Fall Activities

By: Ashleigh Scheuneman  

Illustrated by: Carla Cieza      

Despite being limited by COVID-19, George Fox University (GFU) continues to persevere and plan fall activities for students to participate in.

Throughout the first few months of the semester, GFU has held several events, like a showing of “Mulan”, a virtual trivia game and an escape room, according to the Events and Activities webpage.

“Our team has done an amazing job,” said Kristina Van Der Eems, the area coordinator for HMS and holder of an auxiliary role with student activities. “They’ve been adaptable and creative in this time, and they’ve taken on more responsibilities than they have in the past. I am incredibly grateful for their hard work.” 

According to Van Der Eems, the first goal is always safety, but maintaining GFU traditions is an important consideration in the planning process. Traditions that have been maintained so far include both the 80’s Dance and the Fall Fest on Halloween. 

Van der Eems said planning fall activities was more difficult this year, and was a consistent process of adjustment. She said, “It was one step forward, two steps back for most of September. We are still planning. We’re just figuring out how to do it spaced out, safely, and so that everyone has fun despite the many restrictions.”

According to GFU’s Events and Activities webpage, student activities such as conferences, trivia nights, and competitions have been increasingly virtual.

“Student Life will continue to plan enjoyable, safe activities,” Van Der Eems said. “Also, people should put on their own events. They should utilize the Community Life Fund to try and put some things on. They should talk to event services about spaces, because that’s often the most difficult part. If you talk to event services you can find a space to hold activities.”

Illustrated by Carla Cieza

Van Der Eems said there is a positive side to rethinking GFU-sanctioned activities. 

“What’s pretty neat about this year is that in the past, it used to be a lot of really big events that might’ve been overwhelming for people who don’t like to be in large crowds,” Van Der Eems said. “Because of Covid, we’ve had to rethink large crowd events and do a lot of smaller things, so I feel like we’re actually hitting a lot of people who have different interests. There’s a lot of niches that are being hit. I think that’s cool.” 

To keep up to date on activities, Van Der Eems recommended checking email for the Daily Bruin, and to follow @gfuactivities on Instagram.