By: M.K. Bryant

This semester has been the University of Montevallo’s first semester fully back on campus since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some precautions still being put in place, students are enjoying the newly found freedoms they not have on campus.

For many of UM’s students, this is their first semester getting to have what they consider to be a “normal” college experience. Students are not able to spend more time with their friends and classmates without having to worry as much about the safety regulations being put into place by the school.

Alongside this more normal semester, events are once again being held on campus. One of these events, for example, was the first College Night mixer to be held this semester. Students gathered on Main Quad to learn about the Purple and Gold sides and consider what side they would like to be on during College Night.

Other events include those held by the University of Montevallo’s Student Government Association. During the weekend of September 17-18, the SGA held WOW Weekend. The events held during the weekend included karaoke in Farmer Hall and Laser Tag in Myrick Gym.

UM Sophomore Jayden Presley believes that it is much easier to socialize on campus this semester compared to the 2020-2021 school year. She mentioned that she’s excited to be able to get to know her neighbors in Tutwiler Hall better.

Presley has also found it easier to get involved in organizations on campus this semester. She is part of “The Alabamian, which is the school’s newspaper, and she has a job working in the school’s athletic department.

Alongside the excitement of the semester, however, there are also some difficulties.

Jayden Presley said that all of her classes last year were online, and that as a result, “having to get used to the in-person format again has definitely been a little challenging.

As previously mentioned, this semester is the first “normal” college semester for many of the university’s students. Last year, classes were taken virtually and as hybrid courses. Presley mentioned that the change has impacted her schedule and how she manages her time.

Although UM students have more on-campus freedoms now than they had during the 2020-2021 school year, the university still has some limitations put in place to ensure the wellbeing of everyone on campus. While social distancing is no longer being enforced, it is required that students and faculty wear masks in most buildings on campus. Masks are not, however, required in residence halls anymore. More information on UM’s temporary COVID-19 policies can be found here.