By Tucker Reilly, News Editor
With St. Bonaventure University now four weeks into the fall semester, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) has done its best to adapt to the university’s COVID-19 policy. The Board is a student club focused on providing opportunities for students outside of the classroom through a number of activities, events and trips.
Mary Frac, the assistant director of the Center for Activities, Recreation and Leadership, described CAB’s reach over campus:
“When you spot a flyer for a novelty item, comedian, game show or excursion, CAB is typically the group behind it,” Frac said. “The main focus is to provide a social and supportive environment for all students on campus. It is a blast, as [the students] get to be the idea machines behind it all.”
In following the university’s plan for reopening in the Fall 2020 semester, CAB has had to alter their planning. In a document released on July 23 titled, “Phase 4 Reopening Plan,” the university stated, “The university will continue to offer the types of programs that are typical on a college campus, but with modifications to ensure that guidelines are met. We do not expect to host large-scale events and performances or concerts with large audiences.”
One of CAB’s solutions to these crowd limitations has been the large tent that sits in the parking lot in between the Reilly Center and the Richter Center. Frac described the tent, which both provides a social space and hosts events for students, as a success so far.
“The tent has been tremendous. It is there for students at any time, and I love walking past and seeing students listen to music there. I have seen group projects and even a surprise birthday party there. It will be up a few more weeks, so students should certainly take advantage and join the fun if they have not already.”
While “excursions” also remain an important part of CAB, the university has made efforts to restrict any off-campus travel. A section of the “Student Expectations for Fall” page on sbu.edu reads, “We are strongly recommending that students stay on campus and in the local community as much as possible until… the semester ends.”
Despite these barriers, Frac believes that limitations on travel “have not slowed down the fun.”
“Unfortunately, we cannot travel this semester,” Frac said. “But [CAB] has been able to shift their focus to fun activities right here on campus.”
The ability to find new solutions to problems, both on the part of CAB members and the general student population, has been an important factor in the success of campus activities so far this semester, Frac claims.
“The transition for events to meet state guidelines has been fairly easy,” Frac said. “Some items take more time, such as laser tag, where we had to sanitize the lasers and barriers between games; but students were extremely understanding and used the time to strategize. Instead of sharing chips at Bingo, we used Crayons to mark the cards. It is taking a bit of creativity, but [CAB is] still finding a way to bring events the students wanted.”
As of Wednesday, the university has reported three on-campus cases of COVID-19, all of which have reportedly recovered. With just over eight weeks left in the semester, Frac remains positive.
“I am very optimistic of our future,” Frac said. “I am proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about staying here at our second home.”
