Today, Western University made the decision for students to return to in-person classes, with the acception of first-year students who are not allowed to return to residence or classes until the beginning of March. 

The ongoing frustration with covid shutdowns has been felt throughout the community for the past two years, and the beginning of this year felt different when we all got vaccinated and returned to some degree of “normal”. And I can speak for the students in saying it was a successful first semester.

With the introduction of COVID-19s “Omicron” variant, there was some panic, and rightfully so. But since it’s introduction it’s been highly transmissible, but more or less presented only mild symptoms. Especially against our student community which is ~99% vaccinated (which we were told would protect us).

Universities such as Wilfred Laurier University, Brock University, and University of Guelph (to name a few) are allowing students to return to residence, yet Western made a different decision, which is heavily impactful on its own students education, mental health, and overall university experience.

Not only is it detrimental to current first year students, but future students will consider going else where where in-person learning for first-years are valued.

It is difficult to depend on Western university with the life-changing decision of where to go to school during these unprecedented times when the institution continuously proves they do not care about their first year students, and instead simply do what is easiest for themselves despite the negative impact they have on their students.

For a University that prides themselves in the Success and high education of its community. It sure doesn’t seem like that when you don’t value the students opinion and won’t let students make their own educated decisions on if they want to return to school for the sake of our mental health.

Open Residence for Your First Years