Editorial: Get Ready for In-Person Finals!

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break! There’s only two weeks of classes left. Can you believe it?

We’ve spent the semester under more stress than ever before, and the return to campus hasn’t been easy. Before you finish up the semester, it’s important to take a step back and regroup.

If you’re concerned about your grades, get in touch with your advisor as soon as possible. Seek out tutors at the Learning Center in Millstein to help you prepare for finals, or reach out to your classmates to arrange a study group. 

Don’t wait until finals week to get started. Although being proactive about your grades early in the semester is always better, it’s never too late to make a change. 

Plan for your study schedule for finals now, and don’t forget to make arrangements for make-up work, return your textbooks, and keep in touch with your professors. 

And if you haven’t yet, get vaccinated by Dec. 6. 

If you are seeking an exemption from the mandate, be sure to submit it to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) before the end of today. OEDI will not review any exemption requests submitted after today, Nov. 29. All exemption forms must be completed according to their instructions and notarized. 

You can learn more about the vaccine mandate and the exemptions process in Jonathan’s coverage of the policy here. 

We would love to hear from your thoughts on the mandate. Any member of the University community is welcome to submit their opinion through our online COVID-19 submissions form or as an op-ed via email. Email submissions can be sent to UPGInsider[at]outlook[dot]com with ATTN: Madison in the subject line.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, concerns, or tips for our last issue. You can always reach us on Twitter, via our Contact page, or by email at UPGInsider[at]outlook[dot]com. 

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Other stories from volume 15, issue 4:
Pitt Announces New COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
Pitt-Greensburg’s Title IX Office Works to Protect Students
It Isn’t Just Senioritis: Q&A With Seniors
How Have COVID-19 Policies Affected Faculty?
Students Appreciate Art and Architecture at Fallingwater
Hop Into the Holidays: Winter Activities in Greensburg
The Return of Campus Comedy: “See How They Run” Review
From the Exhaust Tip: Pontiac Classics
Read Your Heart Out: “Neon Gods”
Play Your Heart Out: “Forza Horizon 5”