Unprecedented changes have happened in the wake of COVID-19.  From lectures being moved online, self-isolation and quarantines being imposed, and hard circumstances for many with final exam season. These are the worst conditions to study in. Not taken into account is the major stress and anxiety from the COVID crisis as well as other issues, such as job layoffs. It's evident that student grades will suffer - I've heard students discuss inability to pay attention in lectures, trouble studying and fear of their GPA dropping. KPU must act to provide equitable relief to KPU students.  

Universities like UBC and SFU have already implemented a Pass/Fail option to their students. This is the approach that SFU is taking:

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.

KPU must allow their students to have these additional choices as well. These are extraordinary times, and KPU must implement extraordinary measures to preserve student mental health. KPU, please do the right thing and allow your students to have this option.