Cultivating Social Interactions at University in the Pandemic
Trent University’s Jenifer Richardson on finding new ways to connect to make memories
Postsecondary life offers more than what is learned in a lecture hall. Connecting with peers, gaining career experience and getting involved on and around campus are all foundations of the student experience.
This year, COVID-19 has fundamentally changed how post-secondary institutions operate, with multi-access learning introduced on Trent University’s campuses and student engagement ranking higher on the priority list for mental health and wellness. Amidst all the change, Trent is actively working on finding new ways to support students both academically and socially.
Seeking purposeful engagement
As our Associate Vice President of Students Dr. Nona Robinson says: “It’s all about balance. We have worked with student leaders on outreach efforts, developed online education modules and made COVID safety central to orientation and all activities.”
Some of the new initiatives providing students living on campus in residence and off-campus in our community with the opportunity to connect and converse in a safe way have included an in-person film lecture night hosted by Trent Durham head and dean Dr. Scott Henderson, as well as regular outdoor wellness walks in the community, badminton games and virtual workouts. Indigenous student ambassadors hosted a virtual art auction to showcase and support art from students across Trent Durham. And our student life team organized a socially distanced paint night, taking care to ensure that all who participated had individual tools and space to safely participate.
Career support is also available, such as resume and interview workshops for students applying for experiential learning opportunities. With our new residence now open, we have also introduced a rich new residence learning model to promote personal development, academic exploration and community engagement -- all redesigned to support students during the pandemic.
Encouraging students to take care of themselves and give back
We are also seeing Trent students, faculty and staff giving back to the community in different ways this year -- whether it is through our contactless food drives or studying the local impacts of COVID-19. And, looking forward, we are helping students to feel at home with holiday decorating events and movie nights, and journaling sessions to allow them to creatively express themselves and de-stress in the midst of major assignments and exams.
Despite the pandemic, safe, purposeful engagement is possible. Our faculty and staff are committed to providing creative, safe and engaging options for students so they can thrive this year and in the years ahead.
-- Jenifer Richardson is the Manager of Student Affairs for Trent University Durham GTA. This article originally appeared in Metroland - Durham Division.