3rd Plassmann – Pandemic

   During the COVID-19 Pandemic, many buildings were being repurposed due to the need to social distance. One example of this was the third floor of Plassmann Hall. There are around 30 classrooms on the third floor that were used throughout the pandemic as they provided the extra space needed for students to social distance during in person classes. Classes held on the third floor were of multiple disciplinary courses which ranged from language to English, to science, to theology. 

    One unique way the third floor of Plassmann Hall was used during the pandemic was for the Class of 2024’s Freshmen Welcome Days. Because of the spacious classrooms allowing social distancing on the third floor, St. Bonaventure had multiple groups of Freshmen in all the rooms. On the third floor, during Welcome Days, Freshmen watched a live Zoom broadcast and did an untraditional welcome ceremony.

     Additionally, another way St. Bonaventure used third Plassmann for club meetings. One example was NSLS. This club used third Plassmann for large group meetings because students could be divided among three rooms to social distance. However, these three rooms where also closely located allowing club advisors to easily move between them.

     While the use of the third floor was necessary and beneficial, it had its drawbacks. Plassmann Hall is already known on campus for being hot during the warm months and the third floor lived up to this. (However, the windows easily opened which allowed for air to flow freely throughout the room.) Students openly expressed that despite feeling safe and being able to social distance, the heat distracting and number of stairs tiresome.

Accessed December 1st 2021. http://archives.sbu.edu/buildings/Plassmann.htm.

Accessed December 1st 2021. https://moodle.sbu.edu/pluginfile.php/197199/mod_resource/content/0/20-600-SCH_2020_Fall_20fa%20tally%2011.20.20_edit.xlsx.