WKU News

You want to go to the game, your club meeting, your chess match, the fundraiser, or the big dance, but you’re in the midst of a global pandemic? Darn, what an entirely normal problem to have. With the cancellation of WKU’s events and classes, it can be hard to feel like you’re a part of something bigger (even if that larger feeling is a unifying fear of Big Red or the inevitable soul crushing week of finals). You must be away from your friends! So what? We have plenty of tips to help you still feel like a Topper.

1)     Set up a virtual club

Since clubs are now essentially a no-go on campus, take this time to start your own! Set up a group meeting via Zoom to share common interests and still get that club feeling without the virus!

2)     Find modified events on campus

I know, I know. It seems like everything is shutting down and there isn’t anything left to do. What you don’t know is that there are still many ways to involve yourself on campus without having to, you know, be there. In fact, the English Club will still be hosting the Goldenrod Poetry Festival virtually and the Gender and Women Studies Department will be providing an alternative to their canceled film series, a free virtual film series done by the New York based company Women Make Movies.

3)     Follow campus social media

Social media is an excellent way to stay in touch with what’s happening on campus. Websites and apps like Instagram especially can give information and fun visuals that can involve you from your house. The WKU Department of English can be found on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram at @wkuenglish, the English Club can be found at @wkuenglishclub, and the Creative Writing and Professional Writing Departments can be found at @wkucw and @wkupw, respectively.

4)     Schedule video conferences with friends into your day

Even introverts may be struggling with the lack of human interaction lately. Staying home all the time is tough, and it is easy to miss the face to face interaction that school provides. Scheduling even twenty minutes once a day to video chat with friends will help you stay involved in social groups. Websites such asSkype or Zoom can provide group chat options where all of your friends can meet up and eat lunch or dinner together virtually!

5)     Decorate!

Many WKU students are moving out of their on-campus dorms or near-campus apartments this week in compliance with social distancing and safety regulations. Taking your decorations back home can help you still feel connected to campus. Give yourself the space you need and make it your own!

6)     Stay connected with your professors

This is a hard time for everyone, and as we all move forward with online classes, we need to stay connected. Communicating with your professors will not only help you stay connected to WKU while maintaining a safe social distance, but will also improve your class experience overall.

This can be a troubling, and even lonely time for everyone, but please know that your professors, faculty, friends, peers, and family are still here for you. Let’s work together to follow protocol, stay home, and take time to focus on ourselves. Let’s also be compassionate and patient during this time, with yourself and with others. WKU is still here for you so stay in contact, remain connected, and let’s all make the best out of the rest of this semester.