In light of the unforeseen changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we, the undergraduate student body of Temple University, believe that ALL spring semester courses be subject to a Credit/No-Credit system of grading. Students shall receive major credit for these classes as well. Grades from these classes will be uncoverable as well, as is standard. We believe that Temple should follow the lead of leading institutions, such as M.I.T., and Georgetown University, who have already announced a Credit/No-Credit or pass/fail option. 

This sudden transition to online classes via Zoom, also impacts professors and faculty, who may need additional time to become acclimated with this format of teaching. The immediacy of learning and proceeding with courses at this time could lead to minimal teaching. 

It must also be made clear that students themselves may also not have the same access or familiarity with online learning technology, yet are expected to do so immediately as though sitting in a classroom. 

Online classes also pose an issue for the large body of international student body. For students making adjusting to the transition from physical to remote classes, there is the issue of time zones, and other technological difficulties, which can jeopardize the ability for equal learning. 

Many students were heavily encouraged to leave campus or denied housing requests, so it is essential that the school makes necessary accommodations without causing further harm to any students. With the drastic change in students’ living conditions and academic settings, there is a real risk to the mental, emotional, and physical health of the student body.

The student body believes it is crucial to allow the option of Credit/No-Credit classes to alleviate the stress on the well-being of students and faculty members during this unprecedented time. We believe that a Credit/No-Credit option will provide the necessary flexibility for students to manage the rigor of learning and challenges in a living environment. We express our utmost appreciation for the efforts of Temple faculty, and staff members, and the administration  in this historic time. We hope that this option is seriously considered as we firmly believe that it will allow students the opportunity to focus on our education, despite the challenges, and take into consideration students’ health. 

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

The Undergraduate Student Body of Temple University