As the University of Idaho transitions entirely to remote instruction after fall break, officials recommend students stay home until spring 2021.
While the campus will remain open, many will be traveling to visit family and friends, far away from their beloved campus.
We spoke with students, faculty, and staff at UI about what’ll they’ll miss when they head home for online learning. From the Arboretum to the classrooms, here’s what they told us.
Sara Timberlake walks along the path where a few weeks earlier she saw a moose. The University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden is no stranger to various forms of wildlife, which is what Timberlake says she loves about it.
A frequent visitor of the Arboretum, Timberlake says it’s one of the things she’ll miss the most when heading home at fall break for the remainder of the semester. With only a few credits to complete before graduation, she’ll take her remaining classes online and live at home for the spring semester.
“I love the stillness and consistency the Arboretum offers,” Timberlake said. “No matter what season, it really takes me out of the crazy world we live in. Whenever I need a break, I head here.”
Hala Barakat, an assistant professor in the College of Art & Architecture, says the rows of empty desks in the once-bustling studios are a consequence of hybrid learning.
As the university prepares to transition to remote learning, it’s unclear how the move will affect students’ hands-on learning experience. The younger students who hadn’t experienced the studio before the pandemic have been struggling, Barakat said. She’s also noticed a lack of motivation.
“It’s hard to keep them engaged,” Barakat said. “When the students are in the studio, they can touch and feel things and they normally feed off each other. There have been unique challenges this semester in getting the new students comfortable.”
As Barakat walks through the nearly empty studio space, she brushes her fingers over a series of empty lockers. Lamenting the quietness of what was once a lively room, she moves throughout the space. In a typical year, free of a fast-spreading respiratory illness, Barakat said there are at least 60 students in the space at any given time. On this day, however, there were two.
“It’s really depressing,” Barakat said.
ASUI Senate Pro-Tempore Aaron Bharucha* gets much of his work done in the Department of Student Involvement, a spacious room located on the third floor of the Idaho Student Union Building.
Lined with expansive south-facing windows, the space is well-lit and a popular study spot.
“What I like about this space is the people here,” Bharucha said. “They’re all here to do work.”
Bharucha said the unique balance between people who use the area to work and those who use it to socialize is just right.
“It motivates me to conform to the environment and work hard, but it’s also laid-back, which I appreciate,” Bharucha said. “I respond to it well.”
This semester, of course, things are different. Bharucha said what once was a room bustling with ASUI senators is now somewhat deserted.
“It’s just those stupidly fun moments and their spontaneity,” Bharucha said. “That doesn’t happen now, which is really sad. Those are always the moments that stick out to me.”
Office Assistant Pepe Maciel sits in an empty lounge at the University of Idaho Women’s Center. The center, located on the ground floor of Memorial Gymnasium, has long been a sanctuary to students from various walks of life. It’s seen fewer visitors due to the pandemic and is guaranteed to see less foot traffic once students head home for the holidays. However, many like Maciel still take advantage of its safe and inclusive environment.
“When it comes to spaces on campus that are welcoming, few come close to the Women’s Center’s spirit of inclusivity and equity,” Maciel said. “This office is so special because of the dedicated staff that is equally passionate and empathetic. The staff is always willing to take the time to talk to students who need someone to talk to.”
*One of the sources in this story is employed by UI Student Media. Aaron Bharucha is a columnist for The Argonaut.
Story by Angela Palermo
Photos by Angela Palermo
Design by Danielle Hawkins