With the return to in-person learning and COVID-19 dramatically impacting the attendance in our classrooms (approximately a third of students are away), we believe that it is only fair to move in-person final exams in mathematics and literacy to more accessible at-home assessments.

Today's education focuses on inclusion. We learn about equitable practices and how to ensure all students are equipped for success. If a student has COVID-19 or is otherwise feeling unwell on the day of an examination, they are faced with the difficult decision of coming to campus ill to write the exam, or deferring the exam and postponing the completion of their degree. Both of these options provide massive consequences.

As future educators, we are supposed to be the moral compass for our students. If ill, the decision that we're faced with unfairly challenges our morals and puts our colleagues' health at risk.

If we defer an exam, it further delays the completion of our degree. We already are scheduled to complete our degree later than normal due to the strike. Most of us have job opportunities lined up and cannot afford to delay these opportunities further than they already are.

From what has been relayed by our professors, in-person versus at-home assessments hardly vary in regards to grades. This lack of variation is due to their focus on application questions, suggesting that at-home assessments are equally as challenging.

From being online for 14 out of 16 months, we are all comfortable with these online learning platforms and have the ability to be successful, without compromising the health of our school community and delaying job opportunities.

To the administrators and professors at Concordia University of Edmonton, we are asking you to practice what educators preach by providing us with accessible and inclusive assessments as we complete our degree. This degree has been filled with ups and downs from COVID-19 and a strike, and this is the least you can do to support your students.

Thank you for your time and consideration! We look forward to a response.