It has been almost a month since the University of Guam transitioned into online courses due to the spread of COVID-19 on Guam.  Amidst adjusting to this new norm, some seniors at the University of Guam have been reacting to the change in different ways.

To prevent the spread of the virus and put in danger the seniors, doctors have decided to use portable stage trailers to move around and be able to take care of their patients in their homes.

Students made the transition to the online format on March 30, 2020, and since then have been attending classes through video conferencing programs such as Zoom, BigBlueButton and Skype for Business. Vince Fabian, a biology major, said the transition to online lecturing was smooth. He however felt that his lab courses were not meant for the transition online.

Fabian said his class would normally conduct experiments and field work at UOG, but now his labs have resorted to online modules and data analysis.

“Although computational biology/data analysis is useful, the lack of hands-on experimentation/field work does take away a big portion of the experience,” Fabian said.

Fabian says that in addition to the concerns he has for the classes he is taking during this semester, he also worries about his plans after graduation.

 “My initial plan prior to the effects of COVID-19 was to spend my summer preparing for grad school and looking for a job to take in my gap year,” Fabian said. “Although I still plan on doing that, I worry that looking for a job during this time will be significantly harder, and if this job were to be deemed non-essential, I would be unsure as to how I would support myself or my family in the coming year.”

In addition to this, Fabian was also concerned about his options for graduate school.

“With the current situation nationwide, many universities have shut down and are uncertain when they would reopen. Some have even proposed not to open until 2021, which would majorly affect the timeline I’ve set out for myself career-wise,” Fabian said. “However, I understand that these postponements and closures are for the sake of everyone and I will do my best to adjust my timeline accordingly.”

For graduating seniors, an online commencement is scheduled for June 18, 2020 at 7:00pm.

The virtual Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook and the UOG website.

UOG’s President Thomas Krise said in a news release by UOG, “Despite the circumstances caused by the coronavirus, proceeding with a virtual commencement ceremony allows us to honor the accomplishments and perseverance of our students.”

According to the same article published by UOG, Fañomnåkan graduates will also have an option to walk in any future commencement ceremony that occurs after the end of the public health emergency.

UOG’s Student Government Association President, Marc Bituin, wanted to congratulate this semester’s graduating seniors.

“All their hard work, sweat and tears have finally pulled off. Especially for getting through this unusual situation and fairly new platform,” said Bituin. “We want to congratulate them for their success! To all the graduates, congratulations and good luck.”

Additionally Bituin would like to recognize SGA senators, Darlene Gatchalian and Lilian Billimon for their exemplary service.