Professors Strive to Connect With Students Despite Social Distancing

With new rules and regulations being put in place, the classrooms have changed as well, introducing a new kind of learning and teaching experience. 

“The guidelines on physical distancing means that in the face-to-face classroom, you may have less students in the room at any one time and that the instructor will be at least six feet away from the front row of students,” the Liberty University website states. “Physical distancing and face mask coverings are required in all academic buildings.”

While the change can be a difficult adjustment, many professors were grateful to be able to teach in person again. Debbie Benoit, a Family and Consumer Sciences professor, missed the interaction that she lost when transitioning to Microsoft Teams last spring.

“I was happy because I love the face-to-face time with the students. And it was hard doing the virtual because you have to have so much more energy,” Benoit said. 

One of the measures put into place this semester is incorporating Microsoft Teams. Benoit explained that Teams serves the purpose of allowing the student to still be virtually attending class if they happen to be put into quarantine. Benoit has already had a few students from her classes put into quarantine this year. 

Kat Bozzay, a junior, shares her experiences with her professors.

“Our professors are doing a great job. Most of my classes, like with Dr. Benoit, (have) us do every other seat and keep our masks on the whole time,” Bozzay said. “Some professors … who can’t hear as well, when they call on you, they’ll have you pull your mask down when you’re talking so they can hear you better. But the professors will all wear their masks and stand behind the glass the whole time.”

This change is not only challenging for returning students, but incoming freshmen as well. Benoit said she is trying to connect with them individually as best she can.

“I have my intro class, in which 90% of them are brand new students. I have them coming into my office individually and having meetings with them to try and get to know them. Most of them are just so excited to be here to start their first year,” Benoit said.

Both students and faculty are concerned about how long face-to-face classes last. Many dread the possibility of having to switch virtual classes.

“My hope is that we can stay open. … I’m a face-to-face person. I get my energy from the students, and so I want to see them face-to-face and be able to teach them,” Benoit said. “And this is what college is about. It’s not just about what you’re learning in the classroom, it’s what you’re learning living in the dorms. It’s just the college life experience and that’s what I want for my students.”

Bozzay shared that as a student, she sees a different perspective. While there are those who do follow the regulations put into place, she sees a large amount of people who do not.

“I think it’ll be difficult to stay in-person with not everybody following all the regulations, but I definitely agree with the decision to have in-person classes, which is why I came back,” Bozzay said.

Stephanie Haydon is a News Reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @Steph_Annice.