NGU beyond the mask
Sabrina Brooks, Staff Writer
On March 5, 2021, Governor Henry McMaster announced that South Carolina will be reopening to visitors. McMaster has also lifted the mask mandate for the state.
For many places, including North Greenville, this is a big step forward to getting things back to normal.
Some of these things include Chapel, sporting events and school clubs.
“I am looking forward to being able to go to football games, chapel and just more campus activities in general” Olivia Jones, freshman broadcast media major said.
For freshmen at NGU, wearing a mask and social distancing in the classroom is something that they walked into. They haven’t had the chance to experience going to their college football or soccer games; they haven’t been able to join clubs or school activities because of social distancing.
Most upperclassman haven’t experienced that at NGU since before the pandemic and have had to make drastic changes in their college and social life.
But now that the mandate on the mask wearing has lifted a little, things are starting to seem a bit more normal.
For example, you can now leave the cafeteria through the front door instead of having to walk down the stairs and pass by Chick-fil-A. But even with this, you can only leave out one door in the front.
Though there have been minor returns to normalcy, some things won’t be completely normal anytime soon such as chapel, sports and graduation.
“For our sports teams unfortunately, our conference governing body and the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) requirements are not affected by the governor’s orders,” said Associate Athletic Director Zach Epting. “I expect that our athletes and sports will operate as we have for the remainder of the semester, but the way I choose to look at it is that we value the safety of our student athletes and we will continue to put their safety first.”
As for chapel, which prior to the pandemic saw nearly every seat in Turner Chapel filled, services still remain reduced, distanced and masked up.
“Any decisions about the upcoming school year and fall semester, including any changes to the policies for Chapel, will be communicated as they are made by the task force and university administration,” said Campus Ministries Associate Connor Graves.
Graves also mentioned that chapel is open to about 250 students, socially distanced and that they would love for any student who wants to attend chapel in person to do so.
Commencement will also continue to be affected by the pandemic as students, their families, faculty and staff will be asked to take precautions.
“At this time, out of an abundance of caution, we still plan to require that all graduating students wear a disposable mask provided by NGU during the upcoming spring ceremony. We will ask the same of all guests, faculty and staff,” Vice President of Student Services Rachael Russiak said.
Even though the mask mandate was lifted in South Carolina, it seems that NGU will continue on as it was at the beginning of the school year. This means that students and faculty should continue to practice good hygiene, wear a mask and social distance until further notice from the school.
