Friends, 

These are some very interesting times.  Students and Teachers are simultaneously figuring it out as they go.  Amidst all the uncertainty and courageous efforts to move forward, I’m petitioning Trinity Christian College to give students a pass / fail option for all of their classes.  Join with me, and lets make this happen.

To be clear, Trinity has not shown any opposition to this option.  In fact, there has been some work toward making this happen already.  The process of making this a reality is complicated, but, I’m faithful that it can happen.  Let’s join together to show Trinity that this would be a positive change amidst uncertainty.

The following is an email I have sent to some of Trinity’s senior leadership:

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To Whom it May Concern,

Most of you know me, but for those that don’t, my name is Michael Melody.  I am writing on behalf of the student body at Trinity Christian College to appeal to you to give students the option to make their classes pass / fail due to the coronavirus and its consequences. I believe that making it an option, and not a requirement makes sense and would help everyone for a few reasons.

- Students & faculty suffer from anxiety and this is not to be taken lightly during these times.  

- Access to the internet varies.
- Financial needs vary.
- Some may now be in very difficult learning environments.
- Ability to focus on online, computer screen learning while constantly quarantined.
- Students & faculty did not sign up for online classes.
- Some classes have physical labs and other components that cannot be translated to online.
- GPA's may drop and not be recoverable for graduate school admission or employment.

Making pass / fail an option allows students to continue in a letter grade format or change to a pass / fail; pleasing all sides. 

Many prominent schools have already changed to forms of pass / fail (Texas A&M, Duke, Smith, Harvard, Grinnell, Northwestern, NY, Cornell, Georgetown and more).  This is an opportunity for Trinity to lead the charge of smaller NFP Christian colleges to make a similar decision.
 
CNN posted an article yesterday titled "Why a pass/fail option is a good move for everyone" and I also attached it below. 
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/18/opinions/coronavirus-makes-college-and-life-pass-fail-perry/index.html  

My particular reason for reaching out is unique (but I believe many other students likely also have unique situations right now).  I am a Biblical Studies major who lives locally in Palos Heights. I am anxious that my GPA may take a hit and will hurt my seminary applications. Additionally, I am serving as Interim Youth Pastor at my church. While for many, work has slowed, my particular work has ramped up and become more difficult as I adjust to shepherding and discipling students remotely. Meanwhile, I am practicing the mandated quarantine and planning on doing work and school in a loud home where my 6-year-old nephew lives (who needs attention). Other struggles such as regular migraines, a difficulty focusing, and a learning style that is best fed with vocal learning will make this online format quite difficult for me.  Personally, a pass / fail option appears to me to be a good way to practice Grace and alleviate fear in these difficult times.

During these times, classes are understandably not the most important aspect in teacher or student lives. I hope you take my request seriously and give the option to change classes to a pass fail format.

Please pass this appeal on as is fit.  Very Respectfully and Sincerely, I look forward to hearing back,