Last night, Temple University announced it would be switching to online teaching for the remainder of this semester. As we all, students and professors alike, adjust to this new learning mechanism with little time to polish and perfect it, Temple students call on Temple University to make this semester pass/fail instead of the traditional 4.0 grading scale.

A pandemic of this nature was outside of all student and faculty control, and our learning experience and GPAs should not suffer from the whiplash sure to come from this significant adjustment. Moving back home, learning how to use online learning platforms, and taking online classes are not what any of us students had signed up for, and as such Temple University should not let our grades suffer. 

Professors will, no doubt, also feel the growing pains of this change, and making this semester pass/fail will take some of the burden off of them. Professors have to adjust their lesson plans, teaching methods, and learn how to use new platforms. Some may have to re-evaluate their grading structure, if in-person attendance or participation was included, and that’s just the beginning of the hurdles they now face. In making this semester pass/fail, grading will be simplified, and the time saved as a result will allow professors to improve their online courses and teaching methods, or allow them time to breathe in this tumultuous period.

Please, consider signing this petition to support Temple students and professors, and wash your hands.