In light of the critical circumstances regarding the COVID-19 epidemic, and on behalf of University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn) students, we are requesting the option for students to have all undergraduate courses evaluated on a credit/no credit basis. Following the University's decision to convert all face-to-face courses to an online format for the remainder of the winter semester, in addition to the adverse conditions many students are currently facing, we believe that such circumstances should hold no further negative consequences on the the academic well-being of our University's students, and their overall GPA. Our reasoning for this belief and our request for change is as follows: 

1. The COVID-19 Epidemic has placed extreme stress on many students. Many of us are experiencing job loss amidst the outbreak, and hence an unexpected financial crisis, especially those of us whom others, such as spouses or children, are financially dependent upon. Under such extenuating economic circumstances in which many students are deeply afflicted, one's academic performance is bound to be negatively impacted. 
2. Some students may face extraordinary difficulty learning in an online format, as compared to the face-to-face courses they originally signed up for. The University's transferring of such courses to online instruction for the rest of the semester occurred on very short notice, and with little preparation for students. While these precautions were taken with the safety of U of M campuses and surrounding communities in mind, such actions realistically do not allow students the same learning opportunities in which they registered for, nor will they likely allow student's to perform at the same level they had exhibited prior to this change. 
3. Some U of M students may not have access, or secure access, to necessary resources and tools required to complete the semester in this online format. Some may already be lacking a strong wireless internet connection, or the establishment in which they acquired such a connection may no longer be accessible to them due to the current crisis. Such circumstances beyond the control of students, should not affect one's GPA.
4. Many students are currently participating in courses that are ill-suited for an online setting. Some may be taking courses that require a hands-on approach to learning, or physical materials that will no longer be accessible to them for the remainder of the semester. Such circumstances do not allow the student to effectively learn and gain necessary skills, nor should their academic performance be judged under these conditions.

A student's GPA can be detrimental to significant opportunities and resources available to them. GPA can determine one's ability to remain in their academic program, to be awarded new or maintain current academic scholarships, acquire employment/internships, or be accepted into a graduate school among, other things. As GPA is critical to student outcomes, it is imperative that the University of Michigan protects its student's from the adverse consequences likely to be elicited by the conditions of this current semester. Your students are facing a variety of extreme stressors, and should not be evaluated in the normal manner as under current circumstances this will not accurately reflect student's academic abilities, and could harm them from future opportunities. 

To the University of Michigan, and all of its campus's leaders, we ask you to hear our request and make the necessary changes (optional credit/no credit grading) on behalf of all undergraduate students.

Sincerely, 

Your Concerned Student Body