Fall semester feels a lot like Summer

By: Kelly Contreras | Published by Sept. 20, 2018

It’s September, students are returning to Kean for the Fall semester, saying goodbye to the summer gear, iced cold drinks and bringing out the hoodies and boots… or not.

Three weeks into the semester and students are still able to roam around campus in short sleeves and open-toed shoes. Why would any of them need a sweater?

The weather has come to a shock for most students and faculty considering that this time last year, it would be chilly and absurd to be seen in Summer attire.

“[Kean’s indoor] temperature range is 68-73… when the weather changes, the heating system [will be] on to maintain that same temperature setting,” said Steve Remotti, from the facilities & campus planning department. “You would at times feel some temperature variation between buildings… the sun hitting windows and or classrooms inside of buildings that [do or] don’t have exterior influences.”

Now the only need for a sweater would be indoors. Students can even find themselves breaking a sweat if they were to stay outdoors for long periods of time. This truly comes to a shock when one is under the impression that September is when the Fall begins to introduce itself.

Professors such as Michael Delicio, Anna Diaz, and Sondra Burke, from the communications department, had a few words to say in regards to the weather.

“Weather makes a very big difference because you can see just the attitude on the students on a dreary Winter day versus a beautiful late Summer/early Fall day,” said Delicio. “I think from a motivational standpoint, it is always better to have brighter and warmer weather.”

However, not everyone is feeling inspired by the warm weather.

“I get concerned about climate change… I get mixed feelings about it being 70 degrees in the middle of September, [but now with the rain] you never know if you are going to get a hot day or a cold day,” said Diaz.

Diaz is not the only one concerned with the Fall’s delay. It has its positives, but it has its negatives as well.

“Everyone seems more tired by the heat. I enjoy the warmer weather but I’m ready for Fall weather now,” said Burke.

The weather is not only a concern for some of the faculty members, but for the students as well.

Two commuter students, David Miller and Daniel Montealegre, also provided feedback on the subject.

“I think the biggest impact is on the commuters though because it’s harder to judge and be on time with everyone on the road either being overly cautious or borderline reckless,” said Miller.

While some students would need to be concerned about weather impacting their commute, there are also a variety of other opinions, and luckily for some, there is a bright side for students.

“This is perfect weather for my biking. I’m like in bliss right now,” said Montealegre.

According to recent weather broadcasts, such as the Weather Channel, the temperatures do not seem to change. It is a true mystery as to when Kean University will actually begin to start “hoodie” season.

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