Safety on campus: solar eclipse edition
Safety on campus is always very important, but it is especially critical when events are occurring both on and around campus. On Monday, Apr. 8, 2024, Geneseo will witness a total solar eclipse. The director of tourism in Livingston County, Kelly Burns, estimated that 350,000-500,000 people will be traveling to Livingston County to witness the event. As a result of this momentous occasion, many organizations are hosting events for students and the public. Here are some things to keep in mind and avoid on campus to ensure your safety.
People will be traveling to various spots within Livingston County to watch the solar eclipse. This means that there may be heavy traffic, even on local roads. Unless you enjoy sitting in traffic, avoid driving on Monday unless absolutely necessary. Grocery shopping can be done the day before, but of course, if there is an emergency, driving is acceptable.
Since many out-of-town visitors are expected, all campus buildings will require card access to enter. This means you must swipe your Geneseo student ID card to enter any campus building, even those that are usually unlocked. To ensure the continued safety of those within campus buildings, do not hold the door open to people you do not know. While it may seem impolite to not hold the door open for others, it will make sure that only those with a Geneseo ID card will be able to get inside the buildings.
If you live on campus and rely on the dining halls for most meals, be sure to eat before 1 p.m. on Monday. Dining halls will be closed from 1-4:30 pm to allow the Campus Auxiliary Services staff to enjoy the solar eclipse as well; this also includes staff for cafe operations, such as the Starbucks on campus.
While trying to avoid driving, you may find yourself struggling to pick a place to watch the eclipse. There are many places on campus that are great options, though. If you are looking for somewhere to sit and relax, one of the fields on campus would be perfect. Fields on the south side, by Doty, and behind the Saratoga Townhouses are all great relaxing options.
If you are looking to enjoy the eclipse where activities are going on, there are still plenty of options. There are all-day festivities taking place in the Village Park, including live performances from students! If you are more interested in the science behind the eclipse, there will even be a live stream from NASA playing in the Union Ballroom from 3-3:30 p.m.
An extremely important thing to remember is that in order to watch the solar eclipse, you MUST wear solar eclipse glasses. Pairs of free eclipse glasses are available in many academic buildings on campus. Check your Geneseo email to see when and where glasses will be made available ahead of time! Finding a pair of glasses the day of the event may be difficult, and missing something like this would be disheartening.
Most importantly, on this day, though, be sure to have a great time. This is an incredibly unique opportunity for students to experience a total eclipse alongside their friends without the stress of class!
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons