Residence Life staff adapt to new conditions on campus

“A family was trying to roll a pickup that had quit onto a flatbed. Before you know it, a seemingly daunting task was all set up with the help of a few students,” Osmotherly said. “A lot of the people I get to work with are trying to find ways to encourage others during this difficult time by reaching out, seeing how they can help, doing things like creating little gift bags for each other. It's incredible how quick people are to help each other.”

Osmotherly said full-time CSC staff are encouraging Resident Advisors and other student workers to make sure their needs are being met.

“We are trying to be very cognizant of mental health issues that could arise from factors such as increased levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness due to COVID-19. It’s important for us to remember that we are a still a community that cares about each other despite all the other changes,” Osmotherly said.

Residence Advisors were not obligated to return to campus following the March 23 switch from face-to-face classes to remote delivery. Whether they returned to campus or stayed home, they are asked to help communicate information to the residents formerly on their floors, as needed.

Many of the 19 RAs remain in the residence halls and have been helping with a variety of tasks such as front desk hours, rounds, helping move student belongings into or out of storage, responding to incidents, and similar tasks, according to Osmotherly.

“I am so proud of our RAs and their dedication to their residents and CSC as a whole. They have been very helpful and encouraging,” Osmotherly said.

Another 29 student workers are sitting at residence hall desks, answering phones, and monitoring foot traffic. Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life Sam Parker said desk workers are equipped with cleaning supplies to keep the desks and lobbies clean.

“The six-foot practice is being implemented. Thankfully, most of our desks are spacious enough for workers to keep a safe distance. The more important requirement for them is to ensure that those approaching the desk are remaining at a safe distance,” Parker said.

Parker said posters in common areas remind students to limit gatherings to 10 or less.

“We truly rely on our students to practice personal safety when it comes to the things we request and have done our best to align with the guidelines set by the Panhandle Public Health District,” Parker said.

The Housing and Residence Life staff have instructed any students who have returned from outside the Panhandle to contact the PPHD for instructions about self-isolation before they resume their normal routine on campus.

Parker said when food is delivered to students who are self-isolating, housing and residence life staff place the meal in a carry-out bag in front of the door, knock, and then step away to a safe distance.