From Virtual Club Meetings to Online Salsa Classes, Widener Students Stay Connected

Practically overnight the COVID-19 crisis has transformed life for Widener students.

On top of moving classes online, gone are the typical social interactions that define a semester – club get-togethers, on-campus events, playing catch and lounging on Memorial Field. 

But the university is committed to maintaining student connections and keeping students engaged, even if they are forced to be at home, miles away from campus.

The Office of Student Engagement is converting already-scheduled programming into virtual formats, creating new events to meet the new realities, and harnessing the power of social media to keep students connected.

Our philosophy from day one is we’re a family here. Through thick or thin, we want to make sure people know they matter. We want to continue to provide what Widener has always been – a community that has always cared about you.” — Austin Duckett, assistant dean of students

Under the banner “We’re All Widener, Wherever We Are,” Duckett and his staff have quickly revamped their spring semester lineup. General entertainment events now include a slate of online concerts, tutorials, and workshops. And Widener is joining virtual programs being offered through various national higher education associations. 

The goal is to keep content student-centered and student-driven.

“We want students to know that just because you’re not on campus it doesn’t mean you’re not connected or part of the bigger Widener community,” said Jeanine Snow-Gephart, director of student involvement.

Through the Pride Activities Council (PAC) social media feeds, particularly Instagram, a number of campaigns to keep students engaged are running or starting soon, from Ultimate Binge Watch TV Show Bracket, to Quarantunes Playlist Competition, to Quarantine Diaries for students to share videos of how they’re spending their days. Virtual Bingo and a salsa class are also in the works.

“As a student leader, I have heard many students express how they feel like they have nothing to do. For me that shows opportunities to help create fun memories for the students to fill their homes with,” said PAC President Priscilla Adenugba ’21. “As an activity board, the amazing events we hold throughout the year won’t stop because the students aren’t on campus.”

PAC Vice President Meghan Bell ’21 recently shared a TikTok to show how she’s personally transitioned to the new COVID-19 imposed realities.

@megobell

quarantine at zoom university ##onlineclass ##stopcorona

♬ Moon - Kid Francescoli

"It is very important for students to still be engaged even when they aren't on campus because it continues to build the Widener community and also keeps them active and involved,” said Bell.

Both Bell and Adenugba advise their fellow students to take advantage of Zoom, FaceTime, GroupMe, and other social media platforms to stay linked to friends and classmates.

“I have seen so many people creatively finding ways to keep in contact with their friends, and with everyone possibly having more free time than usual, it may be easier in some cases to connect with people you may not often have the chance to,” said Adenugba.

Individual clubs and organizations are also working to keep their members connected. Widener’s chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship has been using Zoom to hold weekly general meetings and biweekly Bible meetings with breakout sessions.

“A lot of our activities have translated pretty well (to a virtual setting), and we’re even getting people who are not able to make meetings normally,” said Jenna Muir ’20, the group’s vice president. “It’s important to stay together as a group and maintain that sense of community. Even if the activities aren’t the same, it’s the friends. We’re laughing and having fun. It’s nice to see faces and hear voices.”

Beginning March 30, students should watch for a weekly email from OSE advertising events and initiatives.

Follow Pride Activities Council on Instagram: @prideactivities
Follow OSE on Instagram: @engagewidener

Student Engagement Events