Session: Successful Student Chapters:

With respect to the ongoing pandemic and the restrictions that COVID-19 has placed on our campus in Tacoma, WA and beyond, the Pacific Lutheran University ACS Student Chapter (PLU Chem Club) initially struggled to adapt to the unprecedented changes. Our University, in accordance with county and state guidelines and safety precautions, limited student gatherings which directly affected our club’s in-person chemistry demonstrations and student interactions. To ensure that our club maintained its focus on student outreach as well as its -Chemistry for all- based initiatives, we adapted our widely celebrated annual events into virtually held programs. This shift allowed for our club to connect with students regardless of geographical separation and our university's restrictions on the number of students residing in on-campus residence halls. As a result, our annual Natural Sciences Trivia Night was implemented virtually using the educational learning tool Kahoot!, and prizes were awarded to the top three students. This event attracted a dozen students and the smaller intimate student setting allowed for our club to check-in with student members regarding their mental, emotional and physical health. For The National Chemistry Week (NCW) “Mole Day Eve Spooktacular” event, our club officers partnered with a PLU faculty member to record step-by-step demonstrations that student viewers could safely carry out at home using household materials. The videos were uploaded and shared through a new YouTube channel that our club created for its events in October 2020. Our members also hosted smaller events through other social media platforms to allow for club community-building. To wrap up the Fall 2020 semester, the PLU Chem Club hosted a Finals Week Emoji Challenge to gauge students’ frame of mind and perceptions of preparedness for their final exams while emphasizing a community of support.

Claire Calderon

Appearances