If you are an incoming AU freshman, sign this petition to ensure that the American University Administration takes into account the following concerns and requests regarding academic equity this upcoming fall semester:

Dear President Burwell, Provost Myers, and Vice President Byrd, 

The class of 2024 would first like to express our excitement in being welcomed into American University. Our future home within the community of fellow Eagles has given us hope during these difficult times. We would also like to express our gratitude for your efforts in providing online opportunities that introduce the incoming class to the community at American University. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are greatly concerned about the possibility of American University going online this fall. Our concern is a result of the academic barriers that would be imposed upon low-income students, first-generation students, those in unstable households, the immunocompromised, those needing additional educational support, those lacking sufficient access to technology, those residing in different time zones, and those without a stable internet connection and/or private learning space which are crucial for online learning. We believe that going online would exacerbate the inequalities among members of our class, which would create an unjust learning environment and result in academic repercussions throughout the rest of the college careers of those affected. On the contrary, the on-campus experience at American University helps give the disadvantaged members of our community the resources imperative to a successful college education. 

In addition, online classes cause negative repercussions on the mental health of many students. As we have already experienced online classes during the second semester of our senior year, we have taken note of the negative effect that virtual learning has on students’ mental health during these stressful times. 

If the administration comes to the conclusion that reopening American University for in-person classes in the fall is unsafe for faculty and students, we ask that you consider the following requests:

Students facing special circumstances including but not limited to low-income students, first-generation students, the immunocompromised, students with disabilities, undocumented students, and international students should be given the opportunity to take a gap year. 

The deadline for deferral requests should be extended until after students are notified of the University’s plan to move online for the upcoming fall 2020 semester. 

The start of the fall 2020 semester should be postponed according to public health regulations rather than moved online.
The profound discussions in various courses are difficult to fully replicate in an online setting where students do not feel the same personal connection to their peers and professors as they otherwise would in the classroom. This is felt especially by the freshman class, as we have not had the chance to interact or engage with the faculty or community in person.
Certain classes, especially those with laboratory components, are unable to be replicated in an online setting. 
An important aspect of the transition to college life is making personal connections with other students on campus and learning from one another. We would be unable to have these experiences if we were to go online, therefore denying us a healthy transition to college. 
Should this request fail to work, we ask that you consider hybrid courses that are in compliance with public health regulations.

As the American University incoming class, we recognize the faculty and staff that devote their time and resources to ensuring that students receive an exceptional education. Therefore, we request that the University’s faculty and staff continue to be paid. 

We request that, in the event that American University decides to go online, you forgo or reduce housing costs as we will not be living on campus.

If students decide to defer enrollment, American University should guarantee that credits transfer from local colleges. 

Our class is deeply enthusiastic about the educational resources that we will have during our time at American University and we greatly appreciate the work that the administration has done to help maintain that enthusiasm in light of these difficult times. Our concern is our class will be unable to utilize these crucial resources due to the disadvantages of online learning. We hope that in determining the plan for the upcoming semester, you take into account our concerns and consider our requests. 

Respectfully, 

The American University Class of 2024