Once the University decided that the fall semester would be entirely online, student service clubs had to rethink how they could continue helping their community partners. While the virtual format made it easier for some organizations to continue conducting their meetings and tasks over Zoom, others have not been as successful and have even had to put a pause on their club’s activities.
Title IX is a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in universities that receive federal funds. In May the Department of Education issued changes to Title IX regulations, giving accused students more rights.
National Coming Out Day, observed annually on Oct. 11, is a day of awareness to support LGBTQ individuals. It also marks the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
Hoptoberfest, an annual festival by a student organization of the same name, was held virtually for the first time ever from Monday, Oct. 5 to Friday, Oct. 9. The events, intended to relieve stress and celebrate the start of autumn, featured activities including concerts, a baking class and a virtual zoo.
The Student Government Association (SGA) heard presentations on climate change and voter engagement at its weekly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The International Studies Leadership Council (ISLC) hosted former Maryland gubernatorial candidate Krish Vignarajah as part of its 2020 Election and Future of American Democracy series in an event titled “Women in Politics” on Oct. 6. ISLC members freshman Alison Bader and sophomore John Strezewski moderated the event.
The University announced the creation of the Innovation Fund for Community Safety on Sept. 30. This four-year, six-million-dollar fund will support community-based public safety programs and alternatives to policing in Baltimore.
The Center for Social Concern (CSC) hosted a virtual webinar titled “Baltimore History and Social Justice” as a part of its Civic Sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The session was co-hosted by Gerrod Williamson, a student leadership specialist at the CSC, and Eli Lopatin, assistant director of civic leadership.
When the University announced that the fall semester would be entirely online, students lives were impacted in almost every way. Freshmen experienced a virtual orientation, students browsed extra-curricular activities in a virtual Student Involvement Fair and clubs and organizations adapted to online-only operations. Likewise, peer services have adjusted their operations to serve students remotely.
The Women’s Leadership Symposium (WLS) hosted its “Women in Media” conference featuring Emma Needell, a Hopkins alum and screenwriter, as the keynote speaker on Saturday, Oct. 3.
First-Year Mentors (FYMs) are being paid for the first time this year. The University made this decision in the spring after FYMs were accepted into the program.
The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) featured retired Colonel and SAIS Chief of Staff Craig Osborne as part of its Dean’s Speaker Series on Sept. 30. The event was moderated by SAIS Dean Eliot A. Cohen.
The Student Government Association (SGA) inaugurated the Freshman Class Council and discussed changes to its caucuses at its weekly meeting on Sept. 29.
While all students are facing challenges adapting to a virtual semester, freshmen are in the unique position of adjusting to a new school without being there in person.
The Life Design Lab held Future Festival, a virtual career and networking fair, for students from Sept. 24 to Sept. 25 and Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. The week-long event, which attempted to emulate a music festival, showcased networking opportunities, professional development workshops and speakers from different professional backgrounds. The event utilized Zoom for seminars and networking events and Brazen, an event management software, for career fair booths.
Since the University cancelled all in-person classes on March 10, student groups have been forced to move their activities entirely online.
Provost Sunil Kumar and Vice Provost for Student Affairs Alanna Shanahan announced in an email to the student body on Oct. 1 that the University will have a plan for the spring semester by Thanksgiving at the latest. They also noted that all intersession classes will be held virtually.
The dining experience for students living on-campus has been adapted to adhere to social-distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Committee on Student Elections announced the results of the Student Government Association (SGA) Freshman Class Council elections on Saturday, Sept. 26. Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, candidates could only campaign virtually.
The Counseling Center is offering a variety of new online support groups for students during the fall semester. There are 17 new resources, including the Critical Coping Group, Pandemic Support/Discussion Space, Parenting Support Group, Racial Trauma Group and Virtual Support Group for Loved Ones of Individuals with Eating and Body Image Issues.
