On behalf of the student population of Allegheny College, we request a shift in the treatment of grades, similar to last semester. Our community has had yet another turbulent semester, including major adjustments to our living situations and our classroom. The nonstop slough through the semester has left students and alike exhausted. In addition, the fear of contamination has forced some students and faculty into quarantining within their homes or within Edwards, for the safety of the community. The effects of the drastic changes are showing our grades, as previously “A” students have had struggles and GPA outcomes not unlike last semester. The combination of the lack of breaks, low morale, pure exhaustion and harsh environment have not been amiable to upholding a high GPA. In addition, this week in particular has left students in shambles, as we struggled without heat and to procure a way to move out.

We, the students of Allegheny College, call upon the administration to adopt the same or a similar pass/fail system as last semester. This will help offset the deteriorating conditions of the community's grades as well as our general mental health. The College prides itself on providing an equitable and safe learning environment where students can succeed academically without barriers. This semester has met our students with barrier after barrier to our mental health, to our physical health and to our ability to uphold our academics in the same manner as a traditional semester. A period of both national political and economical turmoil has been a source of great stress for our student population and faculty. Given the drastic change in quality of living for our students and the quality of learning, the student body calls upon the entirety of the administration to take the steps necessary to ensure the longevity of the liberal arts dedication to the student — a quality that Allegheny College takes pride in.