Photo: Susie Asamoah, President of the African Caribbean Student Association

After a month of hesitation and caution, we’re back!

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the WCSU Student Government Association hosted Clubs Carnival, the first major on-campus event since the beginning of the pandemic lockdown in March. With rising case numbers in the city of Danbury through August prompting a COVID-19 alert from the Department of Public Health, multiple health precautions were put in place.

In an attempt to adhere to social distancing guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities, the event sprawled across the Midtown Campus rather than solely on the Fairfield Lawn as done in years past. Tables were spread across the Higgins Quad, Fairfield Lawn, and the Science Building Lawn. Aside from being spread throughout the campus, the tables were also set vertically with only one representative per organization in attendance to ensure that a 6-foot distance was maintained between every attendant. Masks were required for all participants.

Although the turnout was not as large as usual, it was still impressive given the circumstances.

“It’s nice to see that we’re adapting to what’s going on and see how we’re making the best of what we can,” said Charla Beauvais, SGA Parliamentarian, calling the event a success. With participants dancing in the campus quad, WCSU’s sense of community was not suppressed.

Despite the many precautions instituted by SGA and Event Logistics, there were still students in attendance who removed their masks or gathered in class groups in violation of campus policy, as well as policies established by Governor Ned Lamont’s executive orders.

Some may have considered the mask requirement a nuisance on a beautiful, sunny 75° day, but health experts say that distancing and mask usage can help prevent outbreaks.

If you missed Clubs Carnival and are interested in joining campus organizations, head over to the Clubs & Organizations page on Presence.