16SPRING/SUMMER STUDENT LIFE playing by the COVID-19 rules are modified for the 2021-22 school year. THE 2020-21 SCHOOL year had campus on edge. Quarantine meant isolating in the Heritage Inn or in Kendall Hall for two weeks. Mask mandates and plexiglass were implemented, and every other seat in classrooms was empty. The reality of on-campus learning shifted as COVID-19 protocols changed daily. “There’s been a lot that’s gone on in the last year regarding the opinions of students and parents, of colleagues and media, everyone as they’ve watched the past year,” Dean of Student Life Zach Neal said. “The University still continues to take everything seriously. However, we were able to move back into a setting with more social events while still prepared to adjust as needed. We felt it important to be back together knowing that we would be very cautious every day.” Shadows of normalcy were noticeable over the summer of 2021 as the predictability of the virus increased and the fear of the unknown slowly faded. Fewer masks were used and more group activities were held, including international travel. “Last year we were not able to have study abroad for the whole year,” international communications and recruiting coordinator Steven Chandler said. “In the summer of 2021, we were able to start having [trips], and we have more study abroad scheduled for this fall. In fact, every program is going this fall that would normally go except one.” In-person courses resumed in the new school year, and remote learning was removed. Restrictions in favor of masks, social distancing and plexiglass were no longer put in place. A section in chapel was designated for students opting for a masked and distanced space. Vaccine clinics were offered on campus in an effort to return to ordinary life. The level of restrictions for each student was up to their own judgement. A wide variety of resources and lifestyle options gave campus a balance of pre-pandemic normality and health consciousness. The summer of 2021 served as a checkpoint for members of the Harding community as a hopeful step forward. “We are continuing as we have in years past,” associate professor of communication Jim Miller said. “Because of that, there is renewed energy that I think all of us feel on campus.” WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH FISHER HISTORY IN THE MAKING professor of history and political science Kevin Klein teaches class outside on the front lawn. In order to social distance, many classes took place outside in the 2020-21 school year. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery KEEPING A RECORD Senior Hallie Carger writes notes while wearing a mask. Many students found masks to match their outfits. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery rules
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