Many scheduled events and programs are suspended for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester because of Auburn University's transition to remote learning. The University Program Council is a student-led organization that plans multiple events for students to be able to meet and engage with their peers. UPC had many upcoming events that were forced to be canceled due the coronavirus pandemic.
“We may not be physically on campus, but UPC is actively working on ways to creatively program and engage the student body even during their time away from campus,” said Britt Whitstine, president of UPC and junior in biology and communication. “UPC is handling the news of the campus closure the best we can. It’s an adjustment for everyone.”
Whitstine said UPC is still holding meetings to plan for the upcoming fall semester. She said it was important to the council that they continue to support their members while progressing forward with their leadership placements for the upcoming year.
“It’s hard to put so much work into the planning and execution of events and never see them serve their purpose of uniting students and giving them an experience they enjoy,” Whitstine said. “It is even more disappointing for the seniors and some others. These were their last events to create some priceless memories as Auburn students.”
There were many events that were canceled due to the campus closure. The two most popular being the Concert on Cater, which was going to be a performance by Moon Taxi, and the Film on the 50 in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Whitstine expressed the shock that UPC experienced when the news of the severity of the COVID-19 virus caused the campus closure.
“No one could have ever foreseen the timing or severity of COVID-19,” Whitstine said. “It has affected not only Auburn, but the world.”
Whitstine said that they continue to conduct meetings using multiple platforms such as Zoom video conferences, phone calls and email. She said that once they finish selecting their leaders for the upcoming year, planning for the fall semester will be the main focus of their attention.
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