Hofstra returns 'together again'
Hofstra has outlined health and safety guidelines for the Fall 2021 semester. // Photo courtesy of Alexis Friedman.
Both students and campus staff are cautiously optimistic that the Hofstra community can return closer to “normal” as in-person experiences resume.
After more than a year of facing the COVID-19 pandemic head-on with new challenges and adaptations, Hofstra introduced a plan to bring the entire community “Together Again” to address the health and safety needs of students and staff both inside and outside the classroom.
Together Again policies look to bring the Hofstra community closer through in-person programming and resume in-person classes completely. However, in the first four weeks of the fall semester, some cases have emerged on campus, causing heightened concern.
Collin Sullivan, the director of communications for Student Affairs, addressed these concerns. “Our numbers are better than the Nassau County, Long Island region [and] New York state,” he said. Sullivan added that Hofstra has been going above the governmental requirements for reporting case data.
Currently, both the New York State and Nassau County Departments of Public Health do not require the release of COVID-19 cases nor positive or negative test results on college campuses. However, Hofstra is conducting surveillance testing and providing COVID-19 tests for those who are symptomatic.
“Since I was remote learning for my whole senior [high school] year, it’s great to see the classroom dynamic change,” said Brianna Daley, a freshman health science major who commutes from home. “With all of Hofstra’s [COVID-19] safety protocols put in place, both my mother and I feel safe and assured that we are at low risk for COVID-19.”
Hailey Eggiman, a freshman psychology major, shares that the restrictions on campus differ from those in her hometown of Walnut Creek, California. “Honestly, I feel like overall it's a little more relaxed than it was back home, which has been really nice,” Eggiman said. “Back at home, I usually wear a mask even outside unless I was eating, but now I'm not worried about wearing one outside and part of that is because I'm vaccinated now and everyone else is, so I don't have to worry as much.” Eggiman further expressed that the vaccination and mask mandates made her more comfortable attending events in her residential hall.
Zach Oestreicher, a junior public relations major, was tested for COVID-19 after becoming symptomatic. “After I found out [I was positive], I was told that I would have to remain in isolation for at least another week,” Oestreicher said. “It was difficult to do classes remote when classes are all in person now.”
Partying and reckless behavior is something that Sullivan believes could be the downfall of Hofstra’s low case rates. “Off-campus get-togethers will be handled as they've always been handled. If evidence is provided of an infraction, to the University, to public safety or the Office of Community Standards, they will be brought through the conduct process as they would any other regular violation of the code of conduct as outlined in the Student [Guide to the Pride],” Sullivan said. “Be smart, follow the guidance of science [and] follow the healthcare industry.”
