Recently, institutions across the country have made the decision to implement an optional "pass/fail" structure that is centered around the overall success of their students, whilst acknowledging the emotional, mental, and technical barriers that have inevitably followed this necessary shift to online classes. The drastic shift in lifestyle has also placed a burden on students’ mental health and wellbeing, as well as (for our very unique and diverse population) a huge burden for our students with children who have to homeschool while simultaneously attempting to complete their own coursework. This promotes a stress-induced, “burnout environment” that could result in deteriorating health for our students and staff. This event has turned into an upended situation for the UDC community. 

Given the amount of “calls for action” from students across the nation, including local universities (Georgetown, GWU) - we feel that it is in the best interest of the University to invoke an optional “Pass/Fail” system for the Spring 2020 semester in order to alleviate the burdens inevitably caused by these necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

We firmly believe that this is the best solution to ensure equality and fairness are bestowed towards our student body during this unexpected pandemic. Thus our demands are as follows: 

• Extend online class sessions for the duration of the Spring 2020 semester, giving our students and faculty the appropriate time to “self-isolate” and stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Implement a "pass/fail" (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) optional grading system for all classes across the University system. Many students have never taken online classes before and have had a hard time adjusting to their new coursework, thus creating a learning barrier. Students should not have their GPA affected by a crisis beyond their control.
• Appropriate and timely communication from the University to the entire UDC community. While the recent message from President Mason was uplifting and inspiring, students believe that we require more than messages of reassurance during this pandemic, but timely action from our institution. This must include transparent directives to our international students. 
• Ongoing communication with graduating seniors (class of 2020), regarding cancellation or postponement of commencement activities (if cancellation, reimbursement of regalia fees).

We understand the immense pressure that University officials are under at this time as they are being challenged to take swift action to combat the concerns caused by this pandemic. However, we believe that further action is necessary to ensure the safety and success of all students impacted.

Please consider signing this petition and forwarding it to other UDC students, staff and community members so that we can alleviate the uncertainty caused by this event.

Thank you, and stay safe!