Representing the student body of the University of Kentucky; we are requesting a change. Given the overwhelming stresses of the current national emergency, students and staff are putting in even more work to complete the final 6 weeks of the Spring 2020 semester. Transitioning fully online isn’t easy for most of us and many of us are affected but AT LEAST one of the following:

- having to relocate / move 

- loss of employment 

- working overtime at an essential job because you no longer have to attend classes on campus 

- trying to tackle online lectures with no where to escape the dependence of a child or children

- facing extra anxiety about being contaminated or going stir crazy sitting at home 

Having a Grade Opt Out option would allow students to chose to keep their midterm grade for the remainder or the semester. Students would have to notify professor AND advisor by a set date. 
Many students with an “A” will most likely finish with an “A.” Some “B” students may chose to strive for an “A.” Opting out would allow students to potentially “lighten” their load as well as “lighten” the professors load. THIS IS NOT A FREE PASS BUT AN EARNED GRADE. Some professors are having to completely redo their courses as well as grade more individualized work than before. 

**Adjusting the withdrawal date still takes full tuition and can mean paying back student loans if dropping below full time when over 60% of the semester is completed...that’s not enough! **

High Schools have cancelled standardized testing and can not introduce any new information, only review. As ADULTS, let’s give an opportunity for success and allow us to have an option, if earned, to lighten our load and still complete Spring 2020!

As the body of The University of Kentucky, when everyone is feeling lost and everything is shutting down... let’s stand together! Finishing Spring 2020 & surviving Covid-19...it’ll be a year to remember!

Sincerely,

a Spring 2020 super senior soon to be graduate