Classes Resume

The Pamplin College of Business appreciates the sympathy and support our alumni, friends, and so many others have expressed for the affected families and our faculty and staff in light of the tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Although this loss will be felt in our community for a long time, the college, like the rest of the university, is making an effort to return to a sense of normalcy and routine. Classes resumed on Monday, April 23rd, and a strong turnout was reported by many faculty members.  

Associate dean of undergraduate programs Candi Clemenz, who spoke with some department heads and faculty members, said estimates ranged from 70 percent to full. “Most professors have said attendance is better than a typical Monday.” Two finance professors, according to finance department head Vijay Singal, reported “full house” in their classes.

Students “seemed quiet and subdued,” Clemenz said. Several students said their professors broke down in classes.

Administrators and faculty and staff volunteers representing all the offices and departments in Pamplin wore yellow arm bands and "Can I help you" tags on Monday and were stationed at main entrances into Pamplin Hall to greet students and faculty before 8 that morning. They also stood in the atrium during class change times during the day to offer help if needed. "Quite a few students said "thank you" to us for being in the common areas," one volunteer said. "They seemed to appreciate our presence."