Everyone in the campus community is responsible for reducing the spread

On Oct. 19, the COVID-19 Task Force sent out an email to the campus community regarding the recent surge of COVID-19 cases throughout the country. The email seemingly pointed the blame toward students not following protocols; however, it is important to note that everyone in the campus community needs to be doing their part. The blame should fall on everyone, as everyone is responsible for how the campus handles COVID-19.

Students, we know, the pandemic fatigue is getting real. We know that it feels like nearly everything good about the college experience has been ripped away from us. No parties, sports games, and seldom activities. Dorm life looks different, and some of you may not even get to come to campus that much, if at all.

This was not what attending Elmhurst University was supposed to look like, and it is extremely unfair. We share your hurt and frustration.

But, as it was when this pandemic started, we cannot get through it unless we all contribute. Do not host or attend that party. Find creative and safe ways to make and connect with friends instead.

Parties and large, unsafe gatherings are not worth potential reprimands from the university. More importantly, they are not worth your lives or the lives of your loved ones. While you may feel invincible in your young age, COVID-19 has killed otherwise healthy people in your demographic.

But this goes for everyone. It would be unreasonable to say that only students have been breaking protocols. Every member of the campus community needs to be doing their part equally. Simply pointing fingers at students is not the solution in moving forward.

Doing one’s part extends beyond following the rules. Every single person plays a role in our collective success through this time as a university.

Professors have to continue to be flexible with their students and do whatever it takes for the student to be successful in their course. Despite going through this for a few months, students can still be struggling with an online format. Continued flexibility and understanding is still needed as time goes by; students should not be expected to “be used to things by now.”

Additionally, having too harsh of expectations when it comes to attending classes in-person is completely unjust. Continuing with class selections in the spring, there should be an online alternative in every class for students not comfortable. Students should not be discouraged from taking a class just because of its modality.

Many organizations have also taken it into their own hands regarding making sure their meetings and activities are done in a safe and accessible fashion. This needs to be ongoing. While it may be tricky to keep some organizations afloat during this, it is important that organization leaders continue to keep this up and model the behaviors that are expected at this time, not fuel them. 

And of course, we get to administration. We at The Leader have voiced our concerns with administration throughout the semester with what they need to do to keep everyone safe during this time. Responsibility falls heavily on them to be diligent and transparent.

Update the COVID-19 dashboard frequently. Keep on testing and contact tracing, and be clear with how these procedures work. Treat students who need to utilize quarantine spaces and resources with care. Make sure there is enough for all who need it. The COVID-19 Task Force needs to continue to keep the campus updated, even more so now that cases are surging.

 We also need to hear more from President Troy VanAken regarding these concerns around the pandemic. We expect him to guide us as our leader and not pass responsibility solely to the Task Force. The last time he personally sent an email to campus regarding COVID-19 was back in August. 

As corny as it may sound, the only way we get out of this pandemic is working together. Finger-pointing will get us nowhere. Everyone needs to take responsibility and do their part.