Welcome back to The Sixth Seat! Today's episode kicks off our new 2-part series of students reacting to recent administration responses.

We sent out a Google Form several weeks ago to collect information about student opinions on reopening and have brought some of our respondents together to make this episode!

First, we'll hear from Matt Schoenbauer, Maddie Foley and Angelica Ketcham. They wrote a petition in support of a faculty petition and demanded that professors be able to decide for themselves whether to teach online, in-person or in hybrid format. On this episode, they will talk about their work and the importance of selflessness in the reopening process.

Next, Emma King, a rising sophomore in Mendoza, will share her excitement about reopening. She will also tell us some of the things that worry her about the plan.

After Emma, we'll talk to Joey O'Donnell, who wrote a letter to the editor of The Observer on July 6, titled "Why I'm not convinced reopening will work." Joey will share his plans for the semester with us and explain what dangers we will face in returning to campus.

Finally, we'll hear from Lan Anh Dinh, Mary Polking and Jackson Hignite. They are representing ConcerND, a group of students who are advocating for more equitable reopening policies and accommodations. In this episode, they stress the importance of community and how necessary it is that all students act in the best interest of others, especially during this time.

We hope this episode expands your perspectives and helps you think deeply about the campus reopening decision and what kind of community member you will be this fall. Thanks for listening!

Ben Testani

The Sixth SeatBy Observer Viewpoint Feb 02, 2020