The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of anxiety for students, and at exam time no less. This pandemic exacerbates the pressure students are already under, even more so for marginalized students. Students are being left in a precarious situation. Many have never taken courses online before, and are struggling with what that means for their academic career. Others, particularly international students, are unsure about their living situations. There are students who have lost income, students who are struggling with mental health, and students who are unsure about the future. 

Some colleges and universities have stepped up to the plate to support students, acknowledging that our lives are in many ways being upended. Examples include the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the University of Alberta, Université de Sherbrooke, and the University of Ottawa. Measures have included: implementing pass/fail options for courses that have been altered, ensuring students can stay in residence who have nowhere else to go, setting up emergency funds, and many others. 

We are calling on Seneca College  to join other schools in supporting students during the COVID-19 pandemic. These calls to action include:

First, and foremost, adding a pass/fail option for all courses and allowing students to opt-in 
Extend all academic appeal periods and extending tuition fee payment periods.
Setting up a support fund for Seneca students.
With these measures and others, Seneca can do its part to support students and help our school community be a part of flattening the curve while staying home.