“Lean into the discomfort. You will be supported:” UI administrators reassure students and families at COVID-19 town hall

Safety measures, what to expect and a question-and-answer segment about the fall 2020 semester

A slide from the town hall meeting presentation displaying COVID-19 precautions in the Dean of Students Office | Courtesy of University of Idaho

Thursday evening, University of Idaho employees provided a town hall-style meeting for students and families to better understand the university’s COVID-19-related preparations and the impacts students may see on their fall semester experiences.

UI Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Blaine Eckles hosted the meeting. He was joined by Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence, ASUI President Lauren Carlsen and three others. Samuel Lopez provided a live Spanish interpretation. 

Lawrence began by explaining the steps UI has taken to prepare campus for students, staff and faculty to return safely. The information shared in this segment closely matched the information provided in the earlier town hall meeting for UI employees, albeit with a focus on the impacts on students.

Eckles provided information on UI’s COVID-19 testing system and what kind of experience students should expect when returning to campus. The testing system was explained in further detail in this week’s edition of Talks with Torrey, where UI COVID-19 Response Manager Seth Vieux explained the goals of the system, who does and does not need to be tested and the reasoning behind some of UI’s decisions regarding testing. 

A slide from the town hall meeting presentation displaying the COVID-19 testing site in the Student Recreation Center basketball courts | Courtesy of University of Idaho

Those concerned about COVID-19-related restrictions can consult with a university physician and the Center for Disability Access and Resources to develop a plan for alternate accommodations. However, no student will be allowed in campus buildings without a face covering and no student will be allowed in classrooms without a negative COVID-19 test result. Those who decide to opt out of these requirements entirely will be assisted in transitioning to entirely online coursework, Eckles said. 

Students who did not receive an email with a link to sign up for testing can email [email protected] or [email protected] to ask for the link, Eckles said. 

For a student’s perspective on what UI’s testing system is like, check out Lex Miller’s column on her experience scheduling her appointment, getting tested and waiting for her results.

Students living on campus who contract COVID-19 will stay in a dedicated isolation space. Parking, food, beverages and unlimited coffee will be available throughout the student’s stay, Associate Dean of Students Cari Fealy said. 

The university will provide students a list of things to pack and prepare them to spend about 10 days in isolation. UI staff will check on the students daily to ensure they have everything they need and didn’t forget something in their dorm room. If students feel comfortable, they will be allowed to participate in their classwork remotely, but they are not required to do so while in isolation. 

Students can also isolate at home with their family, but Eckles warned this increases the risk of spreading COVID-19. The university would continue to follow up with students isolating with their families, Fealy said. 

“You’re taking (COVID-19) with you,” Eckles said. “Just because you’re in a car with your parents doesn’t mean you’re not going to give (COVID-19) to them. So, lean into the discomfort. Lean into it a little bit. You will be supported, I promise you, if we do need to house you here.” 

Like in other high traffic areas around campus, thermal scanners have been added to the entrance of The Hub to ensure those who chose to dine in the facility aren’t running a fever, one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Those who are not allowed inside the facility due to the temperature check will still be provided food, Eckles said. 

A slide from the town hall meeting presentation displaying COVID-19 precautions at The Hub | Courtesy of University of Idaho

“But we’re not going to send them away hungry, I want to assure you” Eckles said. “We’ll make sure they’ve got food because that’s why they’re showing up. We’ve got you covered on that. And like (Lawrence) mentioned, we do have grab-and-go (food options) for our students.” 

After these presentations, the panelists answered questions submitted beforehand or in the question and answer function of the Zoom call. Discussion topics ranged from the on-campus enforcement of face covering requirements to class schedules and activities. 

For a comprehensive look at how COVID-19 has affected the fall 2020 semester at University of Idaho, take a look at our reference page and UI’s COVID-19 website. 

Over 200 student clubs and organizations at UI will be allowed to continue functioning this fall, although each must work with DSI to develop a COVID-19 plan relevant to the organization’s activities, Department of Student Involvement Assistant Director Lynsie Clott said. DSI will continue hosting entertainment for students through companies which meet the university’s COVID-19-related safety standards. 

Upcoming events include a showing of “Jumanji: The Next Level,” axe throwing, bungee jumping on the Theophilus Tower Lawn, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. competitions and mask decorating opportunities. 

The Student Recreation Center is also open, Executive Director of Recreation and Wellbeing Rusty Vineyard said. Most of the SRC’s normal equipment is available, albeit spaced out to provide space for social distancing. Intramurals and group exercise programs, from fitness classes to evening bike rides and afternoon walks in the UI Arboretum, will still be offered. Some virtual options will also be available. 

Students do not have to be on the Moscow campus to take advantage of UI’s Counseling and Testing Center, Fealy said. Individual appointments can still be scheduled with counselors or Dean of Students Office case managers. The CTC will launch a virtual group counseling option in the fall as well, but no further details were provided. Those with concerns about others are encouraged to submit a VandalCare report to ensure the person or people receive help from the university. 

UI will monitor factors such as positive COVID-19 test results on campus, the spread of COVID-19 in the surrounding community, local hospital capacity and more to decide whether to transition the university fully online early, Lawrence said. 

“I think we’ve been clear from the beginning of all this planning that if we need to make (the decision to go entirely online), we will,” Lawrence said. 

The full recorded town hall meeting will be available on the UI COVID-19 website in the future. 

Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]

About the Author

Lex Miller I am a journalism major graduating spring 2022. I am the 2020-21 news editor. I write for as many sections as I can and take photos for The Argonaut.

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