Each new school year brings adjustments: other teachers, other classmates, maybe even one more order at Brody Cafe. But some of the recent adjustments on campus make us scratch our heads, wondering how and why the University replaces key policies.
Hopkins has taken exciting steps in our slow return to “normalcy,” moving from many in-person categories to a student engagement living room at the recreation center. However, it turns out that the University has taken a step back when it comes to prioritizing the fitness and safety of students.
One of the most drastic differences from last semester is the rest of the COVID-19 guidelines. The University no longer requires asymptomatic or masking for students, regardless of vaccine exemptions. In addition, there are no more restrictions on events, meetings and meals.
Previously, the University prioritized remote accommodation for academics on campus, as collective living conditions made it difficult to isolate themselves on-site. This semester, however, the isolation in position is the default; limited choice accommodation will be offered.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 variants are becoming more contagious and AMR double rooms are no less cramped. We struggle to understand why Hopkins would have such a strong provision against the spread of COVID-19, as the pandemic continues to kill a lot of Americans every day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot by the end of next month and COVID-19 boosters omicron. Last year, Hopkins promoted its clinics for COVID-19 boosters and flu shots, either of which is mandatory for students on campus. While there are flu vaccination clinics indexed on the website, there has been no University-wide communication about them or about omicron boosters.
Not only is Hopkins loosening up when it comes to preventative measures like vaccination, but has been silent about the existing spread of COVID-19 on campus. The recent buildup in the number of cases among academics — more than a hundred last week — is troubling, and the numbers probably paint only a fraction of the picture. Since testing is now absolutely optional, the actual number of positive instances must be guessed.
Even when academics know they have been exposed, the University’s verification recommendations do not specify whether those academics deserve to be verified. This lack of clarity is only exacerbated by the return to face-to-face categories. Naturally, academics have feared a COVID-19 positive check, however, they now have to worry about the suffering of their care in addition to their health. When students were in poor health last semester, they may simply keep their peers safe and catch up on categories at home. Now that fewer courses are being registered, academics risk being left behind if they are positive.
The easing of restrictions across the university has unleashed the university’s COVID-19 policies in their respective classrooms. Each teacher adopts a different method of welcoming students with health problems or immunocompromised, so there is no standardization between classes. Most sensible of all, academics and the university now have to adapt to the transition from Blackboard to Canvas.
Despite so many adjustments at the same time, the University fails to supply the mandatory to students. But we cannot say that it surprises us; this semester is rarely the first time this kind of do-it-yourself culture has been perpetuated at Hopkins.
Recalling this time last year, a student with a disability said he didn’t get the hotels to succeed at Hopkins. The student’s concerns, which have yet to be resolved, reflect the University’s insufficient technique to support the disability community.
This challenge is even more pressing given the potential effects of COVID-19, which may last beyond the era of infection. Prolonged COVID, with symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties to hypertension, can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Like thousands of positive cases last year, we can only hope that some will suffer with prolonged COVID. The question remains whether the University will cope with the long-term headaches of the virus and the academics suffering its effects.
The beginning of a new semester is already a stressful time, and without good enough guidance, the tension only builds up. While the University is not up to the task, we ask academics at least of each other, especially when it comes to non-public health. Whether someone covers themselves or not, respect everyone’s decisions. At the end of the day, we’re all in the same boat, doing our best to navigate confusing waters in the new school year.
Attention Everyone is eligible for publication in The News-Letter.