Lee Clubs adjust semester expectations
Photo by Rhianna Barrow.
With event guidelines under strict COVID-19 precautions, Lee-affiliated clubs are adjusting their perspectives and events to cultivate connectivity in unique ways this semester.
This fall, the Greek club Omega Alpha Phi is not inducting a new tap, and, instead, is focusing their time on forming intentional relationships within the current 37 club members.
“It’s been a real struggle this semester because of the way we normally come together as a club and what we have done for the past 25 years has been changed,” said senior nursing major and president Michaela White. “We are trying to maintain community by texting people in the club and really seeing where they are at and encouraging them wherever they may be.”
Although many traditional club events were canceled, meetings are still in effect with measures following the Center for Disease Control guidelines. White said this allows consistent communication with members and much-needed face-to-face interaction.
“We are doing what we can to still meet as a club by adjusting to the new guidelines this semester. Holding meetings on Monday nights following all the guidelines set in place by the CDC, with temperature checks, masks and being socially distanced,” said White.
With the added challenge of a 50 person capacity limit at all events and meetings, clubs like the Student Leadership Council are hosting multiple spaces on campus for meetings to accommodate their size. According to the Campus Organizations Guidelines, all groups must “provide evidence that the university’s guidelines will be followed regarding the use of face masks, social distancing, clearance with the Health Screening Tool and cleaning/sanitation of every event.”
“SLC has adjusted to having their meetings in a hybrid fashion where we can all zoom together but still have smaller separate committees in different rooms,” said senior discipleship ministers major and Chair of SLC Mallory Smolen. “We have also adjusted our events to campus guidelines but also have a space for students to interact in the events that we hold on Friday nights.”
Similar to SLC, Black Student Union also implemented a hybrid model for their meetings. Even with the unexpected changes, the semester has brought for clubs, Event Coordinator, and Co-president of BSU, Tanner Johnson notes the community the club has created is critical to maintain.
Johnson touched on what BSU means to her and why community is so crucial during this time.
“For me, personally, BSU has been a home away from home,” said Johnson. “BSU has given me a safe place with people who have been through a lot of the same things I have and understand the culture I’m from. BSU strives to cultivate, create and inspire the community around us. BSU isn’t just for people of African American descent. It is for anyone who wants to join.”
Many of the clubs on campus, not just the ones included, are doing their part to ensure everyone at Lee has a place for community. With “the new normal,” clubs are ensuring students feel included during these times through developing more intentional relationships.
More information about COVID-19 club expectations and regulations, can be found here.
