The University of Pittsburgh returned to brick-and-mortar classes on Jan. 27. A shelter in place order began on Jan. 8 as students came back to campus to start virtual classes on Jan. 10.
The University staggered the return times for students who lived in university housing. When students returned to campus, they were required to take a COVID-19 test to return to in-person classes.
Other universities in Pittsburgh dealt with the return from winter break through the same lens. Carnegie Mellon University returned to in-person learning on Jan. 31 after two weeks of virtual classes starting on Jan. 18. Carlow and Duquesne university also offered virtual classes until reinstating in-person classes on Jan. 24.
Students have mixed feelings about learning in person and how it affects their success.
“I like in-person classes a lot more because I have a lot more distractions in my room that really don’t go well with the classes that I’m taking because I really need to pay attention,” said first-year Maya Sperow.
At the start of the pandemic, students were forced to acclimate themselves to virtual learning but now most people have started to get used to it.
“Personally, for me, on zoom, I have no ability to focus,” says another first-year student, Audrey Silber.
The University of Pittsburgh plans to continue in-person classes with the requirement of mask-wearing and testing protocols.
“I think [in-person classes] are being handled well with the enforcement of the masks and I personally haven’t had any professors being lenient when it comes to masks,” said Senior Brandon Graham.
As of now, the University of Pittsburgh does not offer a hybrid learning option for students to utilize if they cannot make it to class. Though, some professors have still decided to offer it.