Visual and Performing Art students have had to make changes to the way they normally meet with their instructors and peers due to Citrus College’s decision to transition to a remote setting for precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connie Tan, a student part of the Citrus College Singers said she’s had an overall great experience with the transition to online classes.
“In general, my experience with Citrus faculty has been overwhelmingly positive — I really get the sense that they are here to help us get the most out of our education,” Tan said in an email on April 20.
Tan said she would normally meet five days a week with her instructor, not including any sectional rehearsals or voice lessons.
“As a music student, it’s definitely been a tough pill to swallow going from spending that much time to two to three Zoom meetings a week,” Tan said.
Tan and the rest of the Citrus Singers were going on a tour to Europe this year, but won’t be possible anymore due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tan continues to do virtual choir projects so she “could hopefully inspire while staying musically involved.”
Dean of the Visual and Performing Arts department John Vaughan said in an email on April 14 that this time can be difficult, but Citrus is trying to help students succeed.
“Students are adapting in different ways,” Vaughan said. “Those who have taken online classes before are probably finding it easier than those who haven’t. We are working hard to make sure we give students as many resources for success as possible during this time.”
Not all students can relate to Tan’s experience with this transition.
Recording arts major Joshua Polks’s concern is the students’ ability to access certain resources, especially technical resources.
“We’re being punished for not having Apple MacBooks and Logic/Pro Tools at home due to financial issues when we were supposed to do all work IN PERSON so we could utilize Citrus Apple computers” Polk said on the Citrus Mobile app on April 13.
Due to the students’ request for technology since remote instruction, the Citrus College Foundation will provide grants to students, the Citrus College student resources website said.
The student resources website said the grants are one-time funds intended to help students purchase technology to insure their success in their classes.
Vaughan said on April 14 on the Citrus Mobile app he would discuss any concerns about grading or instructor issues through his email at jvaughan@citruscollege.edu.
