Penn State just announced that for the upcoming spring semester students will continue to have classes online/hybrid. Although I cannot say I am surprised, I can say that I am disappointed.

I understand the university's decision to uphold this policy, but they made the announcement so soon. I personally have not heard of any other colleges already announcing their plans for the upcoming semesters, so I was shocked at how early PSU announced their decision. I know that many people are now reconsidering their options (like gap semesters/years, staying at home), and to be honest I would too. The only reason that I am not considering this option because of my major. I am an education major, which means that I was suppose to start entering classrooms this semester; now I am not going to be in a classroom for 2 semesters rather than being in one for 4 semesters. Regardless of this, due to my major I cannot take classes on World Campus because they do not offer student teaching on there.

So now I am forced to remain paying full priced courses just for Zoom classes, which is absurd to me and many other who share this situation.

I feel awful for the seniors this year. Last year, everyone had pity for the seniors because they missed out on the last half of senior year - however I feel 10 times worse for the seniors this year. They do not get to have football games, no homecoming parade, no going out (restaurants can not sell alcohol past 10 pm starting September 21st), no in-person THON, and so much more. They have had anything but the senior experience.

I love Penn State, and will always defend its honor. However, right now it is hard to say that I am happy with Penn State and the decisions they have made about spring semester 4 months in advance.