Students and Staff Adjust Back to In-Person Learning

NORMAL, Ill – Students have finally returned to in-person classes more than a year after shifting to online learning.

Amid-COVID-19 cases rising earlier in March 2020 courses moved to zoom and other online outlets across the world at various institutions. Students and staff have not been able to have in-person classes in the past year.

This has drastically changed the environment mainly for lack of interactions and personal obligations. Since transitioning back into in-person courses professors and staff have faced challenges when transitioning back.

“I had a lot of reservations about returning face-to-face in the classroom. I’m a mom of three kids, all of which are under the age of 5 and cannot be vaccinated.  As an academic advisor and lecturer, I interact with hundreds of students every semester,” said Julie Navickas

Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Lecturer, Julie Navickas says she tries to look at the positives. She said she approves of the university’s pandemic guidelines such as being fully vaccinated, or take saliva-based weekly testing.

She says she has seen that these changes have made a positive impact when working with students.

“I have been pleasantly surprised by the respect and understanding of all the students I work with. everyone graciously wears their mask correctly, maintains distance in conversations, and understands my fears,” said Navickas.

Navickas said she feels that Illinois State is an incredible educational experience. She said she is proud to be a part of a campus that always creates efforts to keep our campus safe.