As Washington, D.C. transitions into a season of colder weather, some faculty and students express a notable shift in the social culture of the campus. The drop in temperature typically leads to fewer outdoor activities and coincides with academic pressures as finals approach, prompting some students to remain indoors.
The Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, along with other campus groups, says they are working to maintain student participation levels during this rapid shift.
The chapel, historically considered a resource for spiritual and emotional support among students, has increasingly focused on wellness programming in recent years, according to Jayda Gray, first vice president of the Chapel Assistants and co-chair for the Coalition for Good Trouble.
“The Office of the Dean of the Chapel’s motto is ‘Wellness through faith, service, justice’… There has been a huge push that wellness is practiced through multiple avenues,” said Gray, a senior double major in political science and sociology from Richmond, California.
The chapel has encouraged wellness activities through organizations such as HU Thrive, led by Cynthia Rodwell, director of administration and operations. Events that focus on yoga, breathing exercises and vision boards, which correspond to seasonal changes, are created to meet student needs throughout the semester.
“There is no expectation of knowing things, of being a different person, there’s not even an expectation to talk,” Gray said.
Attendance fluctuates throughout the semester, according to Gray, often dipping during midterms and finals when students prioritize studying.
State clubs and other student organizations report that they have also noticed a decline in participation.
Clifton “CJ” Davis, a freshman biology major from Grand Junction, Tennessee, has noticed a slight shift in his daily routine during the colder weather.
“The vibe is different from the summertime. When it was hotter, there was more action on The Yard. Now it’s more walking straight to class, running to get out the cold and coming back to warm up,” Davis said.
Some freshmen are making efforts to stay connected despite quieter outdoor spaces. Davis emphasized that smaller indoor gatherings have helped him stay engaged.
“A lot of my friends aren’t going to anything. However, there has been an opportunity indoors to find your community you can bond with rather than being in big open spaces,” Davis said.
He believes that other freshman students can build more connections while being in more close-knit spaces. Davis added that he has been intentionally attending events to maintain his Howard experience.
“I’ve been trying to go to social events to not lose my Howard experience due to the weather,” Davis said.
Gray said that campus organizations continue to try to reach students where they are by hosting events focused on relaxation.
“It is crucial to at least try to attend events,” Gray said. “The point is to try to engage with organizations on campus who are making an effort to reach out to students.”
Some students say the seasonal shift has also affected academic routines. Sydney Dowell, a freshman marketing major from Atlanta, said the colder temperatures make it harder for her to be productive.
“My motivation to leave the dorm is lower. I work better in libraries, but I don’t really want to go to the library because it’s cold outside,” Dowell said.
She said she believes that several events have been created throughout the semester for socialization; however, none have specifically focused on navigating the sudden change.
Dowell said she has seen an increase in tardiness at meetings for campus organizations she’s part of and believes students would benefit from events that directly address the challenges of the weather transition.
Upperclassmen say they’ve learned strategies over time to maintain community during the winter months. Kyla Richardson, a junior supply chain management major from Atlanta and public relations director for the Howard University Georgia Club, said colder temperatures were an adjustment when she arrived on campus.
She encourages students to be proactive about building community, especially as many spend more time indoors.
“Just speaking to people in my classes helped to develop those relationships [freshman year].. to find a sense of community,” Richardson said.
Richardson hasn’t observed any fluctuation in event participation compared to the beginning of the semester. She said the Georgia Club maintains steady participation through the fall and winter by shifting to indoor programming such as movie nights and casual social events.
“During the winter, we try to have movie events, wearing sweatshirts and sweatpants,” Richardson said.
Richardson advises freshmen who are experiencing trouble navigating the weather transition to be open to new connections.
“I definitely recommend reaching out on Instagram; everyone’s very friendly. People will respond and let you meet their friends so you can have a sense of community,” Richardson said.
Copy edited by Damenica Ellis
