Community Spirit Remains Strong
09 April 2020
The Global COVID-19 response has brought many changes to life at University Hall, but one thing rings true for UniHall and our residents at the moment: Community.
The strength of community has continued to shine as University Hall has implemented unprecedented changes for this unprecedented time. As we reduce physical contact and limit gathering opportunities and spaces, our residents continue to find new and exciting ways to connect with each other, and look out for one another.
Some changes made around UniHall to keep our community safe include:
- Reminders about physical distancing in all areas,
- Common spaces have been closed or reduced to 2 people to support physical distancing,
- The Dining Hall has reduced occupancy to support physical distancing, moved to plated meals to promote hygiene, and has moved to offer take away meals for residents for each meal session, in addition to strong hygiene and cleaning practises,
- All programs have moved from face-to-face to virtual support physical distancing,
- Access to UniHall by visitors, including family and friends, has been restricted.
In just a few short weeks, our community has united and found opportunities to connect in others ways.
The Pathways to Leadership Team brought our first ever virtual event week for Healthy U Week; featuring Balcony Art with uplifting messages for our community, an online workout with YouTube sensation PE with Joe, and an online group quiz.
The Sites4Good team continue their good work building websites for charities by moving their weekly meetings with industry experts online.
The Outdoor Committee and individual students within UniHall have created at-home workout resources to help residents stay active and keep their muscles moving while social distancing.
Our Residents’ Club have created a number of fun initiatives to keep spirits up and help students stay connected; from short exercise videos 'PE with VT' with female sports officer VT, an online zoom chat 'Tea with Mabel' to allow students to connect about topics other than COVID-19, to the exciting Tik Tok Competition that keeps creativity flowing around our campus.
In an exciting collaboration, Lead Residential Advisor Curtis and Residents Club President Justine have kicked off the weekly 'Humans of UniHall' Podcast that shares individual stories about the many students we have in our community, to promote connectedness among our residents.
With our enrichment programs transitioning to virtual delivery, many more events are in the pipeline, including the upcoming 'UniHall’s Got Talent' online event.
We look forward to seeing how our residents can continue to connect and engage with our Academic Advancement, Professional Development and Community Connections programs; as well as each other, as the semester progresses.