Virginia Tech copes with returning to class

Professors grapple with what to teach as the campus resumes classes Monday. Topics could include the nature of grief and finding meaning in last Monday's tragedy.

from the April 23, 2007 edition

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Meanwhile, their classmates will have the choice of either accepting their current grade in each class or trying to improve their marks by taking final exams. They will be allowed to turn in other work to bolster their final grade.

And even though most course work has been completed, some professors say they're ready to keep their students busy with additional work, if that's what they want to help them cope.

Monumental emotional journey

Most classes will probably have a normal number of students come Monday, although some may decide not to return, professors say.

"What we saw this week is most people leave campus for a short while to get away," says Peter Wallenstein, a Southern history professor. "But on Sunday, they will come back in large numbers, looking to reconnect and be with their own."

On October 1, 1887, Addison "Add" Caldwell set out from Sinking Creek, Va., on a hike not just to another place, but to another life. After 26 miles, he arrived in Blacksburg and became the first student to enroll at the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, which today is known as Virginia Tech.

The walk back to class Monday for this year's students may not be as lengthy in physical terms, but the emotional journey will be as monumental, says Farrar.

Some faculty members admit they are looking to students for inspiration.

"It's unbelievable how strong the students seem, even in their sorrow and anger, because they don't want to forget, and yet they want to move on and reclaim this space as an educational institution," Ms. Burger says.

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