Editor’s note: For more information on the JCU COVID-19 Task Force spring semester plan, check out this story.

This past week, the JCU COVID-19 Task Force announced that students will be returning to campus for the spring semester.

Having the fall semester online has brought many challenges for students. Junior Michael Kanavy mentioned that trying to stay motivated and focused on his schoolwork has been his biggest challenge. 

Senior Alex Rajakovich experienced these same hardships. “It’s hard to get into work mode when I’m in my living room or anywhere in my house,” he said. 

Many students are excited about the prospect of being back with friends to experience the JCU community. First year student Maddie Maziarz expressed her anticipation. 

“I am beyond excited to go back to campus, and I can’t wait to meet new people,” said Maziarz. Sophomore Catherine Maas said she is ready to be a part of the campus community once again.

Although many students are excited to be back in person, they still have concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Kanavy mentioned that he is most nervous about going back home after being on campus. “I know many people who are at-risk, and I have family members working at hospitals, so if I catch it, I will have to be extra careful and may not go home for a while.” 

To prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, JCU has enacted many restrictions to keep the JCU community safe including continuous testing, mandatory mask wearing, HyFlex classroom settings and isolation of anyone diagnosed with the virus. 

“I am worried that there are going to be so many restrictions that we are going to wish we were home again,” said Maziarz. 

Students living in dorms might have to experience the bulk of these COVID-19 restrictions, but this is not stopping students from pursuing dorm life. Maas said, “I am living in a dorm, but I feel comfortable about it. My biggest concern would be the communal bathroom … it will be very important to have a normal cleaning schedule.” 

On the other hand, Rajakovich is not too concerned about living on-campus in the spring. “I’m not really worried any more than I would be if I was off-campus.”

Regardless of the new changes that students will face this spring semester, they are mostly excited to return to a somewhat normal life. Students are looking forward to the spring semester and finally reuniting with their JCU friends. They also recognize that JCU is doing what it can to keep students safe. 

Mass said, “I am not too worried about it [COVID-19] because I know John Carroll has put together a well-thought-out plan to keep the campus community safe.”