NC State faculty members want option for in-person or online classes

"Everyone wants to go to college and have the experience," said NC State student Hudson Wiedner.

"There’s nothing like going to the dining hall with your friends late at night," added student Sammy Penninger.

The university plans to resume classes on Aug. 10.

Chancellor Randy Woodson wrote a letter to faculty members requesting an increase in in-person classes.

“The amount of face-to-face instruction currently being planned for our students in the fall is insufficient to meet our goal," Woodson's letter read. "I ask that the rest of us return to campus, practice the behaviors known to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19, and continue the critical work of our university.”

But students and those who have signed the faculty petition suggest a mixture of in-person and online courses.

"There’s some danger with going back into class right away," said Wiedner.

"(It's) a mix, especially for smaller classes," added Penninger.

Faculty members plan to plan to collect signatures until July 3 and submit a petition to administrators.

They are asking that no instructor be required to teach in person and that all members of the NC State community be required to wear masks and practice physical distancing.

The university has already put a mask requirement in place that takes effect July 1, and, of course, NC State is in Raleigh, where a citywide mask requirement is in place.

"It’s just going to be a wait and see game," said student Parker Castleberry.

Brad Bohlander, associate vice chancellor of university communications, said, "University leadership are meeting with faculty to discuss fall planning. NC State is fortunate to have some of the world’s best faculty and we value their input as we work to prepare for a safe return in the fall.

"NC State is working to keep faculty and students as safe as possible in the fall, including efforts to ensure classrooms are set up properly to promote social distancing. In addition, as announced last week, face masks will be required in classrooms and other spaces on campus."