In light of the recent surge and danger that the Omicron variant poses, the University of Southern California has not been fully transparent in their plans for the start of the Spring 2022 semester. Initial plans indicated a one-week remote start, with plans to resume the following week. Given the trajectory of COVID infections in Los Angeles, let alone the country, its clear that a one-week remote start will be insufficient. Thus, this petition proposes an alternative solution that caters to everyone.

SOLUTION:

Professors should be able to choose whether or not to teach in-person, or virtually. However, with this choice, students too should also have the autonomy to chose whether to take a course online or in-person. Not only does this solution facilitate a quicker start to the semester, but also a freedom of choice in one's education.

Implementing this solution supports all USC students. The virtual option to take classes online even increases the flexibility in students' schedules who have other obligations, such as jobs, to support themselves/education. Most importantly though, it prioritizes the health of students who worry with the increase in COVID infections. USC, the ball is in your court. Let's make this happen!