Returning to In-Person Classes at UCSB

On Jan. 21, 2022, the Chancellor of UC Santa Barbara, Henry T. Yang announced the campus plan to resume in-person instruction starting from Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. According to Chancellor Yang’s email, UCSB is eligible to hold in-person classes given its effective preventive programs to make sure about students’ safety.

Based on the university’s extensive mitigation efforts, robust testing and early detection program, masking and vaccination requirements, detailed planning, and high vaccination rate among students, staff, and faculty, the COVID-19 Working and Planning Groups, campus medical experts, and Academic Senate at UCSB have reaffirmed the plan to resume in-person instruction on January 31, 2022, Chancellor Yang stated in his email. 

Instructors are given the freedom to listen to students’ opinions and have a poll in class to decide whether the class will go back to in-person. Many instructors also chose to do hybrid instruction. For sections or classes that need face-to-face interactions, students may always need to go in-person; while for lectures having a crowd of students, professors may provide online instruction to keep students safe.

Students have different opinions on going back to in-person classes. Some of them think it was still too dangerous to meet in person given that there are still hundreds of COVID-19 active cases at UCSB. It can also be inefficient to spend lots of time on the road. 

“I feel unsafe and uncomfortable to be close to others in the class,” Melanie Liu, a third-year Communication major student said, “and I have to waste a lot of time on my way to different lecture halls.” 

Ljiljana Coklin, a lecturer in the Writing Program at UCSB, learned similar feedback from her students. “I heard from the students that adjusting to in-person instruction mid-quarter caused a number of challenges and disruptions. I’m currently teaching hybrid classes, and we’re slowly easing into the familiar classroom dynamic. I hope the spring quarter brings more continuity and vibrancy to in-person instruction, and I look forward to it.” Professor Coklin said. 

On the other hand, many students prefer in-person classes since they don’t want to attend “Zoom University” anymore. Many find themselves more motivated to go to class and do their work, which makes their learning experience better in person. 

“I like having the in-person instruction because we are able to be more interactive with professors and students.” Sarah Hazel, a senior-year Communications major student, said. “These couple of weeks can also help ease back into in-person instruction for spring quarter since it has been a couple of years for students taking online classes.” 

Many students who prefer in-person classes actually have safety concerns, but they are still excited to meet in person. “I understand the concerns of going back to in-person, but I think as long as everyone gets vaccinated or tested frequently, we should be fine.” Alejandra Lara, a fourth-year Global Studies major student said. 

Given the controversy of going back in person, the university is executing a strict campus masking policy to protect students from being infected. Wearing a mask is a mandatory requirement for all indoor public spaces through the end of the winter quarter (March 18 2022). 

“We are committed to continuing to rely on our deliberate and consultative process to determine the best path forward for our campus community, relying on the most up-to-date scientific information and medical/public health best practices,” Henry T. Yang said. 

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