Taking It Virtual: A Model for Successful Co-Curricular Student Experiences in Women and Gender Studies during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 global pandemic brought unexpected challenges to the curricular and co-curricular offerings of the Women and Gender Studies Program (WGST) at George Mason University. In March 2020, all courses were immediately transitioned to virtual, online experiences--none had previously been offered in a virtual format, programming ceased, and plans were quickly scrambled together to create graduation celebrations though commencement was officially "postponed." As Spring transitioned into Summer, and university officials made decisions about the Fall 2020 semester, faculty and staff of the program began to entirely rethink program offerings including courses, co-curricular programming, course recruitment, and strategies for continuing to offer a safe space. The authors argue that it is precisely the program's unique structure of integrating academics and student affairs that was pivotal in the successful transition and COVID response.