As students at Virginia Tech returned to classes Monday, they were given the option of finishing their classes or being allowed to head home.
Tech administrators decided to give students the flexibility to choose whether or not they will continue to attend classes while hoping that finishing the semester will to help thereturn to normalcy for some students.
This program of options, called "Student Choice," is designed to help students deal with the tragedy in their own way, according to Mark McNamee, provost and vice-president for academic affairs.
Students have three options: taking the grade for the work submitted before April 16; turning in any additional assignments they choose to have factored into their final grade; or completing all the work that is normally required. Decisions will be made on a flexible case-by-case basis.
Students and teachers alike are responding to the program in a positive way. Most students are going to class and are appreciative of the administration's response.
"There are just so many different options," sophomore Sarah Dueweke said, adding that "all the teachers, even the ones I would consider strict, have just been so flexible."
When classes resumed Monday, professors' primary focus was to open a dialogue and to stress their support for students.
Sophomore Phil Padilla said the teachers have been "very accommodating, very understanding and are there to help" students, adding that "there is no pressure at all."
This pressure-free environment is precisely what administrators had in mind when they decided how they could best help students deal with schoolwork during this difficult time.
"Everybody wants the students to be able to finish in the way that is best for them without penalty, without having to get permission," McNamee said.
Dueweke agreed, adding that going back to class helped her return to normalcy in a supportive atmosphere.
While Dueweke said this program has allowed her to somewhat return to her normal college life, she and others students have expressedconcern that some may take advantage of this flexibility to skip out on academic responsibilities.
"People don't want to take advantage of it, but some people feel like they are," Dueweke said. "There is no way we would have been able to finish" all the classes.
Class meeting places have also undergone some changes -- with Norris Hall, the site of the second shooting, cordoned off, there were some logistical problems concerning where to hold classes formerly held in the building.
"It was quite a challenge," McNamee said. "We have made arrangements for every class to be in different locations, and it has taken a lot of improvising but we have done it."
Several of last week's victims were graduate students who also served as teaching assistants. The administration has moved quickly to find replacements.
McNamee organized the replacement of TAs. Although the process was challenging, all classes are properly staffed, McNamee added.
"There are many ripple effects, but we have taken care of everything," McNamee said. "We have really been proud of all the support.
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