As the seriousness of COVID-19 reached its peak level, the Korean government prohibited students from going to school, and changed all classes into online classes. Hongik University is not immune from COVID-19. Our school also replaced every class into online classes. There are both positive and negative aspects about this change. I interviewed Freshmen and gathered different thoughts on the school’s reaction toward COVID-19 and its outcome.
A Freshman Majoring in Economics
1. Do you have any dissatisfaction with campus life?
A. Before, I entered school, I expected a campus life of meeting new people and hanging out with them. I felt terrible about the cancellation of all school activities. I think there are both advantages and disadvantages about taking online classes. It is better for me to save time and money commuting to school. Although every professor is trying their best to make their classes worthwhile, it is harder for me to focus on classes at home. On my list of dreams is spending time with friends in our rooms but I feel so sad that it won’t come true this semester.
2. What is your opinion about a tuition refund?
A. I think the tuition fee not only includes a payment for taking classes, but also for using the school facilities. However, since students can’t use any school facilities, that part of the tuition should be refunded to every student.
3. What do you think of the school’s response to COVID-19?
A. I think our school takes more time to deliver school’s news to students compared to other universities. There are many universities which were already notified students that their whole semester might be replaced with online classes. But it seems our school doesn’t have a fully thoughtout plan for postponement. I want the school to take this more seriously. Also, the undecided midterm schedule makes many students anxious. So, I want the school to have a clearer opinion on continuous postponement of the semester and the midterm schedule.
4. What do you wish the school’s action will be?
A. I hope the school will bring back or keep activities that were canceled this semester. I feel sorry for student council. They always work hard for the students. However, I really want to participate in the events that I missed, such as the annual school festival.
A Freshman Majoring in Mechanical System Design Engineering
1. Do you have any dissatisfaction with campus life?
A. Of course, I am sad with the fact that all the school events such as Freshmen orientation and the school festival were canceled and postponed. But I think it is better to do that. First, taking online classes keeps us safe from the COVID-19. The government is trying their best to stop the spread of COVID-19. If we break the rules and try to do whatever we want, people will suffer with the endless cycle of COVID-19 forever. I also feel bad about missing all the opportunities of meeting new people and making friends. But it is more important to eradicate the virus completely. Second, I can use my time more wisely. By taking classes at home, I can save the time it takes to commute to school. I use that extra time to preview and review the chapters which I need to study more.
2. What is your opinion about a tuition refund?
A. I think a tuition refund is inevitable. Students majoring in Engineering paid more money than other students. They use the school facilities such as the school laboratory. Since we can’t use any school facilities, the school should refund the money we deserve.
3. What do you think of the school’s response to COVID-19?
A. I don’t have many negative opinions on the school’s reaction. Except for the tuition fee and the quality of classes. Postponing classes is an unavoidable decision. Actually, I like taking online classes at home. But an unstable network causes many errors, like students aren’t able to hear what the professor is saying or the monitor freezes. I also experienced my monitor freezing a few times and it distracted me from studying a lot. I hope our school finds better way to fix the problems.
4. What do you wish the school’s action will be?
A. As I said above, my wishes toward the school are a tuition refund and fixing the online problems. If the COVID-19 is completely finished and we can go back to school like before, I want the school to provide more activities to students so we can build better or new friendships with others.
Due to the extended online classes, some students will get sick of staying at home and others might not. However, the most important thing is to safeguard our health and prevent the spread of the COIVD-19. It is true that the school’s response toward the virus caused some problems with online classes that might be solved with some tuition refunds. Unless the COVID-19 stops right now and every student is allowed to go to school, it might be better to use this time wisely by spending this time to develop yourself.
SooAh Lee victorahhhnn@gmail.com
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