We call for the option of all Spring quarter classes at UCLA to be graded as pass/no pass AND MORE IMPORTANTLY count all these P/NP classes as meeting major requirements. **Students will still have the option to take courses for a letter grade if so desired.** Most UCLA departments will not accept pass/fail classes for major credit. Without this formal administrative change, students are still severely disadvantaged and forced to take courses for letter grades to graduate on time. 

Stanford, USC, Berkeley, UCI, Columbia, and other leading institutions across the nation ALREADY implemented these changes to help students during this unprecedented global crisis.

Academics alone will no longer be the only challenge that students face – many will face financial and emotional stressors as well. Students and families are being displaced or burdened with a sudden lack of income due to business closures. Further, the panic of being unable to afford rent, the inability to find food in almost barren supermarkets, and the fear of protecting and preventing loved ones from this virus have already impacted students' mental health and will only continue to be detrimental to students' studies in the spring. 

In addition, there is no longer an equitable learning environment. Some students do not have the privilege of having a quiet area to study, learn, or take exams. Others may lack the necessary resources (WiFi or computer equipment) to adequately learn online or live in a different time zone. 

Classes for the spring quarter will be much more difficult with only online instruction. In-person office hours, study groups, and tutoring are often vital to succeed in the rigorous courses at UCLA. As such, earning a passing grade, or even an A or B, will be extremely challenging in the face of this unparalleled pandemic.

We hope that UCLA considers making this change for the health and well-being of their students in a time of unsurmountable stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. Please support your students and their families. Thank you.