WVU Student Orgs Finish Spring '20 Strong | COVID-19

written by Patrick Orsagos, president and general manager

The coronavirus pandemic has shifted life within the West Virginia University campus and around the world. The semester will end online through Zoom and eCampus meetings, commencement was postponed for seniors and the majority of WVU’s students have left Morgantown. But, what do these changes mean for student organizations who had big plans for the end of the semester?

We decided to check in with representatives and presidents from a few of the Coalition’s organizations to see how they’re adjusting to our new virtual life.

Mirage Magazine

WVU’s student-published fashion and lifestyle magazine, Mirage Magazine typically produces a new issue at the end of each semester. The students in the organization work hard all semester to write, photograph and design roughly 20 articles per issue. With the editorial team now located all around the region and many of the publication’s large photoshoots being postponed, Mirage was left to very quickly brainstorm a new course of action in order to finish the magazine on time. And the team plans to do just that. Mirage Magazine president Kasey Lettrich said the editorial members now virtually submit photos, hold meetings and work with writers. Despite these challenges, she believes the magazine will still be a success.

“The team has stepped up and has welcomed the challenge with open arms,” Lettrich said in an interview over email. “We’ve also opened up some new opportunities like webinars and creative freedom to make sure the team is still learning and growing.”

Mirage Magazine is set to virtually release its newest issue, “Taboo,” in early May. The organization will host its traditional release party at the Media Innovation Center as soon as students are welcomed back to the WVU campus. The Mirage team has many surprises and ideas in the works for the in-person release. Follow @miragemagwvu on Instagram for more updates.

Association for Women in Sports Media

The shift to digital meetings hasn’t impacted the Association of Women in Sports Media (AWSM) like it has others. Although the student organization has had to postpone its regular in-person meetings, most of the guest speakers the team would meet with throughout the year already had to Skype in, according to AWSM president Elizabeth Crawford. This has allowed the team to continue hosting virtual meetings with members as well as hold partnerships with AWSM chapters at other universities.

However, the biggest changes AWSM will face in the coming weeks are officer transitions. Although this will be difficult to do online, Crawford believes her executive board will persevere.

“I have a great team and we’ve had some great leadership come from our members during this time. As we will be transitioning officers next week, this gives me a good feeling leaving the organization,” she said over email.

Keep up with AWSM’s future plans and new leadership team by following @wvu_awsm on Instagram.

Despite the challenges that each organization is uniquely facing, presidents want their members to know that this is a time to focus on taking care and improving oneself. Both presidents insist that this time of social distancing is perfect for reading lots of books.

Lettrich also stated that she hopes her team members use this unique time period to learn the “things you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had the time to,” such as video editing, photoshop and graphic design.

This is also a time to focus on your physical and mental health, according to Crawford. “[S]tay active, workout at home, in your yard or go for walks,” she said. “I’ve been doing all of these and it’s helping me to stay positive.”

Top image: Mirage Magazine and Association for Women in Sports Media leadership celebrates winning awards at last semester’s Student Organization Showcase hosted by the Student Media Coalition. Credit: WVU AWSM