Sam Houston State University is doing its best to ensure the safety of their faculty, staff and students as the world deals with COVID-19. As a result of the campus’s shift to exclusively online learning, most student organizations are left at a standstill with hopes to pick up again in the fall semester.

As for campus events, Student Activities is working to keep students engaged with campus activities during this time. They plan to live stream events via social media forums such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

A popular tradition from Student Activities, Thursday Thrills, is staying afloat through some shifts to digital. Their recent Thursday Thrills event encourages students to draw the Sam Houston State University paw print. Currently enrolled students can complete the drawing, then post it to their Instagram feed and tag SHSU Program Council or Student Activities. Submissions will be entered for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

Not everything can be transferred online so easily. The Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs postponed their event, Drag Culture, due to the restrictions put on public interaction. In an effort to keep students involved in the conversation, the CDIA posted an educational presentation over the history and impact drag culture has made on society. The video is still accessible through the Student Activities social media platforms.

Though the drag show was postponed, the CDIA challenged students to show their lip syncing skills in their recent #SHSULipSync challenge. Bearkats can post a video to twitter, tagging @SHSUDiversity and @SHSUStuAct.

Not only can students participate in virtual activities such as viral challenges or informational presentations, but the food pantry is still open for student relief during these difficult times.  

Adjusting to this new way of university life is hard, but administrative faculty and staff are working to ensure that students experience an easy transition and are still involved in their campus.