University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student leaders are asking their college counterparts to think about the potential impact of their actions when it comes to coronavirus.
“This is a time to really prove yourself as a responsible adult,” said Ian McDonald, a senior political science major and president of the Oshkosh Student Association (OSA).
Before coronavirus, he said, students might “mess up” in college by making too much noise in the dorms or getting caught drinking or vaping—with consequences mostly falling on themselves.
“Now, if you spread the virus to your friends, teachers, co-workers or parents, the consequences could be irreversible,” McDonald said.
All UW System schools, including UWO campuses at Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Fox Cities, are promoting a number of safety measures that on the most basic level include wearing a mask, maintaining distance from others and frequent hand washing.
Ensuring safety
“We want colleges to be open and stay open so that students have a chance to learn in the environment that they can perform best in,” McDonald said, “and that only works if people don’t spread the virus.”
Sydney Devitt is a senior from Crystal Lake, Illinois, majoring in international studies and political science. She said her Model United Nations team prepared all year for competition in New York and did not have the chance to go. She missed a number of in-person class activities for her upper-level courses she believes would have been amazing experiences.
“I am so hopeful for the upcoming semester and cannot wait to see my peers and professors again, in a safe manner,” the newly elected OSA vice president said. “I am so grateful for UWO and its commitment toward ensuring student excellence.”
Devitt said she wants other students to appreciate how their actions will impact others. She said students are very lucky that UWO leadership is dedicated to offering a face-to-face experience during the fall semester. Faculty and staff will incur a risk, so “it’s the least students can do to wear a mask to ensure a safe environment.”
Out and about
While carryout and food delivery options are available, students invariably will want to venture out of their dorms and apartments to interact with friends.
If students go out, Devitt encourages them to find restaurants and bars that have patios or outdoor seating and where staff are wearing masks. Going during less-busy times can ensure social distancing. House parties, she warned, have the potential to be a hot-spot for the spread of the virus—especially when the actions of the people within the house are unknown. She wants students to make responsible choices and consider the potential consequences of going into homes.
“It is imperative that we work together to make sure students are not furthering the spread of the virus,” Devitt said.
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