In the wake of the spread of COVID-19, the vast majority of students vacated housing by March 23; but some students still remain on campus However, some students still remain on campus.
According to associate dean of Thatcher Susan Pennington, about four percent of students were allowed to stay, a number composed mainly of international students and those whose programs require too much hands-on experience to be done online.
Othello Thomas, sophomore Automotive Service major, still attends classes in Ledford Hall.
“[Automotive Service] is a hands-on major, and we can’t fix cars remotely,” he said.
All remaining students been relocated to Southern Village to keep them concentrated. Students are not allowed to fill out leaves, and curfew is at 11 p.m.
Due to the small number on campus and coronavirus concerns, all food service locations have been closed except the Village Market, according to Southern’s website. There the Deli’s hours have been limited and supper is no longer served.
Many compare Southern to a ghost town. With all the restrictions from the virus, the students are isolated.
“It’s depressing honestly,” Thomas said. “God did not make us to be alone and isolating yourself most of the day and not interacting with people is difficult.”
However, the living restrictions are sometimes better than what the students might face at home.
“I’m glad I can stay,” Thomas said. “Where I live is shut down, and also I get to continue doing what I love here at school.”
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