We student's from University of Fraser Valley are struggling to cope with the fact that we are not receiving the help of balancing our mental health from COVID-19. On top of the stress we have from COVID-19, we are continuously being reminded of the midterms and final exams we have left. Professors are making the final exams and midterms with a time crunch. 

We students did not sign up to take online exams, most of us get anxiety from completing exams online. If we compare the response from other universities like UBC/SFU/UVIC, they are being more accommodating to their students by showcasing different approaches like making projects/assignments instead of exams or having the CREDIT/PASS/FAIL/WITHDRAW/PREDICTIVE GRADE system which will put a student's mind to ease because they will have several options. 

Student's are realizing when they compare their exam grades from in person, they are much better than the grades they are receiving online which says a lot. We paid money for these classes and we worked hard from the beginning of the semester. It feels like our hard work has come to a waste when we look at it now. Professors need to implement different options students can do.

Online exams are also extremely stressful because of the time limits. Most students don’t take online classes to avoid online exams. It’s not fair for some students because It is hard for them to think of answers immediately. 

This situation is not only effecting us physically but also has a mental impact on us. It is hard to concentrate on studies after reading the growing number of cases in B.C. and the death rate in Italy and China. I request you to please consider the mental health of students as well.

TO CLARIFY: we just want to be offered the "pass " alternative... its not going to apply to every class (we can choose the classes that have been affected a lot because of the external circumstances) and we can keep the classes that did not get affected as they are to increase our GPA.

EXAMPLE OF SFU'S ANNOUNCEMENT TO THEIR STUDENTS:

•Course Withdrawal Deadline Extension
Course withdrawal deadline is extended to April 9, the last day of classes for the Spring 2020 term. The normal withdrawal transcript notation of “WD” will apply, with no additional requirement for documentation, and no refund.

•Choice of “P” Grade
For the Spring 2020 term, after final grades are submitted, students will be allowed to either accept their final course grade, or opt for a “P” grade (“Pass”), provided they had earned a D grade or higher. “P” grades count for credit and count towards both program requirements and the total credits required for a degree.
For purposes of enrollment in courses that have prerequisites, “P” grades earned in Spring 2020 will fulfill the minimum grade required in a prerequisite course.

•Change to “F” Grades
Any courses completed with an “F” grade will not count towards the GPA for the Spring 2020 term.

We recognize that you will need to consider carefully what option you will choose for each course you are currently enrolled in. You may choose a “P” grade for as few or as many courses as you wish.