As COVID-19 continuously develops, many businesses, governments, and educational facilities are taking measures to prevent the spread of this virus and support the people affected by it. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has added flexible grading for undergraduate students in response to the virus and an advocated petition. Unfortunately, the university believes that graduate students should not be included in this option for the following reasons provided by our provost (after an email inquiry about it):

1. Graduate coursework, by its very nature of research-focus, independent study, smaller classes and regular instructor-student interaction, was seen as allowing for a smoother transition to online than some of our undergraduate courses at both residential campuses
2. Graduate courses are already graded at a different level than undergraduate courses, with grades of A (Excellent), B (Satisfactory), C (Passing but not Satisfactory), and F (Failure).  So “Passing” a course is equivalent to receiving C in the course which is already built into the grading scheme for graduate students
3. We have worked with the different residential colleges (e.g., Engineering and COAS in particular) to allow graduate students access to labs where such lab access is necessary for students to complete their graduate coursework this spring
4. Several of our graduate programs, including the Ph.D. programs in Aviation and Business, are already offered online

In response to these major points:

• Undergraduates are able to "pass" with a D in most classes while some other classes require a C to pass or are graded on a 7 point scale. 
• Having labs open benefit the undergraduate/graduate students in particular courses, but do not benefit the vast majority of students working towards their degree programs.
• Yes, several graduate degree programs are online through ERAU Worldwide; however, ERAU Residential students enrolled and paid for face-to-face instruction. Because we are not receiving instruction as such, there is a justified struggle for students that are not able to excel through virtual learning.

Other universities have adopted option pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading for their students, in support for a student-experience approach. The University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, University of Western Florida, Miami University, and University of Vermont (along with others) have taken action by including most undergraduate and graduate programs they offer. Major universities have started setting a precedent to ensure the best experience for their students, and other universities should follow by example (where applicable). 

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Graduate Student Body asks the university administration to implement an opt in/opt out pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory scheme for the Spring 2020 semester. As a result of other notable universities supporting their students’ learning environment, we find it feasible and important to make the same request to our administration. Allowing students to have this choice would be perceived as a a notable action to support our graduate students. All students should be treated fairly and equally regardless of degree program to ensure academic success and to alleviate stress.