Austin Folkertsma
campus editor
Since classes returned in August, faculty have had some concerns about returning to in-person instructions.
“I think it was important for the college that we get back in person as so many of our students have apparently made it a priority that we come back in person,” NE speech communications instructor Amber Meyers said. “I think we lost a bunch of students to the online format because that’s such an unusual way of learning and most people are not accustomed to that.”
On the first day of class, she observed that about 33% of her students were wearing masks in the classroom. She said if wearing a mask in the classroom would make students more comfortable, then it is a small price to pay.
“I think those who were taking classes online are really comfortable with that form of learning and that’s just one of our six campuses,” Meyers said. “The other five campuses may not be as comfortable because of the simple fact that they aren’t as accustomed to it.”
Meyers said she isn’t personally worried about COVID-19 because she was part of the Pfizer trials and she already has her booster shot.
NE assistant biology professor Kari Eamma said she’s vaccinated, so she’s not particularly concerned about getting sick, but she wears a mask to all her classes.
“I know the vaccine is very efficacious and so I’m not worried so much about myself, although vaccine efficiency wanes after six to eight months so when it comes my turn, I plan to get the booster,” she said.
NE assistant English professor Toni Whalen thinks the return to campus is for the best but has some reservations.
“I do think that we need to have more safety measures in place,” she said.
TCC’s lack of policies on COVID can potentially be problematic because it tends to rely on self-reports and can lead some students to lie about having it, she said.
NE professor of kinesiology Elizabeth Koenn said she’s happy about the return but was a little concerned at first because as the fall semester started, the number of COVID-19 cases started spiking.
“I like being back on campus because I’m back on my regular routine,” she said. “Part of the pride that I have in my occupation is that I love what I do.
Koenn said she remains cognizant of social distancing and does everything she can to keep herself safe since she has reservations about others.
“You go to the store, you don’t know what the people there are exposed to,” she said.
