Petition Opposing the decision of Virtual Learning at SCS in Fall 2020

 We the undersigned, oppose the decision for the campus at 640 Massachusetts Avenue NW remaining in a remote learning environment for all courses offered during the Fall 2020 semester while also implementing a tuition increase for the 2020-2021 scholastic year.  We feel it is not fair nor just that Georgetown University main campus students and courses are offered the opportunity to potentially continue their programs unhindered and their learning experience unchanged for the Fall 2020 semester as highlighted by President DeGioia in the “Update on our Fall 2020 planning” address, whereas students who attend courses at 640 Massachusetts Avenue NW are being denied the very same opportunities that they signed up and paid for. A series of issues will be highlighted which go along with the decision made by Dean Otter and the board to conduct the Fall 2020 semester remotely

As students in the Sports Industry Management program, we rely on in-person learning to create opportunities that cannot be provided behind a computer screen. Professors in our program preach the “Georgetown SIM way” which emphasizes the importance of networking opportunities, giving back to former SIM students, meeting industry leaders in the classroom, and creating opportunities which would normally be non-existent otherwise. The Georgetown SIM Program informational emphasize the importance of application as stated.

“The hallmark of our program is application. You'll have opportunities to gain real-world experience and connect with members of the industry through internships, externships, travel abroad opportunities, and recruitment and networking events. In the classroom, you’ll engage with a faculty of seasoned experts and practitioners from organizations like the U.S. Olympic Committee, Washington Nationals, Octagon, Washington Capitals, and the NFL Players Association.

This decision to continue remotely affects the core principles of the SIM program and the education that we were promised. Real-world experience cannot be gained through virtual learning. There’s tons of research which highlight the vast differences between traditional vs. virtual learning. 

A large number of individuals are also affected by this decision. For example, International Students have to maintain a full-time schedule to remain in good standing with U.S Student Visa policies. Also, certain classes are not equipped to be conducted online even if they are offered as such. The quality of education is majorly impacted by this decision. Professionally speaking, the Return on Investment for our education is not being met to its expected value. The content, engagement, and process of learning are significantly changed. For example, students who opt to take marketing-driven courses have to be able to present projects, and assignments in front of an audience-- a core skill that: is required to graduate via Capstone. One which is crucial in all facets of the industry. The switch to remote learning restricts students the ability to practice public speaking, and curating presentations. Nothing virtual can imitate the skills required to present in-person.

Most importantly, the switch to remote learning while enacting a tuition increase is unwarranted given the circumstances. Students who enroll in SCS programs pursue higher education primarily for career advancement and better job opportunities which are needed now more than ever under the current world circumstances.  Increasing tuition while denying the students the full experience defeats the purpose of their pursuits.  Most students are investing time and accumulating debt instead of working full time. This will force a vast majority student to drop out or defer till the spring.  

The stress and anxiety experienced by the students over the past few months also need to be taken into consideration whereby staying connected physically will provide structure, stability, better engagement and a better overall experience that students should not be denied, especially since it is being offered on the main campus. This is integral for the mental and emotional well-being of your students and professors, which we know is a priority at Georgetown University. 

By signing this petition, we are expressing our plea and our support for the decision to be revoked and for better alternatives to be found which guarantee students fair and wholesome learning experience at this renowned institution.

It is unclear if normalcy will resume, but it seems unjust and undemocratic to only impose this decision on the 640 Massachusetts Avenue NW campus and deny students the right to a full experience.  Therefore, we implore you to reconsider this decision and implement remote learning only if obligated by the District of Columbia. We fully support our school and trust that you will not deny us and our professors a full and complete experience that reflects Georgetown University and its standards, Hoya Saxa!