George Mason University Korea has finally decided to extend the lockdown.
Illustrated by Yoonbin Nam
On 29 October, as the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a plan for a gradual easing of social distancing protocol starting in November, average daily life recovery is expected in various areas. Some concerns have arisen since mass infection cases reappear in areas where social distancing has been eased on a trial basis. However, quite a lot of people have welcomed new ‘With Corona’ guidelines simultaneously. The education field is no exception to this flow. George Mason University Korea (GMUK) sent a survey to all students on 2 November. The survey was conducted anonymously, asking students whether they would like to return to in-person classes or not.
The Voice interviewed various students, and it was possible to observe various reactions, including students with expectations and concerns about the transition to in-person classes. Most students agreed that the school should someday return to in-person class but answered that it was too sudden to implement it at the end of 2021.
One sophomore student (GMUK, Conflict Analysis & Resolution, ‘23) pointed out that "Students who live off-campus will be in great trouble if they have to return to school suddenly." Another student (GMUK, Global Affairs, ‘26) expressed his opinion, "I[He] am skeptical of what I can get when I take in-person classes for less than a month. On the other hand, the practical problems can become overly complicated." On the other hand, some students argued the need to return to in-person classes and the ‘With Corona’ policy immediately. A sophomore student (GMUK, Business, ‘23) said, "I[He] haven't been to school for nearly two years. The indirect loss suffered in this process cannot be underestimated. There is no reason to extend this period further under any pretext." Also, a freshman(GMUK, Global Affairs, ‘24) responded that "I[She] am not able to do any of the normal school life with ease, such as communicating with peers or visiting the professor's office for asking questions. If we[students] are given an option, we better not lose it."
There was also a student who chose a neutral stance. A sophomore student (GMUK, Global Affairs, ‘23) said, “I[He] took a neutral stance because the university did not provide exact details on how and what is going to happen when the university decided to convert to in-person classes. I don't think either side is particularly better.” As he pointed out, the only information from the university was that it was no longer possible to apply for a dormitory during this semester, and some classes may be recorded and delivered online. Moreover, some wanted gradual change. A senior (GMUK, Global Affairs, ‘21) said, “Considering the cost and time required to commute to and spend in college, there would be some inconvenience, but in-person classes are inevitable for smooth relationships with students and professors.” She explained that the university should implement a gradual period to absorb the impact of nationwide change.
The Voice was also able to interview Dr. Deborah Kwak, who took office at GMUK for the first time this year. “I[She] want to meet students and resume in-person classes, but I also fully understand that there are some issues for students. So, I think that a hybrid option of offering both online and in-person classes would be better in the current transitional situation. And the MK leadership is doing their best to support the survey results.”
Facing the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, GMUK students have made new decisions through a democratic process. The survey ended with the result that the majority of students preferred online classes; thus, GMUK will maintain its instruction mode online until the end of 2021. There is still no guarantee that everything will return to normal without worries about COVID-19. Still, the executive office of GMUK expects that in-person classes and campus normalization would occur in 2022. Also, considering that the students admitted in 2020 and 2021 have mainly conducted online courses so far, the university should provide help so that all students can return to in-person classes smoothly. In addition, they must not loosen the awareness of quarantine to prevent the occurrence of additional COVID-19 damage.
Written by Yoonbin Nam | Staff Writer
Revised by Yu Bin Kwon | Managing Editor
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