The Northern Caribbean University’s male dormitory, Cedar Hall.

Photo Credit: Quinell Ming

By: Katrich Walker

Mandeville, Jamaica- It has been a week since the start of the Fall 2020 semester at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and students residing on the university’s male and female dormitories are already adjusting to the new protocols outlined by the university.

Fourth-year Biological Science major and President of the Philmelodia Club, Janae Walker said the coronavirus pandemic has influenced many changes on the University, such as automatic sanitizer dispensers and regular temperature checks for students residing in the dormitories.

“The dorms are closed at 9 pm to minimize movement and risks getting infected. Masks must be worn once you exit your room. We do temperature checks every night at 7 pm while social distancing.” 

Walker, who resides at Leila Reid Hall also noted that virtual room checks are also done via zoom nightly and is completed by the resident advisor. She says so far, things have been going smoothly. 

The Vice-President of Philmelodia, Savannah Matthews who resides at Jamaica Hall, said she finds the efforts made by the school very effective in preventing the spread of the disease. 

“I believe that these measures will help us fight COVID or rather have no cases at all here on NCU campus.” 

Meanwhile, while commenting on her experience learning online, Walker shared that she has experienced a few challenges with the aeorion system but for the most part the transition has been smooth.

As it relates to the wifi accessibility that students have over the years seen as problematic,  both Matthews and Walker have observed significant improvements compared to previous semesters.

Vice-President of the Excelsior Club, Ivanhoe Smith who is staying in Cedar Hall, the male dormitory, said his experience is quite the opposite. 

“The wifi is very poor, but UNISS gave us their word that it will be dealt with in short notice.” 

Smith also finds a problem with the aeorion system and recommends that it be updated for efficient use.