Elon University students are very fortunate that during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, we are allowed to be on campus and enrolled in some classes that are in-person; however, a majority of the classes are online. Remote learning is difficult for students: We are no longer assimilated in a structured learning environment, nor get to see the professors that care about us and our success in person each day. Furthermore, research suggests that on average, students do not learn as much online as they do in person.

Accordingly, COVID-19 has affected the learning process for many undergraduate students. Therefore, we, Elon University, students, petition to have classes be deemed pass/fail, if desired, for the Fall semester of 2020.

Given the new academic normal that we are faced with, students are struggling to find a balance to succeed in the same manner they once did in the classroom. Nevertheless, this balance is difficult to strike, and many students have seen a significant drop in their grades. Provided with the fact that this is a "new normal" for all of us, we, Elon students call upon the leaders to be gracious and understanding of our academic standings. As students, we are working so hard and want to continue to succeed academically, the way that we would be if we were on campus during normal times.

From behalf of all students, we thank you.