Student Involvement at the University of Wisconsin-Superior Facebook Banner
By Jake Zimmer
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Student Involvement at the University of Wisconsin-Superior has been working to overcome and adapt to the erratic virus that’s been limiting the ability of student organizations to meet this semester. Whether it be through Zoom meetings or inperson social distancing, UWS is taking the necessary precautions to ensure that students still have the opportunity to meet, while also staying safe.
“COVID-19 has definitely presented our department with challenges in student programming, but it has also opened up some new opportunities. Student Involvement and the Yellowjacket Activities Crew (YAC) are primarily hosting virtual programs for students,” said Allison Garver, the assistant director of Student Involvement. Garver pointed out that with a large number of students choosing to do distant learning this semester, going virtual was the best way to get all students involved, whether they’re located on campus or not.
When looking at the number of students joining organizations at UWS, Garver said, “I have seen similar attendance trends with high engagement in early to mid-September then slowly declining as mid-terms begin. Comparing total attendance numbers at YAC and Student Involvement programs from this fall’s virtual programming to the in-person programming of past years, attendance is down.” Garver indicated that although student numbers are down, the smaller group sizes do offer more of an opportunity for students to get to know each other.
For students living in the dorms this semester, joining these organizations could be a great opportunity to at least get a taste of the college experience. For students like Kylie McGuire, the dorms aren’t as great as they used to be. “Not being able to have anyone that doesn’t live on campus in the dorms and only being able to have two people in a room at a time are a couple of the toughest parts [of living in the dorms this semester],” said McGuire. Here, student organizations can be a great opportunity, especially this semester, as they allow students to connect with each other from inside their rooms.
For more information on joining organizations, as well as different events and programs taking place throughout the semester, please check out the Student Involvement webpage on the UWS website.
Similarly, students can head to ‘Jacket Hub to see a list of all recognized student organizations, request more information, and contact each organization directly.
