By Ava Anselmo and Zoe Shubin
American University students and staff are set to come back to campus full time this fall after taking classes from home since March 2020.
“I am really excited to have students back on campus this fall,” said Sarah Menke-Fish, an assistant professor and assistant dean of experiential learning at American’s School of Communication.
Without disregarding the severity of health concerns, Menke-Fish is looking for ways to bring everyone together saying, “to still create a sense of community.” The university will require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated before returning to campus.
On the other hand, some AU faculty members are less confident about this fall’s plans.
Kyle “Kylos” Brannon is an assistant professor and associate director of the film program at American University. Brannon, too, is looking forward to returning to campus alongside his students, but he has concerns as well.
Brannon believes the university should proceed with caution, noting health concerns and he hopes administrators look at options for hybrid or remote learning even after the pandemic is over.
“It seems like a good idea, but I’m skeptical of the circumstances,” Brannon said.
Students also gave their input on their expected return to campus.
Kerry Testen, a rising junior, is optimistic.
“I think it’s going to be really exciting,” Testen said. “I think everyone’s done with online school for the most part. And I feel like it should be pretty safe if everyone is vaccinated.”
Peyton Proksch, an American undergraduate student, is also excited to come back full time.
“Just not being on campus and having classes on Zoom, just wasn’t the same experience,” Proksch said. She added that it’s “really encouraging to see people going back to, kind of, their pre-Covid normal.”
Helen Kovary, a rising senior who works as a barista at the Davenport Coffee Lounge, gave us her take from behind the counter.
“I feel like everyone is kind of just going to be extra, like, cautious,” Kovary said of her campus community. “I’m excited. I’ve been anxiously waiting.”
