Lethbridge College students and staff are in for a big change returning to campus full-time this year.
With the new school year arriving and in-person classes starting, Lethbridge College students and faculty are excited to be face-to-face again.
Sara Dziwoki, student recruiter at Lethbridge College has noticed a big change in the atmosphere on campus.
“It’s really amazing, the energy here on campus is so nice. It was always so dead and no one was here, so it was kind of sad, but now it feels good.”
Students at the college are expecting a big change after a year and a half of online learning. Many students have only experienced the distance learning COVID-19 brought during their post-secondary education.
Returning to in-person classes is presenting students with the need to adapt their learning style.
Ethan Lentz, second year computer information technology student is preparing for a change in the way class information is being presented.
“The nice thing about online is that there was usually a recording to go back to, but being in person now there’s not necessarily that opportunity anymore so taking good notes will be the biggest skill we’ll need.”
Moving away from online classes, Lentz says it will be easier to maintain a consistent schedule this year. With the ease of not logging into an online class or logging in and distracting yourself on your own computer, this year presenting students with the need to be present on campus everyday will give more structure to student schedules.
Students are not the only ones who have the need to adapt from online learning. Instructors at Lethbridge College are working hard to adapt and change back to an in-person teaching style.
Noelle Hughes, a teacher for the administrative office professional program, is making use of last year’s teaching methods alongside the face-to-face teaching style.
“I still allow my students if they’re sick or ill they can zoom in and it’s more flexible and it actually works better for the students and makes them feel more supported.”
With on-campus classes returning, post-secondary institutions have made the health and safety and support of all students and staff top priority.
Vaccines are strongly encouraged for all members of the Lethbridge College community and the college set up two drop-in vaccination clinics on Sept. 7 and 13 for first or second doses.
Masks have also been mandated for all on-campus activities, as well as continuing the enhanced cleaning efforts that have been in place throughout the pandemic.
Adjusting to the return to campus may be challenging for some people. The college has many services in place for students to seek help with these challenges including the Learning Café, Wellness Services, Accessibility Services and the Lethbridge College Students’ Association.