The pandemic came with huge economic losses for states and entities within countries. Universities are the most concrete example of it. The fear of going into bankruptcy and of losing students put universities at stake. A decisive and risky decision had to be made. Empty campuses and a decrease in revenues contributed to the crisis.
In our case, students of AUI are not only the driving force of AUI’s economy but of the whole city of Ifrane. Restaurants closed for months, Taxi’s profits dropped significantly and the whole city became like a ghost town. With all these circumstances, opening the campus while maintaining safety measures seems like the most rational decision to make. However, with such decision-making comes planning, crisis management procedures, and a series of responsibilities and measures that should be applied drastically.
Was AUI successful in doing so? A question I’m leaving for the reader to answer.
This fall 2020, AUI admitted around 700 new students making them the largest cohort since AUI’s inauguration in 1995. This high rate of acceptance shouldn’t be done independently of a well-centered analysis of AUI’s resources in terms of the number of faculty, the availability of rooms, dining facilities, and sufficiency of common spaces.
“Monday morning at 10 AM I went to my first class here at AUI. But unfortunately, we were nine who couldn’t find a seat even though we were there on time. So, we were asked to come back on Wednesday and those who were seated were asked not to come for Wednesday class”
a freshman student
Monday 24th of September represented the first day of classes for continuing and new students. This day was experienced differently among students. While some enjoyed the online class and found it as a good option for conducting courses, others couldn’t keep up because of the technical issues such as poor WIFI or bad sound quality. Newcomers found themselves entering classes with full capacity and no seats available. The social distancing measures applied by the university in the classroom divided the capacity to half. While this problem could have been solved through good management and organization of classrooms, students were asked to leave the classroom and come back for another session leaving them confused about their unexpected first day of classes. Again, it seems like communication is the key to avoid any further misunderstandings.
“Having a new experience at Al Akhawayn University was a dream that came true. But the first day has changed the whole circumstances, where assisting your first class and not finding enough seats stressed me out”
A FRESHMAN STUDENT
If this pandemic taught us anything it would be the importance of crisis management skills. Communication and planning are key to manage all difficulties. The university should already have several scenarios with the protocol to follow in each one. Preparedness should be a priority. This climate of uncertainty that is reigning since the second wave of Covid19 hit Morocco has put more pressure on AUI’s administration.
However, it is important to note that AUI remains committed to ensuring the safety of the campus body. Among the measures pushed by the COVID task force was the conduct of a PCR test for students who will be residing on campus. With the application of a 2 weeks lockdown. Furthermore, putting the mask and keeping social distancing are considered to be mandatory actions that students should abide by while on campus. Sadly, what we saw on the ground was very different from these ideal rules. Several students move in crowded groups with no social distancing and lowered masks. Common kitchens, soccer fields, and other spots in the residential area were overcrowded. The security department, RA’s, and other university personnel were overwhelmed by this repetitive scenario. Once the campus lockdown will be lifted on Monday the 28th of September the risk of exposure would be higher. Therefore, the university should have a firm stance against any violations of these rules.
Besides AUI’s responsibility to react firmly to any kind of violations, it is necessary to remind students to abide by the basic safety rules. Being on campus is a unique experience that several students couldn’t enjoy this semester because of the pandemic. Those who were able to come to campus should know the true value of this opportunity and do all the necessary measures in order to keep the community safe and to ensure the success of this fall semester.
Editor’s note: We invite all AUI students to abide by the safety measures established by the university. Wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. It is our common responsibility to keep the campus safe.
