By Sophie Higby
The 2020-2021 school year has changed the lives of college students.
Due to COVID-19, colleges have been working to help keep students safe and healthy. Samford University has implemented many restrictions over the past school year to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is as minimal as possible.
On Feb. 22, Residence Life sent out an email updating visitation guidelines after reviewing how COVID-19 cases on campus declined. The email explained that students living in the same building are now able to visit each other for the foreseeable future, so long as they follow specific rules.
On March 16, Residence Life sent out a second email announcing that students living on campus would be allowed to visit other residence halls. Although this allows students more freedom on who they can visit, there are associated restrictions.
Visitation times are Sunday-Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. In addition, students must receive a pass before visiting other residence halls. Students need to check-in at the Residence Life office designated for their area of campus.
“I’m really excited that visitation has opened back up,” sophomore Rebecca Joiner said. “I feel like this is just one of many ways we’ve been able to see the rewards and results of our efforts in wearing masks and distancing.”
Samford has continued working toward eliminating any threats of COVID-19 on campus.
On March 18, Assistant Vice President for Campus and Residential Life Lauren Taylor emailed Residence Life staff announcing the Pfizer vaccine is available to those who want to receive it.
“The CDC and Alabama Department of Public Health have highly recommended that individuals receive the vaccine to protect themselves from the virus,” Taylor said.
With the decline of COVID-19 cases on campus and access to vaccines, Samford is hopeful college students will have a more normal college experience next school year.
