The City: Virtual College 101
With remote learning as a socially-distanced alternative to in-person learning, life at Ramapo College has transformed into COVID-testing sites and empty hallways and classrooms. Find out how faculty and students have adapted to new safety measures on campus, and how this has changed their college experience.
Mahwah, N.J. – A Ramapo College student shops at the campus bookstore as COVID-19 guidelines in place offered limited capacity and shorter hours of operation. (Photo/Tori D’Amico)
The Virtual College Experience
Photos 1-3: Masks and more masks hang from a bulletin board filled with inspirational quotes, dangle near the front door, and dry on a rack after swim practice. Photos 4-6: Life around campus continues, from the front gate, to the reservation to an in-dorm workout. (Photos: Kaitlin Balasaygun- 1-3, 6, Tori D’Amico- 4 and Eliza Pluckhorn- 5)
Monthly tests allow Ramapo students, faculty, staff and administration to maintain safe living spaces on campus. (Photo Essay/Jack Slocum)
Class As Usual
The first face anyone sees entering campus is always a friendly one. Vinny Tomasello has managed the guard booth for more than 25 years. (Photo/Tori D’Amico)
Tomasello can be found in the guard booth, Monday to Friday. On sunny days, he likes to tell everyone to take the day off and head to the beach. (Photo/Tori D’Amico)
Students on campus are required to receive monthly COVID tests in Padavano commons.
Students who test positive are placed into isolated COVID housing. (Photo/Tori D’Amico)
Living with college roommates during a pandemic was a big change for dorm residents from Ramapo College’s swim team after their season was cut short this year. Take a look at how they spent their time with each other at a safe distance and attended classes online. (Photos/Kaitlin Balasaygun)
Roommates Kiara Liwag and Fiona Misiura prepare dinner in their dorm since the campus dining hall only operates during limited hours.
Liwag, Misiura and Madison Riccardi share a meal and maintain social distance in their dorm’s common space.
Graphic design major Kiara Liwag works on her senior thesis project from her room.
Global Communications Major Madison Riccardi relaxes after a day of virtual job interviews.
