This is an extraordinary time. Many of our students have been out of a classroom for 18 months or longer, or if they were in a classroom last year, they were surrounded by plexiglass barricades, and/or isolated with 2-3 peers all day long. They have been isolated in their homes as well. Many suffered losses: grandparents lost to COVID, sick parents, stressors related to financial issues.

The present remains as a time of great stress, as students adjust once again to being in the classroom—though sometimes, that experience may feel more like "half-in, half-out," as several MSU classes remain on-line, and some students struggle, going back and forth between the different modalities. And even with the in-person classes, many teachers are reporting that as high as 30-50% of their students may be missing on any given class day. Some of these absences may be due to illness, as many teachers are (sensibly) telling their students not to come to class if they feel sick. It's not only COVID, though, but also high incidents of strep, flu, or mono—and something that some students are calling the "Spartan cough." No wonder campus counselors report high instances of depression, and/or lack of motivation among our students, who find themselves overwhelmed.

COVID is still with us. The numbers in Ingham County are currently extremely high (70+ cases per 100,000). Student’s fear getting sick, and some are getting sick.

It is an unprecedented time for students and teachers alike. Providing the S/NS option for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 terms would be the humane thing to do. Thus, in conclusion, we request you that you considered reinstating the S/NS option.