As the pandemic escalates and people face health crises, financial challenges, job losses, and child-care issues, it might seem silly to think much about campus life and college traditions. But for millions of 18- to 20-somethings, going to college is a pivotal moment of newfound independence and relationship-building. Now many of them are back in their childhood bedrooms.

That’s why students and colleges forced to finish out the semester remotely are trying to make the best of it—by recreating the campus experience at home.

When a small tribal college in Michigan received a request from its community two weeks ago to make face masks for local workers providing key services during the coronavirus emergency, it immediately got to work. 

Using 3D printing technology, students in the advanced manufacturing program at Bay Mills Community College plan to produce 3,000 lightweight, reusable face shields in three weeks. Students already are manufacturing them at a rate of about 150 per day. The face shields will go to eight local organizations—two hospitals, a health center, a fire department, a correctional facility, two police departments, and a volunteer ambulance corps.