The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the majority (if not all) of academic institutions across the country by canceling in-person classes, and shifting to online classes. This shift is, of course, necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff, but puts BSU students in a number of unfortunate situations which are discussed below.

   Online classes for the duration of the pandemic will cause difficulties not only to students, but for Professors as well, since many courses focus on participation will face the difficulty to accurately evaluate students’ performance for the rest of the semester. It is unfair for both professors and students to have to find alternative ways to measure and evaluate this part of their grade.

   Also, the use of Blackboard for online classes prevents meetings with professors in person. Although we do still interact virtually in many means, but we also have lots of limitations, such as WIFI availability, and also different time zones for students who left the country due to the pandemic. Also, not being physically on campus would limit students’ resources on campus such as the library, books, labs, study rooms, etc. Talking about attendance issues, students who already left and are currently living in other parts of the world would have to stay up or wake up at inconvenient times to "attend" online classes. This is unfair to them; as some international students were advised by their governments and other institutions to return to their home countries for this period of uncertainty.

   This situation will majorly deteriorate the mental health of many of the students who have to continue online classes. Due to the diversity we have in our school, we have students who are parents and the new situation is really affecting their lives, students in the business industry and some who are losing their jobs, all students and also teachers are extremely stressed out by this, affecting everyone’s mental health and it will really show in grades. We have to bear in mind that some students are looking after sick loved ones, or might be sick themselves which makes the situation so much harder.

   It must be noted that many schools, such as Georgetown University, Northwestern University, Grinnell College, and recently the University of Virginia, have already enacted a pass/fail option for their students.

   By following their example we are asking for a pass/fail option for classes, BSU would support many of their students while continuing to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This action would not discourage students from doing well in their classes but will help those who are currently put in tough academic situations.

   This request will greatly help students who are facing difficulties and hardships in the new situation, we are not only facing academic difficulties now, but also financial, health and even household difficulties.

   We hope you take this request into consideration. Stay safe everyone!