Keimyung University started the new 2021 school year by holding an entrance ceremony on February 26. Because of COVID-19, the entrance ceremony was held with a minimum number of people and then a video of the event was released online. There was an oath from the freshmen representative, and there was a scholarship certificate ceremony. In the president’s welcome speech, President Synn Il-hi emphasized that students should start standing alone and learn how to think for themselves and judge correctly. It is the first step toward growing up as intellectuals.  
Keimyung University opened various types of course this year. Last year, the rapid spread of COVID-19 led to trial and error in various aspects university operations. In particular, most of the courses were suddenly converted to online classes, resulting in  
poorer quality than normally, especially courses that require or teach experiments, practice, and practical skills.  
To address that issue,  the university’s administration team divided the types of lectures into three categories: those that need in-person instruction, those that do not, and blending class. It also provided professors with appropriate teaching methods for remote learning. Besides, a new course system was established that is connected to remote classes by utilizing the lecture equipment owned by the Center for Teaching & Learning, and providing students spaces for remote classes in each building. With more face-to-face classes than last semester, many students came to campus to take classes. To enter campus buildings, student and staff must electronically check-in have their temperature taken, and use hand sanitizer. Each classroom is equipped with hand sanitizer and can be easily used by students. Due to the increased number of face-to-face classes, schools are working harder to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
 

 

* Freshman Interview (Lee Ji Eun)

1. How was your life in 2020 in the COVID-19 crisis? 

Caring about being sanitized became normal. Not only for me but for the whole society, I always wore my mask. I also did not go out unless necessary. After coming back to home, I immediately washed my hands, then took a shower and put on clean clothes. So, I think because of those things, it is hard for me to think of catching a cold since last year. 

 

2. What was the pros and cons of COVID-19 for you? 

As a mentioned on the first question, for me not catching a cold and having time during which I could think about the importance of normal life were the pros of the crisis. Normally, I had a busy life, but in COVID-19 the crisis, I had some time to relax and have fun. Also, the decrease in human activity helped the environment because there was less pollution. For the cons, there was a big economic depression and the stance of social weak became more dangerous. In the pandemic situation decrease in international exchange is also a problem. 

 

3. How do you feel when you attend to some face-to-face lectures?  

I have one face-to-face course once a week on Wednesday. Lectures held in-person are certainly easier to focus on and to understand. I am also happy that I could fulfill the campus dreams I had in high school. However, changing classes are sometimes confusing. Also, when I have classes in the morning, I just have to wake up and I could attend the lectures by internet easily. So, I can sleep more when I have online classes. 

 

4. How do you think your life will be in the future? 

I think the life with having a mask will continue. Also having my mask on for a long time makes it hard to wear glasses and my skin has trouble frequently. I hope the COVID-19 situation will end as soon as possible and I will be able to enjoy my campus life with my freshmen friends. 

 

 

 

*Professor Interview (Professor Erdem)

1. How was your life in 2020 in COVID-19 crisis? 

For me, my life in 2020 was not easy and unexpected. Mentally, I was not ready for the pandemic. However, I got adjusted and my life just went on. The first six months felt okay and I was happy to have some rest, but the next six months was depressing. I think not only Korea but the whole world was not ready for COVID-19. It was a shock to everybody and it made everybody have problems. 

 

2. What were your pros and cons in the COVID-19 crisis? 

For the pros, it depends, but for me, having more personal time was good. I also had some time to watch a lot of movies I wanted to watch. For the bad side, being less able to socialize was hard for me. Having less interaction with others, and in other words, being isolated was the negative side. Still, I came to school in my office every day because staying at home made me feel like I was in prison. 

 

3. How do you feel when you attend to some face-to-face lectures? 

I always felt non face-to-face lectures were not right. Also, for me, getting ready for non- face-to-face lectures was harder, and it took more time for me. This year I do video and face- to-face both. Starting face-to-face I had more interaction with the students, and my time management became easier compared to the non-face-to-face lectures. I was always looking forward to face-to-face lectures. I always try hard to follow the quarantine guidelines and I hope everything will be fine for both myself and the students. 

 

4. How do you think your life will be in the future?  

Change of life by the effects of viruses has happened throughout history. This kind of COVID-19 pandemic will happen again. However, as history is seen like a past accident, COVID-19 will also be forgotten like the Spanish flu. In the future, COVID-19 will be just mentioned as an earthquake and as a storm. It will be an event of history in the past. People have the tendency to forgot and move with their lives fast. So, I believe people will overcome this and will have their new lives soon.