Clubs are now able to meet in-person
By Noam Wasik ‘21
Covid-19 has pushed clubs to meet over Zoom, but after a month of students following precaution rules, clubs are now being allowed to meet in-person. For decades, clubs have been meeting in-person. Clubs form an essential part of Sem’s culture, as well as the afternoon schedule of students.
Zarah Chittalia ’21 is one SOCA leader, Students of Color Association, and is excited to see clubs meeting in-person. She says, “I think that having meetings in-person makes students more excited to go…Zoom just isn’t the same.” Zoom doesn’t give the same comfort students have with being in-person. Online meetings lessen the ability to see body language and when to add to the conversation. Chitallia adds, “meetings over Zoom are naturally less energized and more awkward for discussions. The energy is just different in-person.”
Zoom meetings also do not allow for as much communication. Julianna Saltz ’21 is a leader of the SEM Female Empowerment Movement (SEMFEM). SEMFEM is a club, and much like SOCA, that integrates affinity spaces into their meetings. Saltz is excited clubs get to meet in person. She says, “I think it’s great because there is a certain level of communication you can’t reach when you’re online, especially in cases like affinity groups. In-person is just easier in general.”
The club leadership meetings have also been online. “It really does help when it comes to leadership meetings to be in one room figuring out our next step for our meeting,” Julianna states.
Artisan Club, led by Jessie Miller ’22, is a club that focuses on providing art projects for the community. In regards to the ability to meet in-person, Miller states, “In-person is a lot more engaging because it allows us to work on the art projects we have been asked to do in the community.” In-person meetings allow clubs to resume projects they were unable to continue on Zoom.
While most students are on campus, there are still many that are virtual. When club meetings are held on Zoom, students from around the world can join. With meetings back on campus, virtual kids are being left out. “One negative is that we are leaving the virtual kids out,” Miller states. Virtual students are not only being left out in class but now club meetings too.
Saltz has another worry. “I think the only negative is having to limit the number of people who come to the meeting, but it is necessary,” She worries meetings will not allow for the large outreach clubs want but acknowledges it is the best thing right now,” she mentions.
A large number of students are excited to see their clubs in-person finally. Dr. Penland, class dean of ’21, says, “I think there are a lot of positives about club meetings in person with social distancing and masking: social interaction, ability to show videos more easily, more honest discussions. Still, I think the current Covid safety concerns are serious too, and we need to be careful not to ignore the risks.” This may be the first action to make this year seem as normal and as familiar as possible.