This is a petition for change on behalf of the students at Christian Brothers University in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the transition to remote courses has been beneficial to the physical health of students and faculty, I have concerns regarding the accessibility and feasibility of remote learning for students. Specifically, I personally know of many students who have had trouble with the remote courses, either due to being in troubled homes which don’t cultivate a good environment for learning, or not having access to a laptop or software they need. Additionally, international students that live in very different time zones struggle to make it to their class video meetings, and their grades suffer for their lack of attendance. Many of us just do not learn well in this format, and struggle to maintain the same level of academic success in these new circumstances. The University of Memphis has offered their students the option of utilizing a pass/fail system for students whose grades may have slipped due to any of the aforementioned reasons in this time of crisis. Because of these stories and the struggles that I have both heard of from fellow Christian Brothers University students, as well as personally experienced to a degree myself, I felt obligated to do whatever I can to get Christian Brothers University students an option to save their GPA.  

I implore you all to consider this information and keep in mind the students whose GPAs may be greatly affected by these things outside of their control. I personally know many students who have been struggling with remote learning and could benefit greatly from the option of a pass/fail system at our school. Signing this petition will bring us one step closer to persuading the faculty at CBU to give this option to their students.