Nina Walat / Daily Collegian
Special Issue: A year of COVID-19 at UMass
Over the past year, the Daily Collegian has covered the virus’ impact on the school community as the situation unfolded
March 13, 2021
Last March, it was impossible to predict the effect that a mysterious virus, which appeared across the globe months earlier, could have on the UMass community and the world. Now, exactly a year after students were informed that campus would be closed for the spring semester, it’s still difficult to comprehend the amount of change, struggle and loss that have characterized the last 12 months.
When UMass students were sent home, what seemed like a temporary inconvenience at the time soon became a way of life: remote learning, socially distanced gatherings and constant uncertainty about what the future would bring. The only certainty was that nothing would be normal.
In-person commencement was canceled and replaced with a virtual ceremony. Furloughs and layoffs coincided with changes to the campus’ operating plan. Students struggled to find the motivation to perform well in school under the abnormal conditions. The virus impacted nearly every aspect of life for students, professors, employees and local residents.
Coinciding with the issues created by the pandemic was the University’s battle to contain a deadly virus, balancing an effort to return to a sense of normalcy with the safety of the greater community. In a year with constant unforeseen obstacles, that balancing act proved difficult to maintain for the school on several occasions as tensions reached a boiling point.
Over the past year, the Daily Collegian has worked tirelessly to cover the virus’ impact on the school community. Here’s how the situation developed at UMass:
Picks from each section:
One year of COVID at UMass: An interview with Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy
Photo Collection: COVID-19, One Year Later
An inside look at UMass hockey’s final days
Opinion: COVID-19 took my sense of smell and it could take yours
Podcast: COVID Anniversary Edition – Reflecting on a year in the pandemic
***
March — Transition to remote learning | Students leave campus | Study abroad impacted
April — First COVID-19 case at UMass | Medical students move to the frontline
May — Commencement moved to virtual setting | UMass employees furloughed
Summer — UMass lays out Fall 2020 plan | RA/PM Union demands | Reopening plan adjusted
September — First COVID-19 spike | 850 employees furloughed | Cluster of cases grows
October — Growing tensions between UMass, town residents | Spring semester plan unveiled
November — University sees second COVID-19 spike | UMass navigates school, town tensions
December — RA/PM Union reach agreement with UMass | Testing capacity at UMass expands
January — UMass prepares for spring semester | Student recounts racism abroad
February — Cases at UMass skyrocket | Three fraternities suspended for parties | What Went Wrong series
March — 200 students attend Blarney Blowout party | Professors frustrated about testing compliance
***
Within three days, all of the Five Colleges abruptly transitioned to remote learning. Students and professors were forced to adapt to a virtual classroom — a move that most were entirely unprepared for.
UMass struggled to keep up with COVID-19 testing at the time, as tests were a rare commodity throughout the state. A pandemic had not yet been declared, and screenings for the lethal virus were often routine checkups rather than swab tests. One doctor encouraged a student to come back to UHS if his symptoms worsened.
Breaking: Amherst College to Move to Remote Learning After Spring Break
March 10
Smith College joins Amherst College in moving to remote learning
Mount Holyoke College cancels in-person classes, citing coronavirus concerns
UHS facing limited capacity in testing amidst coronavirus concerns
March 11
Breaking: UMass to suspend in-person classes, implement remote classes after spring break
Most Five College Consortium students will not return from spring break
Amherst College students attend last in-person classes for the foreseeable future
SGA president alleges that UMass administration violated the Wellman Document in decision to suspend on-campus classes
In the following days, the gravity of the situation began to set in as classes and programs were suspended for the entirety of the spring semester. Commencement, which was two months out, was postponed. No longer was the COVID-19 situation a brief inconvenience — such alterations to daily life proved the virus was here to stay.
March 12
Travel restrictions lead to suspension of UMass European programs
March 13
UMass suspends in-person classes through the semester
March 17
UMass sends out updates regarding on-campus housing, commencement and more
UMass postpones 2020 commencement
March 22
UMass Amherst changes all undergraduate courses to optional pass/fail
The Collegian News Hour S5 E8: Remote learning, 2020 commencement and SGA
With the sudden changes to campus life, the entire UMass community was impacted. Students abroad had to evacuate their respective countries at a moment’s notice. Those still on campus experienced a new way of life, characterized by an eerie atmosphere as they isolated. Businesses in town began to feel the effects as their primary source of income — students living on campus — mostly vanished overnight.
March 23
Living on campus during COVID-19
Study abroad students impacted by COVID-19
March 25
Amherst economy struggles during COVID-19 pandemic
UMass student organizations plan to continue operations remotely
When distant movies and books give horror a new meaning
March 27
UMass will reimburse students for room and board fees
March 29
The Collegian News Hour S5 E9: COVID-19 and remote learning
SLSO hosts webinar to discuss off-campus housing leases amidst shift to remote learning
Resources for students affected by COVID-19 outbreak and transition to remote learning
March 30
Accepted students react to COVID-19 related changes at UMass
Then, a UMass employee tested positive for COVID-19 — the first case in the school community. Construction was brought to a halt. Campus stood still. The virus, which had largely been a far-off idea rather than an immediate threat, had arrived at the University.
UMass Medical students were called to the front lines to assist during the surge, jumping directly into the workforce from schooling. “I don’t think anything about this experience will be typical, as I think every person working health care right now will agree,” one student said. “I think any typicalness is out the window at this point.”
UMass employee tests positive for COVID-19
UMass donates equipment to health providers and first responders
April 6
COVID-19 creates financial hurdle for students, employees and University
The Collegian News Hour S5 E10: Zoom-bombing, off-campus leases and accepted students
April 7
UMass Medical School’s recent graduates are getting to work
Sustainable fashion in the era of COVID-19
April 8
Student Union construction continues with an ‘uncertain’ timeline
As the COVID-19 situation — now classified as a pandemic — raged on, the UMass community struggled to adjust to the “new normal.” It soon became apparent that students weren’t the only ones being affected by lockdown; residents in the area were impacted significantly.
A local food pantry saw a 50 percent increase in attendance throughout the month. Graduate students fought to delay the demolition of North Village and Lincoln Apartments complexes — the latter of which was later used as housing for students with COVID-19 — to ensure that those residents wouldn’t be left without a home during the pandemic.
April 8
Students registered with UMass Disability Services adjust to remote learning
April 9
Opinion: NARRATIVES: A semester cut short
April 13
The Collegian News Hour S5 E11: Student agencies, commencement and UMass Medical School
April 15
Photographer captures faces of Amherst families living amid a pandemic in ‘Front Steps Project’
April 18
April 19
How did UMass respond to coronavirus?
UMass students talk spring break during COVID-19 pandemic
UHS remains open with additional precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus
April 20
The Collegian News Hour S5 E12: Graduate student demands, SGA talks housing and UMass donates food
The second case of COVID-19 came just over two weeks after the first case, with another employee testing positive. On the same day, UMass suspended plans for students to retrieve their belongings from dorms until further notice. The move coincided with Gov. Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring all businesses that do not provide essential COVID-19 services to remain closed until May 4.
About 500 students were granted permission to stay on campus after others were sent home. Some described an anxiety surrounding what will happen when spring semester is over and hoped the situation would improve by summer. One student, who struggled to find solace during the first month of the pandemic, described the time as “a gigantic blur.”
“This whole incident really forced me to take a ‘day-by-day’ approach. I play each day by ear, which has turned this whole month into a gigantic blur as I can only do so much in quarantine.”
April 21
UMass reports second case of COVID-19 on campus
Move out update: UMass continues to suspend plans until further notice
Students who remain on campus describe life during the COVID-19 pandemic
UMass Student Farm continues preparations for fall semester
UMass researchers design fast-track, low-cost face shields
April 22
UMass Costume Shop delivers hundreds of cotton masks to local high-risk businesses
Coping with a transforming world with ‘The Suburbs’
April 26
UMass researchers create COVID-19 forecast hub
April 27
The Collegian News Hour S5 E13: Hillel vandalism, last SGA meeting and COVID-19 changes campus life
Alumni Association holds panel on job advice during economic uncertainty
Virtual town hall meeting held to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on students
In late April, UMass Lowell was blasted for deciding to hold a virtual commencement ceremony. A week later, the Amherst campus would follow suit, as well as the vast majority of schools across the country.
The disproportionate effect of the pandemic on people of color was evident early on. Adequate healthcare was not always immediately available to those in vulnerable communities, and racism in the medical field led to death. The issue was underscored by the death of UMass alumna Rana Zoe Mungin, who died from the virus after being denied testing twice.
With no end to the pandemic in sight, schools began to unveil plans for fall semester — the first semester in history with most students learning remotely. The adjustments on campus were met with furloughs for employees and charges of unfair labor practices.
UMass Lowell decision for virtual commencement in May due to COVID-19 met with opposition
UMass spring and summer programming adjusted due to COVID-19
Don’t forget about the people who can’t go home during this pandemic
April 29
UMass scientists produce essential viral media for COVID-19 tests
May 1
University announced virtual senior celebration plans for May 8
May 4
May 6
President of Hampshire College announces plan to open the college for the fall semester
May 9
UMass adjusts financial aid, reflected in students’ refunds
May 19
Subbaswamy announces timeline for developing Fall 2020 plan
UMass announces plans to furlough employees
May 22
Town Council approves outdoor dining, zoning amendment for local restaurants
UMass President Marty Meehan to propose tuition freeze
May 27
Unfair labor practice charges filed against University
June 3
UMass 2020 graduates react to online commencement
UMass Amherst Civic Engagement Spanish class translates COVID-19 health information
June 8
UMass lays out detailed Fall 2020 proposal
Over the summer, uncertainty about the fall semester loomed over the UMass community. Students lost internships and jobs and resident assistants and peer mentors fought for better working conditions. The pandemic continued to take its toll.
In late June, UMass released its reopening plan for the fall semester, introducing the community agreement that students were required to sign, pledging to bring 7,000 students back to campus and announcing increased testing for symptomatic students.
“We’re trying to create as much of a cocoon around the campus as possible,” Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy told the Daily Collegian. “The ultimate goal is to try to create as much of a closed environment here as we can and try to maintain that health throughout the period of time that students will be on campus.”
However, 18 days before the start of the semester, UMass reversed its reopening plan due to the worsening conditions of the pandemic in Massachusetts. The move left students scrambling to work out housing and finances, and just over 1,000 students would now be permitted to stay on campus.
Analysis: What we learned from UMass’ open forum on the fall semester
June 17
UMass changes Fall 2020 schedule, classes set to start two weeks sooner than expected
June 28
Students cope with losing internships and jobs
June 29
UMass announces fall semester plan
July 2
Students react to Fall 2020 plan
July 7
Student questions about on-campus living answered
July 26
July 29
UMass announces updated face covering requirements for campus
August 6
RA/PM Union finalized contract with UMass
August 7
UMass still requiring students who come to campus to sign community agreement
August 8
August 13
UMass holds first night of virtual campus forum for remote students
August 15
Amherst businesses face unknowns for fall semester
Your guide to COVID-19 testing at UMass this fall
August 20
Two new COVID-19 cases reported at UMass Amherst, 14 cases total since April
UMass welcomes incoming Minutemen with virtual New Students Orientation
As the fall semester kicked off, the fears of many in the community came true. Just 34 resident assistants would be given work for the semester, nearly 850 school employees were put on furlough and students struggled to find the motivation to attend virtual classes.
Talks about following spring semester began in September. Spring break was canceled, and commencement and finals were delayed. There was no indication yet of how many students would be allowed on campus or whether there would be in-person, remote or hybrid learning.
UMass grants housing waivers for all RAs and PMs after most are left without employment
August 27
UMass projects $168.6 million loss, will furlough nearly 850 employees
August 31
A guide to virtual sorority recruitment
Freshmen respond to the fall semester
September 1
UMass sets new pass/fail rule for fall semester
UMass women’s soccer continues to land top recruits amid COVID-19
September 15
Some UMass students struggle to find motivation to attend virtual classes
September 16
International Programs Office allows few students to study abroad during pandemic
September 17
September 23
UMass faculty, students, local programs discuss anti-Asian bias and xenophobia during COVID-19
RSOs during COVID-19: UMass Tabletop
September 25
Chancellor Subbaswamy announces spring planning groups; will receive report by Oct. 21
Just a month into the semester, the idea that UMass could prevent COVID-19 cases among students who returned to the area was shattered. A wave of cases was sparked by a party, from which 28 students tested positive.
A spike in town followed, which coincided with anger and frustration from town residents who blamed UMass students for the uptick in cases. Discussions about the possibility of a full campus in the spring semester became common with more than 1,000 students and parents signing a petition supporting that measure — showcasing the contrasting views of some in the UMass community and town residents.
September 25
13 UMass students test positive for COVID-19 after several attended same party
September 28
Planning for the spring semester, addressing inequity and other takeaways from Alumni Town Hall
Graduate students respond to remote learning and teaching
September 29
Flagship Forward offers UMass athletics financial help in a crucial time of need
Cultural centers struggle to operate due to lack of funding
September 30
25 new UMass students test positive for COVID-19; party cluster grows to 28 cases
UMass reports 29 new cases in 2 days; Town of Amherst sees spike
October 5
International graduate students continue their work despite obstacles from the pandemic
Freshmen react to their unique first semester at UMass
October 6
Students balance challenges of synchronous and asynchronous classes
October 7
Amherst residents, school committee urge punishment for UMass students amid COVID-19 spike
October 11
Should UMass bring students back in the spring? Over 1,000 students, parents say yes in petition
First year students use Snapchat as a creative way to socialize despite remote learning
October 12
UMass field hockey is gearing up to play its season this spring
October 14
How A.J. Hastings, a mom-and-mom shop, survives COVID-19
The delayed release of blockbusters is impacting the movie theater industry
October 19
What is it like to work in UMass’ testing center?
October 20
Disability Services continues to provide UMass students with remote resources and accommodations
Esports’ prevalence in a virtual UMass community
In late October, Subbaswamy announced the spring reopening plan, which originally included bringing campus to 60 percent housing capacity, with the majority of classes to be held virtually save for labs, studios and other classes which require face-to-face instruction.
The University was confident in its ability to safely invite a large number of students back, but Subbaswamy acknowledged the rising tensions between the school and town:
“While today’s announcement will undoubtedly be welcome news to many members of our campus community and disappointing to others, it is a step, albeit an incremental one, toward a time when our UMass family is fully together again.”
Two weeks after the spring semester announcement, UMass saw its second spike in COVID-19 cases, reporting 89 cases in a week period. Among large schools in the state, UMass ranked third in cases per 1,000 students.
October 23
October 26
Public Health Promotion Center guides sick students, prevents further spread of COVID-19
Opinion: NARRATIVE: Now, more than ever, the performing arts need your support
October 27
This Halloween weekend at UMass will look very different than past years
Students react to new COVID-19 measures in Mass.
November 10
Professors respond to UMass’ plan to increase campus residency for Spring 2021
November 12
UMass sees second COVID-19 spike; 89 positive cases in last week
November 13
UMass announces COVID-19 and travel procedures over winter break
November 18
November 21
Transfer students reflect on the virtual semester
December 4
RAs and PMs refuse to accept unsafe work, demand UMass uphold employment contract ahead of spring 2021
December 7
UMass to offer free COVID-19 testing to local residents through March
December 21
What it takes to build testing capacity at UMass
January 8
How University Health Services takes on the challenge of symptomatic COVID-19 testing
January 14
Despite COVID-19, Mock Trial team looks toward bright future
January 15
Chancellor Subbaswamy announces COVID-19 mitigation plan for spring semester
There were issues immediately after the spring semester began on Feb. 1. Academic burnout among students persisted and student groups struggled to stay afloat financially. The sheer length of the pandemic continued to take a toll.
But what wasn’t foreseen was the massive spike in COVID-19 cases among students. In the first week of the semester, UMass reported hundreds of cases — including two consecutive days with new cases totaling over 100, shattering the previous single-day record of 35 new cases. More than 350 students faced sanctions for COVID-19 violations.
In the weekend leading up to the semester, the Daily Collegian reported on crowded back-to-back parties hosted by Theta Chi, a fraternity at the school. Several sources within the Greek community, a healthcare worker at the school with knowledge of specific COVID-19 cases and video evidence proved the parties occurred. Shortly after the report, Theta Chi was placed on interim suspension pending an investigation.
UMass raised its operational posture from “Elevated” to “High,” the highest measure possible, due to the spike in cases. As a result, students on and off campus were ordered to self-sequester for two weeks. Students were barred from working their jobs, athletics were postponed and those living on campus were prohibited from going outside, even for a walk.
Greeno Sub Shop rallies with fundraiser to stay afloat
February 3
Opinion: Influencers: please stop wasting COVID tests
February 4
As the spring semester begins, students brace themselves for burnout
February 5
UMass shatters single-day case record
February 6
February 7
UMass COVID-19 risk level increase from ‘Elevated’ to ‘High’
UMass Athletics pauses all team activities for the next two weeks
February 8
Theta Chi placed on interim suspension pending investigation
Opinion: I hope your party was worth it
Opinion: Now is not the time for group projects
February 10
354 students are facing sanctions for conduct violations
February 11
SGA addresses COVID-19 restrictions and student employment during weekly meeting
SGA holds town hall to address concerns around COVID-19 spike
February 13
Restrictions on outdoor exercise lifted effective Saturday
February 15
Students working off-campus jobs grapple with UMass’ self-sequester directive
Letter: Dear UMass students, your actions impact the larger community
February 17
Opinion: UMass blames students for the outbreak, and students are buying it
February 18
Opinion: People with disabilities should be prioritized during vaccine distribution
February 19
Students react after Hadley Planet Fitness bars UMass students due to COVID-19 risk
—
Over the course of five days, the Daily Collegian published a three-part series titled “What Went Wrong,” an in-depth investigation into what led to the massive spike in COVID-19 cases at UMass.
What Went Wrong: Part I — The Dorms
Part I explored the living conditions in UMass’ dorms that fueled the virus’ march through campus. Students blatantly ignored health guidelines and hosted dorm parties with more than two dozen unmasked people.
“Think of an absolutely normal time in Southwest — whether it’s the lowrises or the towers —and it’s dumbfounding how normal things are,” a University of Massachusetts resident assistant said.
What Went Wrong: Part II — The Contact Tracing
Part II analyzed the school’s failure to prepare for a spike in cases as the semester began. There were about 300 new cases in three days, overwhelming the school’s contact tracing system and causing UMass to seek the state’s assistance in contact tracing.
What Went Wrong Part III — The Quarantine
Part III was about issues with the quarantine living situation, in which students were able to continue their normal, social college lifestyle in dorms designated for students with COVID-19.
“It’s honestly a mess in here,” one student said. “There’s just no rules.”
—
Following the two week self-sequester period, the University implemented further restrictions in an attempt to prevent another outbreak. Students would be barred from online educational resources if they weren’t in compliance with testing standards, the school said, sparking backlash from professors.
During the self-sequester period, the Daily Collegian reported that Alpha Sigma Phi and Phi Sigma Kappa hosted parties, violating school policy. On the same day as the report, both fraternities were placed on interim suspension pending investigations.
UMass traditions continued a year after the pandemic began, with about 200 students facing discipline due to partying during the notorious Blarney Blowout celebration.
February 18
Opinion: Let UMass students work
February 19
UMass will lower campus risk level to ‘Elevated,’ with notable caveats
February 22
Letter: We, the Graduate Employee Organization, have no confidence in our administration
Opinion: America’s role in vaccine skepticism
A look at how the pandemic affected the UMass men’s lacrosse team
February 23
Opinion: UMass’ response to rising COVID-19 cases was a disaster that could have been avoided
February 24
Opinion: Restricting students’ access to virtual learning platforms is predatory and unfair
UMass students reveal why they decided to move out only weeks into the semester
February 25
Letter: UMass needs to release air quality information for on-campus residences
February 26
February 27
UMass frontline employees worry about safety after students return to campus
UMass parents displeased by student activity restrictions
Opinion: As the latest school to surge in COVID-19 cases, UMass is just late to the party
March 4
UMass prepares for ‘Blarney Blowout’ weekend
March 8
Professors react to UMass’ new student testing compliance
Breaking: UMass to pursue action against Blarney party of 200
March 10
Two-week self-sequester period leaves students with in-person classes lacking hands on experiences
March 12
Opinion: Blame neoliberalism for COVID-19
Opinion: The COVID-19 vaccine must not result in further inequality
March 13