In-person classes are essential for students pursing a hands-on career in Radio, Television, Video or Film (RTVF) // Photo courtesy of Ahjané Forbes

Amid the protocols and policy changes being implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at Hofstra, the possibility of being sent home lingers. However, a semester without access to crucial software or equipment could prove less than fruitful for students in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication (LHSC).

When the University assembled task forces dedicated to creating new methods of academic instruction, physical organization, equipment management and student activities, the task force tackling social distancing and equipment safety – the most vital to many radio, television and film students – was led by Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of LHSC.

“In a lot of classes, the hands-on aspects of work – the ability to create – is a crucial part of the education,” Lukasiewicz said. “It’s a distinctive part of what we offer. So we were very conscious to figure out how to preserve that while keeping everyone safe, both faculty and students.”

Lukasiewicz said that all academic instruction will be in consideration with the absolute safety of students and staff.

“The provost and the University asked us to emphasize as much as possible that introductory courses should be in person and we’ve done that,” Lukasiewicz said. “Of course, we do have our hands-on production courses that, as much as possible, we have kept online.”

Studios and facilities within LHSC are marked with standing positions to ensure social distancing, and the school has implemented a 24-hour quarantine period for equipment and surfaces where hand-to-surface interaction is concentrated.

For senior film and TV production major Rachel Kong, the prospect of being online next semester is concerning. Although her current courses are fit for online instruction, her upcoming senior film project, which requires access to equipment and software licenses on campus, is in jeopardy.

“[The senior film] will affect our career,” Kong said. “That’s usually the most important piece in your portfolio. It’s how you showcase what you can do to your employers.”

Additionally, senior film studies major Kailee Goodine is worried about how an online semester will affect underclassmen.

“A lot of the learning I personally had when starting here in the film program was … hands-on experience and working with the equipment,” Goodine said. “It’s one thing to have it lectured at you, it’s another thing to apply it.”

For many, there is anxiety associated with the restrictions and uncertainty the Hofstra community faces this semester.

“I’m not sure if we’re going to be able to function the same way we used to going forward,” said Laura Batchelor, a senior video and television major and the General Manager of Hofstra Entertainment Access Television Network (HEAT). “We have no idea what’s happening with the school and all the restrictions, and whether or not we’ll be online soon. We’re finding ways to have everyone involved and learn.”

The roles of production assistant and shadow – the lower-tier positions within HEAT – are often filled by freshman volunteers, but with limited space and staggered scheduling, fewer people are involved in the production process.

“I know personally, shadowing has always helped me become more confident in the role,” Batchelor said. “To see someone else do it, you can ask questions, so that helps a ton. Not being able to have that does make it a little more nerve-racking for people.”

HEAT is converting as much content as possible to online platforms. All shows will be available online and are primarily produced online as a backup. Writers’ rooms, package writers and other content creators are also encouraged to operate remotely.

Despite these restrictions, Batchelor said that underclassman involvement is vital to HEAT.

“We won’t function without freshmen,” she said. “They do so much and I don’t know if they know that … We want you to be here. We want to work with you.”

Lukasiewicz said that current circumstances are satisfactory, and that students are getting plenty of exposure to hands-on experience. He is hopeful that Hofstra will be able to maintain in-person instruction for the rest of the semester.

“I am optimistic we are not going to be [fully online],” Lukasiewicz said. “I can’t predict, but I’m optimistic we are not going to be in that circumstance. [But] we’re certainly, in the back of our minds – all of the faculty – preparing for that.”