Pitt’s last-minute decision to give us the option between remote and in-person classes is half-baked, noncommittal and puts unnecessary stress on both students and professors who shouldn’t have to make this choice in the first place.

As the spring semester begins, many students are preparing for classes and move-in while still being impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Students shared their thoughts and concerns regarding housing, classes and other topics about the spring semester.

With in-person classes set to begin Monday, Student Government Board President Eric Macadangdang said the board has still not received official word from Pitt’s administration about the start of classes, but is hopeful for an announcement later this week.

When Pitt transitioned to online classes this past spring, many students didn’t like the change and were turned off of the idea of online learning. But online classes aren’t as bad as they might seem, staff columnist Josh Beylinson argues.

Provost Ann Cudd said in a Wednesday afternoon email that there will be no in-person classes on Monday, extending online learning until at least Sept. 14 to allow for all students to start in-person classes at the same time.

Pitt students may have to hold study groups over Zoom instead of in Hillman library this April, but finals will still be conducted as the semester draws to a close.

Virtual instruction began at the University on Monday after an extended break. Professors are utilizing a variety of platforms that the University has provided, ranging from Panopto, an online lecture system, to Zoom, a video-conferencing program that allows professors to teach in real time.

With classes set to resume on Monday, Pitt’s faculty has scrambled to shift courses over to an online format. This rapid transition has left some IT personnel questioning whether Pitt’s website can handle the amount of traffic.

It could also lead to a change in the way we charge students for gen eds and other classes offered in person, making Pitt more affordable and therefore more attractive to a more economically diverse group of students.