By Tayhana Taylor, World News Editor
Saint Leo University will be going back to some levels of normalcy academically, but what does this mean for student experience? Last year, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) was limited by the number of in-person activities it could host for students. The CAB plans to come back in full force this fall semester, while following COVID-19 safety protocols.
“The CAB has a lot of exciting events planned for the Saint Leo community this fall; we are having new events and bringing back old traditions,” said CAB Special Events Chair, Ashley Tucker. Students can look forward to the annual Fall Family Festival, Aux Wars, talent shows, laser tag nights, fright nights, and, without a doubt, the monthly bingo nights.
The Fall Family Festival was unfortunately canceled last year because of the pandemic, but Tucker assures students that the festival this year will be even bigger and better than ever before. “With the university fully reopening, parents and relatives of students will be allowed to attend the festival and join in on the fun… it will be a good time with great food, fun rides–the whole nine yards,” said Tucker.
The CAB hopes to get members of the Saint Leo community to showcase their talents and get involved in these entertaining and amusing activities. “The new string of talent shows that will be hosted will help foster a spirit of togetherness in our campus community… it is a great way for many students’ talents to be highlighted,” said Tucker.
All CAB activities have three things in common: fun, prizes, and surprises! The new event called Aux Wars is no different. Aux Wars is an interactive and competitive game where students are given a genre of music and the student who gets the crowd “hyped up” the most wins! This is a perfect way for students to show off their deejaying skills.
This upcoming fall semester will be about getting campus live again, but doing so safely. “CAB activities this year will be more inclusive since the university has moved to stage three of its opening plan. This allows more people to attend events with fewer restrictions,” said Tucker.
Despite campus being fully reopened, there are certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols CAB must follow while planning and hosting these events. “CAB members still have to keep in mind the safety of students. For events with 50 or more people, we have to implement forms of social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus,” said Tucker.
Clubs and organizations are a huge aspect of the Saint Leo community. Students can look forward to the CAB partnering with many organizations like the music department, athletics, and international clubs to host joint events.
“This year is going to be unforgettable!” said Tucker.
Get ready, Lions, for a fun and safe fall semester! Paws up, claws out!
