By: Nate Carsten
Almost a month, three quizzes, two labs, one exam, and a bunch of discussions later. At school time flies, even during a pandemic.
Officially beginning on October 8th, 2021, we students have had to work around a new system to combat the spread of COVID. Hopefully, this has gone smoothly. During this time we all got to make new acquaintances. The entry checkers are a part of our new routine, as well as the Parkland COVID help squad in B125. They are an integral part of our new routine; they deserve our thanks.
The entry checkers are the first and last people seen during a visit to Parkland. Though it may seem simple, these strong workers are the reason our system has worked so well. They check our apps, answer our questions and do it all with a smile.
Many of them come from Manpower, an occupation placement center off Springfield and Prospect in Champaign. They connect people who want to work with places that need them.
As to how they like their job, one entry checker of door U3 told me they love the laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. When they first got here, many students were confused, but their quick and efficient Parkland training helped them find solutions in a breeze.
They told me of a trick some students have tried to use- screenshots. The guardians have to keep a sharp eye open for frauds. However, visitors are welcome to come onto campus. For safety reasons, an entry checker takes down their name and reason for visiting. They have our gratitude. After all, it is not so easy to see people bright and early, especially without coffee.
For those students who need help finding a place to test, have questions about the SaferCommunity app, or do not have an app and need a day pass– enter room B124. This room can be found near the X2 entrance from the outside. Here, they will find themselves assisted by Parkland helpers with experience from a range of backgrounds: current faculty members, ex-faculty members, and student workers.
One of the workers there used to work in the mailroom. When they heard Parkland needed extra hands, they joined the squad of helpers. The best part is Parkland works around their schedule; the student worker puts in around 27 hours a week, as their schedule allows. The team encourages you to come to join the team if you want to help at your own pace.
When asked for any advice for the students, they had one piece of advice: check your emails. Most issues can have been avoided by staying up-to-date with the informational emails.
They also issued a warning: do not sneak onto campus without being checked by a supervisor at a designated entryway. This is serious, and you will be marked with student misconduct on your Parkland record. A record that follows you into your future academic ventures, like transferring to a four-year school.
On a positive note, the help squad has noticed a decline in students coming to them with problems. It seems everyone has gotten the hang of the door checking system and has figured out how to adjust their schedules.
Just about one month down and one word comes to mind: gratitude. The Vice President of Student Services agrees. He states, “I want to thank our students, faculty and staff for their support, cooperation and patience as we implemented the new building access protocols. While we continue to review and improve these processes, the initial rollout has gone as smoothly as possible. This is all thanks to the gradual rollout in the first half of the semester, and the partnership of our campus community.”
With such a great job done, one can only hope these precautions will not be necessary for long. Even if they are needed, I’m confident that we at Parkland can handle it.
