Navigating the New Normal
By: Tammy Bosley, President
Ohio Communication Association
I just posted my grades for the semester. Usually when I post grades, I feel a great sense of satisfaction, and I do something to celebrate. But not this semester. Like you, I’m exhausted. The pandemic fundamentally changed how I do my job. I’m not talking about online learning and teaching. What changed is that I felt the need to make myself available 24/7. I found myself answering emails at midnight, calling students to help them complete their assignments, and extending deadlines. My students did a great job finishing their classes in the midst of extraordinary circumstances—job loss, homeschooling their children, managing work schedules, and sheltering at home.
Finishing this semester came at cost for all of us. Unfortunately, the cost of COVID-19 will not end as we move into Summer and Fall. Many of us will continue online class delivery. Our campuses will look different as we engage in social distancing and develop processes to keep everyone safe. Sadly, faculty, staff, and administration will have to determine how to manage the budget cuts we’re facing in the coming months.
As colleges and universities make these budget cuts, we know that travel funds will be limited or unavailable. We also know that in-person conferences aren’t feasible right now because of the public gathering restrictions. However, the OCA executive board is committed to its members. At a recent meeting, we determined that we will proceed with a virtual conference in October.
We believe that in times like this, it’s important to maintain contact with others, invest in our scholarship, and introduce students to the discipline. Over the Summer we’ll be sharing more information about the virtual platform. In the meantime, we’ve reduced fees and extended submission deadlines.
As president of OCA, I want to encourage you to submit your work for this year’s conference. Although COVID-19 brought so many difficulties, I know that we can use those hardships to promote future success. I’m grateful for our executive board and members. Thank you being a part of our organization. I can’t wait to “see” everyone in October!
