(Social)Life At Olivet: Connecting Through COVID

By: Hannah Iverson | April 20, 2021

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While abiding by rules and regulations of masking up and participating in social distancing initiatives, students at Olivet Nazarene University have creatively found ways to connect with one another to build a sense of community on campus. The past year has presented challenges of keeping faculty, staff, and students safe while also maintaining a sense of normalcy within the Olivet experience. From providing gathering spaces to even being intentional in individual relationships, social life at Olivet remains a vibrant part of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Our team has worked hard to take many of the pieces we know work in our community and place them in safe, monitored environments.  It’s clear that our students want to be on campus and have the Olivet experience.

Matt Smith, Director of Recreation services

Spaces to Gather

Many of the normal back to school activities and campus-wide events could not take place, but that has not stopped the fun. As a way to adapt to the times, Olivet offered several spaces across campus for students to have space to hang out and create that sense of community that is so deeply engrained in the university’s DNA.

This fall, Nights at the Plex, a new series of outdoor community events held at the Warming House and the Snowbarger Athletic Complex, was created to help foster an environment for students to enjoy socially distanced activities with friends. Those who attended could choose from activities such as fitness classes, coffee and canvas nights, as well as enjoy live music, trivia and yard games.

Building off the programming at The Plex during the fall semester, ASC and Rec Services developed REC CITY “neighborhoods” in Chalfant Hall and Perry Center. These safe and fun environments provide students a place to study, hang out and play board games, work out, and spend time with friends.

These spaces along with campus favorite spots like the quad, Starbucks, and Perry Recreation center, have given students opportunities to come together in COVID-friendly ways.

We’re All in This Together

Aside from the day-to-day challenges amidst the pandemic, many students around campus are dealing with other personal challenges. According to Pew Research Center, Adults ages 18 to 29 are especially likely to report anxiety, depression or loneliness compared with other age groups. This demographic covers a majority of undergraduate students at Olivet.

Now more than ever, I see the importance of creating community intentionally.

Jonathan gonzales, Resident director for Nesbit Hall

Student groups, organizations, ministries and mentors at Olivet are finding ways to intentionally connect with others. Student body president, Lily Jarzabkowski, reflects on the ways that the University has had to adjust to fit the times as well as how she has had to adjust personally.

“We have all had to reimagine the ways to create community on campus,” she said.

While that may look different, groups like The Associated Student Council (ASC) have created monthly events unique for each class, specifically engineered to foster fun while keeping everyone safe. From late night study events that are more chill to lively karaoke events, there has been something for everyone to participate in to feel a sense of connection with those around them.

While each student’s Olivet experience this year has been different, there are certainly lessons and takeaways from the last two semesters.

What Does Community Mean to You at Olivet?

While the university continues to navigate this season, one thing is certain, community will remain as an integral part each step. To learn more about Life at Olivet contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.

*Photos at the Plex and Rec City taken by Olivet Nazarene University