Mason Galemore
Contributing Writer
mgalemore@murraystate.edu
Murray State organizations and clubs have changed how they operate because of COVID-19. They have been tested in a way they have never been tested before, but student participation has not been phased.
One of those clubs is the Murray State Alliance led by senior biology major Kearby Stiles. Stiles gave positive reviews as to how his club was functioning.
“I would say that we had about the same number of new people this year as in previous years,” Stiles said. “We switched from in-person meetings to all meetings being over Zoom because we did not want to have any COVID-19 risks for our meetings.”
Like Stiles, other club leaders have used Zoom and other means to continue the fun of extra-curricular activities. Senior political science major Ryan Ackermann, president of the Murray State Democrats, said his club has combined in-person meetings with Zoom meetings.
“We did this to accommodate people with their preferences and to remain as safe as possible,” Ackermann said. “If they could not make it to the in-person meeting, then they can use the Zoom option.”
Both Stiles and Ackermann share the same concern of maximizing student involvement and campus life while ensuring safety.
Though many clubs haven’t shown any effects in student participation, clubs like the TV Club have seen a noticeable decrease in size.
Senior TV production major Jayla Louis, the secretary of TV Club, said she thinks the club’s ability to work on projects has been a factor.
“There have definitely been less people joining this year,” Louis said. “We think that it is mostly because we can’t work on projects like we once could due to COVID-19 guidelines. We are hoping that things will go back to normal soon so we can start working on projects and operating more like a club.”
As students are looking forward to COVID-19 being a thing of the past, club leaders like Ackermann are still planning to keep their COVID-19 friendly procedures.
“Our plans will be most likely the same, hybrid participation with both in-person meetings and Zoom,” Ackermann said. “With vaccination efforts and growing herd immunity, by the time we reach the fall it could be more in person.”
Stiles hopes to ease MSU Alliance restrictions by the next academic year. He wants to move forward with a hybrid format to promote flexibility.
“I know a lot of members are looking forward to doing in-person meetings,” Stiles said. “Some activities are best done in-person while others are best suited for Zoom, so having the flexibility of choice will be good.”
Senior advertising major Matthew Anderson, president of the Ads Club, said it is hard to predict what the next year will bring. Anderson is hopeful that Ads Club is ready for whatever comes their way.
“As advertisers, we are taught to be ready for anything,” Anderson said. “Regardless of what happens, the club will ensure every member’s safety is a priority and work will still be accomplished.”
COVID-19 has altered daily life and changed how people communicate, but it has not stopped people from persevering and finding ways to adapt.