Should I Return to Classes if In-Person Classes do not Resume?

COVID-19 has absolutely shocked higher education. My university is no exception. We were told that we would be returning to campus an extra week after spring break, but that day never came. Courses have moved fully online. It is making me wonder as to whether or not I should withdraw following the spring semester until in-person classes resume. I ask this because I feel like I am not getting the same from online classes as I was on campus. Also, as an Equine Studies major, our employability depends greatly on hands-on practical skills that cannot be gained at home, especially with everything closed. What do you think? Is this a smart decision?

I think it is an individual decision that we can’t make for you. If you have scholarships/merit/aid - talk to your school to see what you need to do if you take time off. Also talk to the registrar to find out how to officially take time off. Consider what you will be doing if you take time off. For your major it might make sense though can you focus on general ed or other classes that are not hands on for now? Lots of things to consider.

Thank you for your response! I would need to ask financial aid in the event that we do not return. In that event, I can see what can be done. The problem is that I am now closing out general education courses. The scary part is that some models are suggesting that life ,ay not return to normal until 2022, my graduation year. That is difficult to accept. I would be missing all the hands-on classes and the mandatory internship. I am sure the department would be willing to work with me on that, but I think employers would look down on me for not having that experience. I would be half way education, and I do not think that is for me. Some people would be fine with it. They are getting a degree for a lot less work, but I worry about how employers would see that. We will know sometime whether or not we will be back on August, and I think withdrawing may be smart, especially if it is going to take until 2022 for everything to go back to the way it was.