The University of Illinois Chicago is transitioning to in-person classes, and it is likely that students will not have the option to take classes online very soon. The transition to online classes was difficult at the beginning of the pandemic, but the University has implemented strategies to increase the quality of online education. Online classes have become the new normal, and the learning environment has become just as enriching and beneficial to students in comparison to the in-person experience. We request that the University considers consolidating a hybrid model and giving students the option to take classes online for the Spring 2022 semester.

Students who commute would be able to save time and money with online classes. Moreover, a flexible schedule contributes to a more comfortable workflow, and online classes provide students with the opportunity to study at their own pace. For some classes, recorded lectures can be reviewed, which makes the material more accessible to comprehend and understand.

For example, a hybrid model in which some students can be in-person and some can be online simultaneously is very convenient for many. Being given the option to participate in-person or online is a choice that many students hope to have. We ask that the University will consider our thoughts and make it a possibility to study online for the upcoming semester. 

(January 2022) Important Update: 

This petition was created before the surges related to the omicron variant. It is necessary to add that students request to have the options between in-person and online learning for the Spring 2022 semester due to the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Students should not be forced to come on campus and put themselves and their family members at risk.