BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — “It’s definitely weird, but we are use to wearing masks,” Amanda Cary, student, Trocaire College.
Trocaire College students return to their first first day of in-person classes on the south Buffalo campus Monday.
Students are beginning the semester with both in-school and remote learning.
But from the second you walk onto the college campus COVID-19 protocols are in place everywhere for students, staff and visitors.
“It’s both exciting and a little daunting, but we feel we are really prepared with social distancing, hygiene all the appropriate CDC and New York State guidelines,” explained Allyson Lowe, Vice President, Academic Affairs.
Mask wearing is required at all times. Social distancing rules are in place. Only two people allowed on elevators and only one person in the restroom at a time.
“You’ll notice while you’re here, lots of people are moving about the building to check on mask wearing,” remarked Lowe.
“From the second you walk in the door, they’re on it,” Cary responded.
Lowe says students were also required to sign a pledge called “Trocaire Trust”.
“Indicating that you understand and will follow CDC guidelines, but also that you will really be responsible and responsive to one another,” said Lowe.
The college is starting the semester with lecture based remote courses.
But lab work, such as a cardiac sonography class, will be person this semester.
“They have to physically touch a patient, which is their classmate for now and they have to learn the views of the echo cardio sonography exam,” said Valerie Cramer, teacher.
Cramer says students really need to be in class to learn about this cardio test, but they are taking all types of precautions to keep students safe in the classroom.
“We are going to be sanitizing in between patients. We have ample caveat wipes and gloves. We're washing down the table between each scan, wiping down the equipment,” Cramer noted.
“We all choose to do a hands on career that's why, you know, we come here, so being on line is probably our biggest concern, but other than that we feel safe and happy we are here,” Cary stated.
Cary says as health care majors they are use to wearing masks and hand washing.
“Our hands are usually raw,” laughed Cary.
After a Thanksgiving holiday break in November, Trocaire students will switch to remote only learning for the remainder the semester.
“All course work — whether it's labs, interactions and simulations — will be remote for the balance of the term,” said Lowe.
“Even final exams?” Buckley asked. “Even final exams,” replied Lowe.
But Trocaire leaders will evaluate the situation surrounding the COVID pandemic before making any decisions for the 2021 spring semester.
