A university is literally singing with joy as their halls and classrooms are filled with students.

The last time President Cheryl Pauls saw the halls of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) filled was in the early spring of 2020. A year and a half (and many hybrid classroom sessions) later, Pauls is beaming at the sight of students.

"They are feeding the energy to faculty and staff. They are gracious. I'll say it this way: I think students are getting kinder each year," Pauls says, noting that this year students are making a point to demonstrate their gratefulness for in-person learning.

The previous year saw hybrid learning, but now 10 per cent of their classes are online with the rest in person. Athletics and choir practice is continuing. Pauls says many tears were shed in August when one of their choirs sang together for the first time at the outdoor graduation.

As the year goes on, Pauls says there will be a focus on returning to the community.

"We are also putting a lot of attention into just asking that question 'where are you coming from, what's your experience been of things?' she says. "What does it mean to rebuild? What are we hoping for? What do we let go of?"

Psalm 34:8 is the school's chapel theme of the year.

"Taste and see that God is good.' And there is something amazing about that word taste," Pauls say, saying it is just as much about seeing what is good and trying. "We are going for tasting and things testing that are good in all dimensions and to understand the goodness of God by inviting people to come together to taste, to find what is good and to learn things together."

Paul is asking for prayers on Psalm 34:8 that the school's community "would come to see in ways that are trusted and that can be shared" as they learn about what is good. Pauls is also asking for prayers for those who are weary, praying for CMU to be a nurturing place for their community.

Enrollment has dropped one per cent, as it did the year before. Pauls says this is partially due to fewer students coming from outside of Canada.

"That is actually a gain in some ways because we actually had a higher percentage drop in international students, last year significantly because they weren't able to obtain visas and COVID reasons."

Those factors continue to be an issue for students, but less so this year.

Pauls says people are struggling with the pandemic and in life, saying it has been hard for many. Mental wellness is a part of the overall health of students that CMU is taking into consideration. Pauls says there will be a focus on movement, whether it is making chalk art, taking a prayer walk, or something else. 

The president is hoping sporting events will be able to draw a crowd soon, but those wanting to visit their on-campus Folio cafe or bookstore can while following the province's health orders and the school's restrictions. CMU's library is closed to the public, only allowing students and staff to access the facility. 

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