Volume 135 No 10

Est. 1910

November 6, 2020

scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

Volume 135 No. 10

The results are almost in As the 2020 presidential election nears its end, Joe Biden is in position to potentially become the 46th President of the United States Photo Courtesy of KPBS

On the Inside

See inside for complete See inside for complete The timeline of a tense presidential election -- PAGE 2 See inside for complete See inside for complete Campus community reacts to the results -- PAGE 4 See inside for complete See inside for complete Mary-Beth Cooper’s take on the election -- PAGE 8

November 6, 2020

Election Timeline

PAGE 2

How it happened It has been an eventful four days and counting since the first ballots were tallied in New Hampshire.

Dixville’s board of electoral votes on Tuesday morning. (Photo courtesy of The Associated Press)

By Jack Margaros @JackMargaros

Dixville Notch, N.H. has a unique Election Day tradition.

When the clock strikes midnight on Nov. 3, local media and residents cram into a small but meaningful space. The room is plastered with American flags -- some lining the tables placed in the middle, others acting as curtains for the windows.

Food spreads are essential -- a staple for any small town gathering.

It’s been that way for 60 years.

Placed in the corner

of “The Ballot Room,” behind town officials, is a big, wooden board, with a phrase across the top that Dixville Notch surely takes pride in.

“First in the Nation” Dixville Notch, along with two other small New Hampshire communities, is typically the first to cast their ballots in the presidential election. The gathering was much smaller this year due to coronavirus concerns.

Nonetheless, the event signified the beginning of one of the most important elections in recent American history.

What happened in

the following three days did not necessarily come as a surprise, but was no less embarrassing to a country founded on the premise of democracy.

Americans understand the weight this election holds. Already, there have been more voters than the 2016 election. The Washington Post projects a 66.4 percent voter turnout, which would be the largest dating back to the election of 1900.

It was seen even before election day. The U.S. Elections Project reported that over 101 million Americans voted early.

The first polls closed around 7 p.m. on Tuesday and results started to roll in. It was a pretty tight race at the start, to the delight of Republicans. States that seemed like a lock for Biden were turning red.

Standing in front of a packed crowd in the East Room of the White House, President Donald Trump prematurely declared victory in his first address to the American people during the election. Additionally, Mr. Trump claimed that Democrats were trying to “steal the election.”

“Votes cannot be cast after the Polls are

closed!” he said in a tweet.

He’d been foreshadowing for months that mail-in ballots and the Democratic party were going to cause a rigged election. It wasn’t a matter of if Mr. Trump would make these claims -- it was when.

This tweet, along with 11 other tweets in the span of four days were labeled asmisinformation.

On the other hand, former Vice President Joe Biden addressed the American people. He remained optimistic, but did not declare victory, saying “we believe

November 6, 2020

Election Timeline

Biden was adamant that every vote be counted.

Mail-ins continued to flow.

“Every vote must be counted. No one is going to take our democracy away from us. Not now, not ever,” he wrote in a tweet.

Thursday was no less stressful. No concrete progress was made in terms of electoral votes, but Wednesday’s trends continued. President Trump’s lead in Pennsylvania was essentially President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are vying for presidency. gone -- Georgia was (Photo Courtesy of Forbes) not far behind.

He ranted on Twitwe are on track to win expected. Michigan and tually called in favor of ter and published a this election.”

Wisconsin, two critBiden, but President statement in all-caps as As the morning of ical swing states that Trump falsely claimed a response to his slipNov. 4 hit, a lot of the Trump won in 2016, it for himself on Twit- ping numbers: election was still undestarted to flip blue, a ter, along with Penn“IF YOU COUNT cided. This was to be big development for the sylvania, Georgia and THE LEGAL VOTES, expected, as the abunBiden campaign.

North Carolina (states I EASILY WIN THE dance of mail-in ballots Once that happened, that were largely unde- ELECTION! IF YOU required more time to President Trump cided at that point).

COUNT THE ILarrive at the counting officially made his first Five states remained LEGAL AND LATE centers. In most states, formal request to stop on Wednesday night VOTES, THEY CAN as long as the ballot counting the votes, filto be called: Georgia, STEAL THE ELECis postmarked on or ing lawsuits for MichPennsylvania, Nevada, TION FROM US!” before election day, the igan and Pennsylvania Arizona and North “STOP THE vote is eligible to be to halt. They were Carolina.

COUNT!” counted, regardless of denied.

Biden sat at 253 elecAt 11:02 a.m. Presthe day it arrives at the Once it was detertoral votes, President ident Trump again counting center. mined that Biden would Trump at 214. claimed a victory in Still, the extra time win Wisconsin by more Trump’s lead in Pennsylvania, with only adds more stress than 20,000 votes, Pennsylvania, once as much of the votes still to Americans anxiousPresident Trump filed large as 700,000 votes, left to count. ly awaiting concrete for a recount, claiming was starting to dwindle.

After all that, he results. irregularities in several Nevada and Arizona held a news conference It was clear, at this counties. favored Biden. Presiat 6:30 that evening. He point, that those reThe recount requires dent Trump had a firm called the American desults would require a petition and legal lead in North Carolina, mocracy into question. more than one sleepless fees in order to go into while his lead in Geor“This is a case where night. effect, and won’t occur gia was razor thin. they’re trying to steal As mail-in ballots until the beginning of While Mr. Trump an election. They’re started to filter in, December at the earlicontinued to assert the trying to rig an elecBiden started to overest. election was rigged and tion and we can’t let take the states he was Michigan was evento stop counting votes, that happen,” he said in

PAGE 3

reference to the Democratic party.

While all this was occurring, Biden remained steadfast in his message to allow democracy to do its job in a series of tweets throughout the day: “The people will not be silenced, be bullied, or surrender.”

“No one is going to take our democracy away from us. Not now, not ever.”

“I ask people to stay calm. The process is working. The count is being completed.”

“Democracy is sometimes messy, so sometimes it requires a little patience.”

Just before 5 a.m. on Friday morning, Georgia flipped blue.

Pennsylvania followed roughly four hours later. Biden still holds leads in Arizona and Nevada, while President Trump could lock up North Carolina soon.

Pennsylvania will be the decider, however.

If President Trump loses Pennsylvania, he likely loses the election.

Biden still has a path to victory via Nevada and Arizona even if President Trump takes Pennsylvania.

As it stands currently, Joe Biden has a chance at clinching the presidency on Friday.

November 6, 2020

Campus Reaction

A take from the campus community

PAGE 4

The campus community is arguably more engaged than ever in the 2020 election.

Staff Reports @TheSpfldStudent

A

midst an ongoing election four days since election day, former Vice President Joe Biden appears to be circling in on making President Donald Trump the first incumbent president to lose a re-election campaign in almost 30 years. However, the American public cannot expect the President to go

down without a fight.

On Thursday evening, and non-stop on Twitter, President Trump has relayed a narrative that the election was being stolen from him. He said, “If you count the legal votes, I easily win.”

The President added, “This is a case where they’re trying to steal an election — trying to rig an election.”

The Trump campaign is referring to the historically large number of

mail-in ballots that were encouraged by Democrats because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and discouraged

by President Trump and the Republican party.

When the East Coast woke up on Friday morning, former Vice President Biden had come back to claim the lead in Georgia and Pennsylvania, while also maintaining his lead in Nevada and Arizona. With 253 called electoral college votes by most networks, Biden would win with a

victory in Pennsylvania or a win in two of the other states he is currently leading.

Results are subject to change should President Trump file lawsuits or request recounts.

Members of The Springfield Student staff collected reactions from Springfield College students and faculty.

Reactions were guided by four questions: How have you been following this election? (Did

The updated Electoral College map as of Friday. (Courtesy of The Associated Press)

you have the TV on? Your computer, phone? Or did you tune out completely?)

Was the way you followed this election different from elections past?

What are your hopes and fears moving forward?

What do you think the country needs from a leader right now? ***Note, several of the following reactions were collected before the final result of the election was announced.

November 6, 2020

Campus Reaction

“

I watched the election both from my computer by just watching the live results roll in on the map, and on TV, I like watching CNBC financial for a more unbiased approach and to see what the election was doing to the market My hopes would be to see some form of unity and leadership coming from the whitehouse when our country needs it most. I also would like to see some real change with the handling of the virus but I do not want a full lockdown necessarily.

My fears are that nothing is done to change the social injustice in the country and that the violence will likely continue no matter which way the election goes The country needs someone to look to for hope and guidance” the current state of the country is just red vs blue.

There are those who are quite literally fighting for change, and those that simply can’t be bothered to listen to what is going on in their own country. The United States needs a leader who will bring respect and professionalism back to the White House and the American people.

Joe Leazott

“

Senior – Barre, MA

This is the first election I have followed due to the amount of knowledge I have now that I am older as well as personal concerns regarding the final vote. I wanted to stay as informed as I could because this election is going to impact millions of people including myself and I wanted to be as prepared as I could be.

I am hoping people will begin to see the injustices that have been embedded in our country as well as the concerns all people of marginalized communities and their allies see or encounter everyday. I am very worried about how divided this country has become especially in regards to this election.

It is very concerning to see that as opposed to spreading hope, compassion, and a message of unity we are seeing many messages of power and hate. Personally I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others that look like me. However, to end on a hopeful note I am hoping overall this election will begin the process of unity. Although it may be a slow process I am hopeful that the country can get there.

I think this country needs a leader that is going to embrace and work towards unity and safety. We need someone who is going to care about the health of those impacted by covid. I think we need a leader who is going to make tough and unpopular decisions for the betterment of this country.

Sabrina Williams Junior – Hartford, CT

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“

What is being called “Election Stress Disorder” is a very real thing. As someone with a predisposition to anxiety, leading up to the election, I had to be extremely strategic about how much election-related media I chose to consume. I rarely watch televised or visual coverage of the candidates, and I did not tune into the debates as I didn’t want to witness the kind of spectacle we saw in 2016. I read newspaper coverage unless my anxiety got too high, and I checked in with my partner and trusted friends on certain issues.

That said, I have been following the election extremely closely since Tuesday. I’ve used my phone to read coverage

by CNN, MSNBC, The New York TImes, and the Associated Press. At this point, I spend most of my time watching the numbers and reading sources that contextualize/interpret the results and why some races haven’t been called yet.

Not really. As noted above, I did watch the debates last time around, but for the past several elections, I’ve really worked hard to strike a balance between awareness and protecting my sanity.

This is a huge question. I am very worried about the bodily safety and the civil rights of our country’s marginalized groups. Speaking for myself, as a member of the LGBTQ* community, I am terrified about losing my right to marry and my freedom to work and move throughout the world without encountering legalized discriminatory practices. As a cisgendered white woman with the ability to “pass” as heterosexual, I am less concerned for my personal safety at this time, but I fear for the physical and emotional safety of the queer community, BIPOC, immigrants, and so many other people who belong to groups that don’t align with the increasingly narrow view of what it means to be American. If you aren’t familiar with the poem “First They Came,” you should read it immediately. There’s a lot more things that I worry about, but I’ll just focus on civil rights and safety here.

Although my politics are firmly aligned with the progressive agenda, I acknowledge that our governing bodies need to find their way back to common ground. I want centralized policies that stop the death toll from the Corona Virus (234K as of today) from rising exponentially.

Someone capable and with actual political experience who is willing to reach out to the other side and rebuild the structures and practices that make democracy a tenable political system.

Anne Wheeler

Professor of Composition and Rhetoric See Campus Reaction on Page 6

November 6, 2020

Campus Reaction

“

I think I’ve paid more attention to this election than any other one. I sat on the couch with my roommates just listening to someone on the TV predict paths that each candidate can take. I’m not sure why but it makes me feel sick. The amount of nerves I have makes my skin crawl. It makes it hard to be able to function and be productive with this election going on. And obviously going remote for school is not helping. It makes it easier to skip classes, ignore work, and stay glued to the TV until a winner is announced, and one of two emotions come over me: relief, or fear.

Jacques St. Jean

“ “

Junior – Goffstown, NH

I’m scared that the US is not going to be as free a country as in previous years. I also feel Kamala is not fit for presidency and I’m afraid she will turn the United States upside down.

Anjelia Altebrando Junior – Long Island, NY

My hope is for a fresh start where everyone feels comfortable and supported for who they truly are. I’m nervous about the country becoming more divided than it already is and of potential riots regardless of who wins.

The country needs a leader who will first tackle COVID-19, listening to medical professionals on the steps needed. We also need someone who will stand for all marginalized groups with the current climate of the country. Overall, we need someone to start to bring the country back together and become more unified.

Colby Wilson

“

Sophomore – Tewksbury, MA

My hope is for unity. My fear is the uproar of heated debates, disputes, and arguments among loved ones, especially with the holidays coming up.

Max Pape

Junior – Woodbury, CT

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“

My hope is that we all settle down. We ARE all in this together. I hope we foster a feeling of mutual respect and understanding for one another. I hope we take our responsibilities as citizens of our various locales AND of the world seriously and work for the common good.

My fear is that social media will continue to stir the pot of incivility, hatred and mean-spiritedness. I’ve stopped reading the comments on Facebook. Some are just too malicious and hateful for words.

I think we need a leader who understands the issues, who respects experts, who respects people who don’t agree with him. I think we need someone who addresses the concerns of all the people in the room, not just the ones who think like him. I think we need a leader who respects our historic allies and who sees his place in the world as a thoughtful leader.

Laura Dubowski

“

Professor of Communications I hope that our country can not be so divided based on parties. I would love for a middle ground candidate who could appease almost all. I also hope that soon I will be able to vote in an election where I’m not picking the least worst candidate. My fears include what happens after this election no matter who wins. People will most likely be upset, and I am worried for what actions that will turn into.

Sara Labadorf

“

Junior – Huntersville, NC

One of my biggest fears moving forward is that we are in a recession and need to find an efficient way out of it. Another fear of mine is how Trump or Biden will deal with racial issues moving forward. Both have shown racist tendencies and I think we need someone who actually cares about minorities and doesn’t just say they do. Lastly I am nervous about the unemployment rate going back up. If commercial taxes are raised it could potentially cause the UE rate to skyrocket.

Things I hope to see moving forward is more unity. At this point I don’t mind who wins. I just want a house that works together towards a common goal that helps benefit America as a whole. I hope to see more reform in public schools as I personally struggled in the public school setting. As a country I think we need a leader that finally opens their eyes to the problems at hand, and day by day does their best to tackle those problems. Regardless if this election goes red or blue, I need to see a productive four years by either Biden or Trump.

Jack Anastopoulos Junior – Brookline, MA

November 6, 2020

Campus Reaction

“

I had two Tv’s set up in my room and flipped through CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and ABC. I also had FiveThirtyEight’s live election blog up on my laptop.

I hope Biden wins, but I am disheartened that almost 70 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. The fact that many people decided that his blatant disregard for marginalized people, poor handling of the coronavirus, among many other factors, were ok makes me worry about where our country is headed. I fear that the white supremacists, racists, and others who have gained confidence from Trump’s leadership will not go away if he loses and may even grow in numbers and hatred.

The country needs a leader that works with both parties to unify the country. A leader that is selfless and prioritizes the country before one’s interest. I think Biden is a step in the direction towards unity but is nowhere near perfect.

Kris Rhim

“

Senior – Philadelphia, PA

My fear right now is that the result of the election will most likely spark riots in densely populated areas.

Briana Tovar

Junior – Tucson, AZ

“

(This year was) absolutely different (than years past).

Knowing that it was going to be a days-long process, I went to bed way earlier than usual on Tuesday (11 p.m.) and then just stayed attached to Twitter for the days following. Even now. :) I’m relying much less on live TV broadcasts than I have in years past, simply because there are major parts of each day during which there are no actual updates.

Where do I start? Human rights. Public health. Growing pandemic numbers. Increased tribalism. The attempted gutting of public education. Children separated from their families waiting for a White House that will work to reunite them. An economy teetering on the brink. The list is immense.

It has been four years since we have had leadership that looked to close gaps and unite the country. Please note that this isn’t a divisive statement; the current administration proudly divides us. We desperately need an effort to return to the “U” in USA.

Kyle Belanger

Professor of Communications

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“

I knew from the start this would be a very close and interesting election. When I was waiting on line to vote on of the workers said to me “are you a college kid” and I replied yes and he goes “I’ve never in my life see so many kids come out to vote in my 65 years of voting which makes me so proud of this next generation” which in general makes me so happy that no matter who you voted for so many younger people cared. At first we all thought we would know by last night and I stayed up till midnight and then went to bed because realistically no matter if Trump or Biden won it wasn’t going to affect my night enough to stay up all night. I am very eager to see who wins because it is so close and hope that no matter who wins everyone keeps peace just because I live so close to major cities like New York City and it would suck to see it be destroyed by either side.

Gillian Dube

“

First-Year – Rockland County, NY

At this point, regardless of the eventual outcome, I am concerned that such a high proportion of people in the United States respond positively to messages of hate and division within our country and are willing to support a political platform that promotes further division, hate, and disenfranchisement toward members of already marginalized groups (e.g., women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with religious backgrounds other than Christian/ Catholic, people living in poverty, etc.). While I am well aware that negative attitudes and behaviors toward members of these groups already existed and perpetuate inequality, it is especially scary to see how vast swaths of the country would like to see increased discrimination toward these members of society. I am hopeful that local, state, and federal governments, agencies, and organizations can continue to make efforts and inroads to provide policies and services that will benefit all, and not just those in dominant social categories. I think the country needs a leader who will directly address the public health crisis and the pervasive discrimination and lack of health, educational, social, and economic services throughout the country.

Elizabeth Morgan

“

Professor of Psychology

My fear right now is that the result of the election will most likely spark riots in densely populated areas.

Sam Ware

Sophomore – Oakham, MA

November 6, 2020

Mary-Beth Cooper

PAGE 8

Q+A with President Cooper

Springfield College’s President is pleased to witness a high amount of student engagement in the election.

By Danny Priest @dpriest3

W

hile the fate of the 2020 Presidential election looms large over the nation, the determination of a President for Springfield College was seamless just days prior to the big election.

On Oct. 28, Springfield College announced that the Board of Trustees had voted to extend President Mary-Beth Cooper’s contract through 2025.

Cooper, the 13th President in college history, has now been with Springfield for eight years.

The newest election will carry through Cooper’s extension, and while being the President of a small college doesn’t compare to running an entire country, Cooper did provide some insight on the 2020 election.

“Luckily, I didn’t have to be elected by an Electoral College, so I’m fortunate we don’t have that in common,” Cooper joked in regard to the 2020 election.

On a more serious note, Cooper talked about how

the roles of President for a college and a nation obviously possess vast differences, but both have had to handle a tumultuous past eight months.

“He’s been dealing with the virus and so have I, his population that he is responsible for is far greater than mine -- mine, however, is more intimate and I know my constituents better than he might know his,” Cooper said.

“I do think we both have experienced roller coasters in terms of making difficult decisions about the virus in particular, and he is up for re-election and in the process of that, they extended my contract. So, in some ways, there are some similarities.”

Being a President comes with numerous expectations and they receive constant attention -- both positive and negative -- at all times. Cooper touched on the fact that being President comes with a certain level of carefulness and responsibility.

“You have a lot of people that are watching you, so wearing a mask, making the right decision, every opportunity that I have with students, whether

President Mary-Beth Cooper addressing the campus community last spring.

(Photo Courtesy of Evan Wheaton/The Student) it’s email or face-to-face interaction -- it may be the only interaction I have with them -- I try to be as present as possible.

“We saw that with all of the issues around social justice this year and students wanting to be heard, I would say as a leader, listening to your constituents and responding and being a decision-maker, are things that I believe are apparent,” Cooper said.

She added that communication is vital, especially in times of uncertainty with the Coronavirus constantly changing by the day and affecting plans.

“I don’t know how often students, parents, faculty and staff think about the amount of time we put into correspondence, but sometimes it’s hours,” Cooper said.

“To get the right words and the right tone, the numerous emails that I have sent out since March 17 were carefully drafted... because people are looking for answers and they are looking for someone to respond to them. I think

that’s an important thing for a leader - to understand the impact of [the] written word.”

Right now, between COVID-19, social justice and a host of other issues the United States has a lot going on and remains quite divided. A strong and able leader is a big part of getting the country on track for a bright future.

“This (election) has been particularly concerning to me in terms of how they address each other.

That makes me sad, as a citizen,” Cooper said of the race between Biden and Trump.

“I hope there is some healing that happens with whoever the President may end up being that gets people interested in running for public office so that we have plenty of options as voters. We (need) to put some civil behavior back into public discourse and debate about significant issues for citizens.”

For the most part, members of the campus community went out and did their part in this elec-

tion by casting votes. The urgency regarding voting this year by the community is a source of pride for Cooper.

“I’ve been trying to track the numbers in terms of voter participation at the college level and there’s not any information currently out there, but we do know that overall the voter turnout has been a record,” she said.

“I do think watching our students...encouraging people to get out and vote, I don’t know that I’ve experienced that here or elsewhere in other elections.

“I would just say to students to continue that civic engagement moving forward and you will have more choices. The more engaged students become, the more their voice is going to be heard. It’ll be interesting to see if they’ll be able to break that down, even with all the barriers.

I haven’t seen this level of student engagement in terms of voter turnout in decades.”

November 6, 2020 Staff Reports @TheSpfldStudent

O

n Friday, Oct. 30, Springfield College announced to the campus community that they will begin a shelter-in-place period as a result of continuing surges in positive coronavirus cases on campus.

The official shelter-inplace begins immediately and will run until Monday, Nov. 9.

The news came via an e-mail that was sent to the campus community at 12:03 p.m. The e-mail stated: Despite our best efforts, the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and contacts has exceeded our structure for managing the virus. Our quarantine and isolation spaces are at maximum capacity. With the uncertainty of future cases and our commitment to maintain the safety of our campus, we have made the decision to accelerate our planned switch to remote learning now through the end of the semester and establish a one week shelter-in-place protocol for students on campus.

Also in the e-mail, President Mary-Beth Cooper offered some initial thoughts to the campus community.

“This is not what we wanted. There is no one to blame for our current situation. Everyone has worked so hard to remain on campus and to reach our November 20 goal. The reality, though, is that we need to take the actions to avoid undue risk for members of our community.

We need to act quickly and decisively to de-densify our campus to stop any further spread of the virus within our community,” she wrote.

“The fall semester has

Campus Shutdown

Going virtual, again After more COVID-19 cases, Springfield College opted to complete the fall semester virtually and ordered a “shelter in place” period.

Students are forced to attend classes remotely on Zoom. (Jack Margaros/The Student) brought a great many challenges, but I have been consistently heartened by the connections that you have made with each other and with the faculty and staff who are so committed to your success. It is the very best of Springfield College.”

Students now have a decision before them. If they choose to remain on campus they will be required to remain in their residence halls and continue following social distancing and mask guidelines.

No dining will be allowed in Cheney, only grab and go meals will be available. Scheduled testing will continue at the Health

Center. The Learning Commons first and second floor will stay open as 24hour study spaces.

If students stay on campus, they may still go outside to exercise, but they may not do so in groups larger than two people.

All classes will be remote (with the exception of pre-approved labs), athletics are suspended until further notice and and co-curricular activities will also be on hold.

Students may leave campus for medical emergencies, student teaching, clinicals and off-campus work.

Should a student opt to return home, they will not be allowed to return

to campus until the spring semester starts in January.

If students intend to move out and bring all of their belongings home, they will have until Sunday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. to notify Residence Life if they wish to leave, and they must return home

by Monday, Nov. 2 the latest.

The move-out process will be staggered, similar to as it was in August for move-in period. The e-mail also included important details regarding what happens if a student moves out.

“If you remove all of your belongings from your residence hall room (even if you have returned home

PAGE 9 already for quarantine or isolation), the College will provide a pro-rated refund (three weeks) for paid room and board charges. Adjustments will also be made to non-merit based financial aid to account for the reduced time on campus. We will guarantee you housing for the spring, as near as possible to your current space. The pro-rated refund is offered only to students who move all of their belongings out as we may consolidate students who remain on campus and will use the vacated rooms. No refunds will be given if you leave belongings in your room, if you do not notify Residence Life of your intention before 6 PM on November 1, or if you do not move out by the end of the day on November 2.”

Another important note is that class registration for the spring has been pushed back to the week of Nov. 9, rather than the initial date of Nov. 2.

Vice President for Student Affairs Patrick Love also shared some additional comments to The Student.

“We are hoping, our intention here, for the safety of the community. is to arrest the spread of this virus. So, basically shutting down, and trying to have as little contact amongst students on an intensely populated campus as we can have, knowing that over the next several days, there will be an increase numbers of positives, because the virus is already out there, we’re testing people, we’re going to find it,” Love said.

“The hope is that after five or six days, we’ll start to see the decline, because of students being in less contact with each other, and with a less densely populated campus assuming that there will be a number of students that choose to go home. We’ll make a decision, later next week,” he added.

November 6, 2020

Campus Environment

Spirit, Mind and (No)body

PAGE 10

Because students were ordered to shelter-in-place, many returned home, leaving campus desolate.

By Irene Rotondo @irenerrotondo

D

evoid of life, Springfield

College’s campus now sits in silence in the midst of its Fall 2020 semester.

It’s an eerily similar scene to just a few months back in March, where students were rushed from their dorms back into the safety of their homes, lest they contract the Coronavirus.

Students were informed the rest of their semester would be online on October 30, 2020 at noon.

President Mary-Beth Cooper stated in her email to the campus body, “Despite our best efforts, the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and contacts has exceeded our structure for managing the virus. Our quarantine and isolation spaces are at maximum capacity.

With the uncertainty of future cases and our commitment to maintain the safety of our

Springfield College instituted a shelter-in-place order on Oct. 30, and will conclude on Nov. 9. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

campus, we have made the decision to accelerate our planned switch to remote learning now through the end of the semester and establish a one week shelterin-place protocol for students on campus.”

The news rocked every single person connected to Springfield College’s world.

Of course, the shelterin-place protocol and switch to remote learning wasn’t exactly unexpected -- cases have been climbing rapidly over the past few weeks on campus, various dorms have been in and out of quarantine periods, and other colleges and universities have been going online.

It was only a matter of time until the seemingly impermeable campus was officially under COVID-19 regime.

However, expected the event may have been, there was no way to lessen the blow of yet another semester coming to an early end; students had been feeling the dark

cloud of possibility for remote-learning over their heads for weeks, and their worst fears had been finally confirmed.

The majority of students returned home -- while there isn’t an exact estimate of those still remaining on campus, it’s clear to anybody who is still there

November 6, 2020 just how many students are gone.

One could feasibly walk all the way from International Hall, across campus, and to the Townhouses and Suites, without seeing more than two other people.

The large white tent seated in the center of the Admin Green is dark inside without tables or computers, every parking lot boasts dirt and empty spots, and buildings that are usually full of life now stay silent and cold.

For those who chose to remain on campus, life really has been anything but normal. Students are not allowed inside any buildings on campus (including the Wellness Center) other than the Learning Commons, Cheney Dining Hall, and the Union

“

Campus Environment

PAGE 11

Students are not allowed to eat or drink inside of the Campus Union. (Irene Rotondo/The Student)

for grab and go dining only. This means all food from Cheney and the Union must be taken back to students’ dorms or eaten outside.

COVID-19 surveil-

lance testing has been continued as scheduled for those on campus, with students arriving at the outdoor testing site in their particular time slot every other

ONE COULD FEASIBLY WALK ALL THE WAY FROM INTERNATIONAL HALL, ACROSS CAMPUS, AND TO THE TOWNHOUSES AND SUITES, WITHOUT SEEING MORE THAN TWO OTHER PEOPLE.”.”

week.

Fortunately, there have been no recorded cases of COVID by Springfield College since the students returned home. Those who tested positive prior to the shutdown are still currently in quarantine either at their homes or on campus.

To top it all off, the 2020 Presidential Election began Nov. 3. As one of the most polarized and consequential elections in U.S. history, it’s a given that many students had planned on voting.

For some, it was also the very first election they were eligible to vote in. Stress levels were already high to begin with, and students were tasked to choose the next leader of their country, while

bringing home all of their belongings, and attempting to at least come to terms with another college semester being ripped away.

Needless to say, it has been a very rough fall semester for Springfield students.

The one thing that will set them apart from students at other colleges is their undying resilience and drive to do well.

Springfield College students come from backgrounds of strength and high morality, and these attributes have only been solidified by their core pillars of Spirit, Mind, and Body. If anyone can endure the insanity, it’s Springfield College students.

November 6, 2020

scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

Volume 135 No. 10

Until the spring...

Graphic Courtesy of Jack Margaros