitano’s idea has already been implemented at several universities across the country. One of those schools is fairly close to Quinnipiac at Sacred Heart University. Deborah Noack, the Executive Director of Communications for Sacred Heart, came to the same conclusion and Napolitano.

“Because the coronavirus epidemic has necessitated that our students complete the spring semester online, and because some students find online learning more challenging, we made the decision last week to broaden our pass/fail policy for the spring 2020 semester. Students have the option to take any undergraduate courses pass/fail. Courses taken pass/fail this semester do not count toward program maximums for pass/fail,” Noack said. 

Another petition circling around is one to postpone this May’s commencement ceremony, rather than having it canceled. The petition, started by Cristina Trainer, a Quinnipiac University parent, so far has gained over 1,200 signatures. Unfortunately, Trainer could not be reached for questions at this time. 

Overall, the ongoing rise of cancellations due to COVID-19 is going to lead to a rise of outcry and petitions by people to not cancel or suspend events. Whether they be concert goers, sports fans or college students, the rise to protect self-interests is only just beginning in this time of uncertainty.

Quinnipiac University has decided to postpone their graduation until further notice. 

Quinnipiac’s decision to postpone the Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony was made aware to students Tuesday morning. The choice to move it back came down to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines and Connecticut Governor Ned Lemont’s recommendation to limit public gatherings. 

Students will be contacted within the next few weeks regarding how they will be reviewing their diplomas. Quinnipiac will be acknowledging the successful completion of undergraduate academics for students. Many will need their transcripts and diplomas when entering the workforce or graduate school in the coming months. 

It is stated that the COVID-19 virus provides too many uncertainties to announce a new date for commencement. Although a date has not been tentatively set for students, Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian wanted to assure students that there will be a ceremony. 

“I want to provide you with clarity about our commitment to still hold an in-person event,” Olian said in her email to students.

Olian also went on to assure students that they will be notified with fair amounts of time to prepare. 

“We will give you adequate notice so that you will be able to plan your travel and schedule.” 

Quinnipiac senior Zack Brooks shared his thoughts on the postponement, “I am very sad, but not shocked by the outcome. I am happy that the school is assuring us it will be held in person at a later date.”

Brooks and others will be looking forward to an email regarding their updated commencement schedule in the future. President Olian hinted that a possible commencement may take place in the Summer or Fall. 

By Pat Hickey

Colleges and universities around the nation are forced to move their classes and activities to virtual for the remainder of the school year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Not having to physically go to class may seem like an advantage. However, for some seniors, the disadvantages that come along with this are much more detrimental than imagined.

Whether it’s dealing with the technical difficulties in Zoom meetings, or having to pack up your belongings and go home, these issues are making the quick end to senior year worse. After speaking with a few seniors here at Quinnipiac it’s obvious that this “extended spring break” is no fun and games, and for some it means some serious re-planning and structuring.

The current seniors have every right to be upset with how their final semester has ended, according to Quinnipiac seniors Steve Fitzpatrick and Hannah Harris, who say this situation isn’t as good as it may sound. “This just really sucks,” Fitzpatrick said. “I have friends in my classes that I won’t be able to see, possibly ever again.”

Harris feels similarly with Fitzpatrick’s statements, but with all the other extras that go into graduating college she feels as though we are getting robbed out of what we deserve. 

“I understand that it seems easy and fun to have online classes for the rest of the semester, but combined with working from home, pressure of graduating soon and finding a job, having our senior year cancelled feels like we did all this work for nothing,” Harris said.

Clubs and organizations on campus have been negatively affected as well. Senior Justin Marin, President of the Marketing club here at Quinnipiac, gives a glimpse of how clubs are affected by the pandemic.

“It sucks for all of the members because we had some really exciting events and field trips planned for the remainder of the semester, which we can no longer do,” Marin said. “We also lost out on a whole lot of revenue opportunities and had to return over $300 to businesses we planned on working with because we can no longer deliver what was promised.”

For Emily Eichholtz, a senior studying psychology, using her remaining credits on art classes turned out to be a lot more frustrating than expected. “ I purposely took two art classes this semester to utilize the supplies and studio art time,” Eichholtz said. “Now I have to go out and not only buy my own supplies, but also have to re-design my projects.”

Students like Julian Rigi don’t have the luxury of being able to drive home, and having to pack up your belongings and re-adjusting to the new semester is trickier than what most students have to deal with. Rigi is from Idaho, and the time zone difference makes his earlier classes a lot more difficult to make. 

“It has been hell on earth,” Rigli Said. “ So my 8 a.m.’s are now at 5 a.m., and my 9 a.m.’s are now at 6 a.m.”

By Mackensie Judge

Quinnipiac’s annual dance marathon QTHON has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. Students will still be raising money throughout the rest of the semester with hopes that there will be a virtual dance marathon in April.

“We want to do a virtual dance marathon to celebrate everyone that was involved to make this year successful,” said senior Rachel Taylor. “In addition, we want to reveal our total for the year.”

QTHON is a yearlong fundraiser that Quinnipiac University participates in each year. Members of the Quinnipiac community dance for 10 hours to raise money and awareness for Connecticut Children’s.

Last year 1,700 dancers raised more than $332,000, bringing the students’ eight-year total to more than one million.

At the end of a long 10 hour day hearing the total amount of money that was raised is a humbling moment for students.

“My proudest moment is to stand in the gym while we, as fellow bobcats, hold hands and the kids cut off our hospital bracelets,” said senior Kerry Golden. “Seeing our total at the end of the night and knowing it will help save these kids, there are truly no words to describe that feeling.”

Not only do the kids look forward to this every year, but so do the students.

“QTHON is something that is much bigger than myself,” said Golden. “It means the absolute world to bring the kids into our gym and out of the hospital.”

Students spend the whole year fundraising for this event and to have it cancelled is leaving many of them disappointed.

“Not having QTHON is heartbreaking,” said Golden. “It is something myself, and other students, look forward to each year. I start fundraising as soon as QTHON ends.”

Students, parents and the kids understand why the decision to cancel was reached.

“I know that it is in the best interest of the kids and their families,” said Golden. “We don’t want to expose each other so we can all be safe.”

Golden is even looking for the hidden message around all of this.

“QTHON is all about fighting,” said Golden. “We dance and raise money so these kids can fight childhood illness. Right now we all have to work together to fight the virus.”

Everyone is hopeful that we will take this heartbreaking news and turn it into something better next year.

“I think not having QTHON this year will really light a fire for next year,” said Golden. “I know that next year we will rise as a community and will always keep dancing for the kids despite the circumstances.”

Hopefully students are ready to light that fire if QTHON goes virtual in April as well as prepare for next year’s dance marathon. 

By Alexis Rossi

Quinnipiac University students have taken their classes online for one week so far using the Zoom meeting software. Reactions have been mixed.

 Nicole Gibson, Junior, Journalism and Theatre major

“I’m actually getting really used to the online learning style this semester. It provides more flexibility in my schedule, which I haven’t had for a while, with still being able to complete my school work. I feel like so far the classes are running well; one of them is dance-based where the class is constantly moving but my teacher has come up with ways to still fulfill that objective. The professors I admit are still getting used to it, as am I, but I feel confident that they’ll be more comfortable with it over time. I just had a minor internet connectivity issue during one of my advising meetings today, but we were able to continue what we both had to do.”

Raeanne Bryceland, Junior, Nursing major

“We are now doing lab simulations online. It’s been okay, but we are learning in the virtual lab about things that require hands on experience. It is difficult to feel prepared after watching only videos and listening to lectures. The class is a little different than most to put online since it’s supposed to be done in person. It’s been frustrating because I’m not getting the experience that I thought I would have from this.”

Samantha Simon, Sophomore, Journalism major

“Generally, I’m feeling really overwhelmed with classes being online. I didn’t realize how much I took for granted attending class in a regular classroom setting and overall just living on campus. I’m also finding it really hard to focus and get work done while home. I definitely miss the structure/routine I had at school because I was definitely more productive there. There just seems to be a big disconnect with understanding information through online work rather than an in person class for me. I’m definitely scared my GPA is going to suffer because of this adjustment, but I know professors are being as accommodating as they can because this is a weird time for all of us.”

Ryan Bowens, Sophomore, Film, Television, and Media Arts major

“I understand because of how serious the virus is but I don’t work well in online classes. A lot of my classes need one-on-one help. It’s not the same when it’s virtual. Especially my film classes. I still have to film just without any of the equipment which is pretty hard considering. I just feel like because it was such a sudden switch that no one expected it’s already going pretty bad. The classes I’m taking now are mostly for my major and this is all experience that I really needed to get on campus.”

Spencer Brown, Freshman, Accounting major 

“When it comes to online courses, there are many external factors that come into play. It requires more independence, and doesn’t take into account the student’s life outside of classes. I feel that for everyone it is really stressful having these classes online and that it’s going to lead to lower grades. There’s not a lot of structure, and I feel like that’s something I really valued having on campus, especially with it being my second semester. My classes have been okay online, but I’m definitely not getting the experience that I was getting on campus. I’m losing a part of my first year on campus which is annoying too.”