Opportunities to build community and meet new people continue to be a focus for us on campus. We celebrated Homecoming with more than just Bronco football taking on Utah State on the blue turf. Students formed teams and competed in the Bronco Cup, which included trivia, dodgeball, and a virtual talent show. Each of these events provided students an opportunity to socialize and connect outside of the classroom while maintaining local safety protocols. Watching our Broncos play home and away games looks a bit different this season, and we recently hosted a series of small-group watch parties in the Student Union Building to allow students to watch our Broncos take on Air Force.
More opportunities for students to get connected on campus and with one another are approaching. In-person activities and events focused on stress relief will happen during finals week. BroncoFit has a variety of wellness programs scheduled including their Midday Mindfulness program and others that you can find on their website. Students can also engage in the inaugural panel series, Conviction and Conversation in Contested Times, and other events about civil discourse and the national election.
Students needing to quarantine or isolate have resources available through the Dean of Students Office. A newly formed COVID-19 Student Alliance is providing virtual opportunities for these students to stay connected during what can often be a very lonely time. Virtual social programs, such as bingo and a “are you smarter than a 5th grader” themed trivia night, are open to any student but can be especially important to those who are isolating to stay engaged. We encourage students to take that extra step and seek opportunities to get involved. Student organization and university events can be found online at our Engage event calendar. Other events and resources specifically for students can be found on our Student Life Essentials page. Opportunities for students to connect with others are there, even as the semester comes to a close, but we need students to reach out to these resources. We are here to support your students!