ATHENS, Ga. — Now that the Dawgs have secured their win in the Rose Bowl with the trophy safely back on UGA's campus, fans have their sights set on their next goal: winning the College Football National Championship being hosted right here in Atlanta.
But many of the school's students are wondering... will I still have to go to class?
UGA students are set to go back to class Thursday, Jan. 4, but many are (probably) wondering: "How could I possibly think about classes when my team is in the championship???"
VOTE NOW: Should the University of Georgia cancel classes for the College Football National Championship?
In anticipation of that, school officials sent a letter to students explaining what they plan for Jan 8. and 9, the day of, and after, the championship. 11Alive obtained a copy of the letter.
"As we prepare to launch a new semester, we find ourselves celebrating a Rose Bowl victory and the incredible opportunity to pursue a national football championship," said the school's Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Pamela Whitten and Vice President for Instruction Rahul Shrivastav.
While school officials made it clear that classes come first for the school, they understand the special circumstance.
"We recognize that this is a special time for our students, faculty and staff, and we want to maximize the opportunity for all to share in this experience," school officials wrote. "We are indeed fortunate that this year's championship game is in Atlanta and that members of our University community will not face the challenge of out-of-state travel to attend."
So, as a compromise, Whitten and Shrivastav both said they are asking faculty to "incorporate flexibility" in their class plans offer compromises so that students can both participate in the festivities while still meeting the learning requirements.
Officials said they came up with this plan after looking at comparable universities that have played in the championships before, finding that it's not common for those schools to cancel classes.
Instead, school officials asked for students to reach out directly to their professors for each class.
(Scroll down to read the full email to students.)
PHOTOS: Georgia Bulldogs celebrate Rose Bowl win
Dear UGA Students,
What a wonderful time for the University of Georgia! As we prepare to launch a new semester, we find ourselves celebrating a Rose Bowl victory and the incredible opportunity to pursue a national football championship.
Our top priority always is to maintain the high standard of academic excellence that has become the norm for UGA. However, we recognize that this is a special time for our students, faculty and staff, and we want to maximize the opportunity for all to share in this experience. We are indeed fortunate that this year's championship game is in Atlanta and that members of our University community will not face the challenge of out-of-state travel to attend. In addition, we have consulted the practices of comparable universities that have played in the championship and have found that it is not commonplace to formally cancel classes due to game participation.
However, we have asked that UGA faculty incorporate flexibility in their class plans for next Monday and Tuesday and consider opportunities for ensuring that the learning needs of your courses can be met while affording you the opportunity to engage in the championship game and affiliated festivities. Please reach out directly to your professors for additional guidance regarding your individual classes. In addition, be on the lookout for a forthcoming announcement regarding a campus game viewing event.
Please accept our best wishes for a successful new semester both in the classroom and on the field. Enjoy this special time at UGA!
Go Dawgs!
Pamela Whitten
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Rahul Shrivastav
Vice President for Instruction
