The fall semester begins Sept. 9 and likely will be like no other semester in the nearly 150-year history of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic means a number of changes in the day-to-day life for students—all of which you can learn about here—which may add extra layers of uneasiness to what’s already a challenge in beginning a new school year.
To help get both newcomers to UW Oshkosh and returning students ready, we connected with students who wrapped up successful college careers—or will do so shortly—and asked for advice on navigating the semester ahead. Having made it through the spring, when the virus closed the campus and moved all learning online, these five outstanding individuals earned a 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, an honor for seniors who exemplify high academic and leadership qualities and a deep commitment to serving others.
Alissa Arneson
Alissa Arneson is a senior nursing major and member of the Honors College who’ll graduate in December. This summer the Oshkosh native is working as a nurse intern at Ascension NE Wisconsin Mercy Hospital on the medical/surgical floor.
“This can sometimes be easier said than done, but make sure you take time out of your day to do something you enjoy, even if it is just for an hour,” Arneson said. “Your first semester of college is definitely not always easy, and the uncertainty of the coronavirus won’t make it any easier, but it is so important to take time for yourself every day.”
She also offered up a way to stay organized when taking online classes, something that was mostly new to her when the campus closed in March: “At the start of every week, I would look at all of my courses on Canvas and write down all the assignments and lectures I had to complete or watch for that week. I then used that list to plan my week by determining what assignments I could do each day. This helped keep me organized and productive and it also helped ease my anxiety or stress about all the homework I had to finish as I knew exactly how much I had to get done for the week.”
Jacob Banfield
Jacob Banfield graduated in the spring with a degree in political science. The Hazel Green native is back at home working a virtual internship with a manufacturing company in Dubuque, Iowa, until he leaves for Arizona in the fall for the Army Basic Officer Leaders Course.
He stressed the importance of flexibility during this era of uncertainty. He also wanted to remind students that getting an education is a privilege and to remain patient that eventually things will get back closer to normal.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “UWO newcomers need to realize this is an amazing chance to attend school this fall. Years from now, students who successfully navigated themselves through COVID-19 will have learned many different lifelong skills, such as how to utilize Zoom and Microsoft Teams, resourcing with classmates more efficiently, how to more effectively use all other online resources and most of all resiliency—keeping your head high and getting one step closer to the degree you are seeking.”
Zackary Debroux
Zackary Debroux earned a communication studies degree in the spring and will soon begin graduate school at Ball State University. A native of Sun Prairie, he’ll be entering the Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education program at the Indiana school and someday hopes to be a chancellor.
“My advice for online classes is to make sure you communicate with your professors,” he said. “If you are struggling, it is better to let them know during the third week than the 13th week. Professors can give you advice on how to be successful in their class if you show effort that you want to be successful.”
Overall he urged students to remember the academic year ahead is unlike any other. Being adaptable and open-minded to how courses are presented, how resources are accessed and the overall vibe of campus.
“Faculty will do their best to accommodate the needs of students,” Debroux said. “Student life professionals will do their best to keep students involved and engaged in campus activities. If students can appreciate and accept the effort everyone at UWO is making to try to keep everything as ‘normal’ as possible, then campus will feel as ‘normal’ as before the coronavirus struck.”
Braini McKenzie
Braini McKenzie graduated in the spring with a major in elementary education. The Oshkosh native and McNair Scholar is soon heading for graduate school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Staying organized, McKenzie said, is important—especially when your classes are online. Set a schedule and follow it.
“If your classes were going to meet (in person) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:10 to 10:10 a.m., then follow that schedule (online),” she said. “Try to keep a routine as best you can.”
Another piece of advice that was echoed by many recent grads: Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. Faculty and staff are always ready to help.
“Faculty and University staff are truly trying their best to find the most efficient and amiable solutions during this time,” she said. “During my last semester when COVID-19 prompted a shift to online learning, some of my professors remained incredibly understanding and gracious with due dates, additional office hours and additional support. Sometimes as freshman you’re intimidated to ask questions or simply ask for help. My advice is to ask as many questions as you need to and ask for help when you need it. No one expects you to know how everything works under normal circumstances, so I can reassure you that no one will judge you for the questions and concerns you have now.”
Oh, and one more thing that’s key to staying on top of your work: “Check your emails frequently,” she said. “Download the Outlook app if you need to.”
Sydney Devitt
Sydney Devitt is a senior majoring in international studies and political science from Crystal Lake, Illinois. She’ll graduate in December and is spending her summer as an intern with Rep. Raja Krisnamoorthi of Illinois, while waiting tables to help pay for her education. She’s also the Oshkosh Student Association vice president.
Like other Chancellor’s Award winners, Devitt pointed to staying organized as crucial. Online classes can be difficult because of the lack of face-to-face accountability, so don’t let work pile up or wait until the last minute for cramming, she said. It also helps to find a quiet and comfortable space to work.
“Don’t let this time deter you from your goals and dreams,” Devitt said. “You are about to enter one of the greatest opportunities of your life and in order to make change in society, we need educated people like you! While this is a time of uncertainty, continue to be safe, work hard, support your peers and most importantly do what you can to be the best student and person you can be.”
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