The year 2020 has been a year full of hardships for all due to COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, The University of Rhode Island offered an alternative grading option, Pass/Fail, which relieved major stress during the Spring Semester of 2020. In the past six months, the pandemic has arguably worsened, causing detrimental effects on students mental health, as well as physical health. This has negatively affected not only my own grades, but the grades of most students at the University. After discussing with many students, we have agreed that Pass/Fail would be extremely beneficial this semester.

The University has given an alternative grading option, called the second grading option. This option states: The second grade option allows undergraduate students to repeat a course in which the grade is C- or lower and to replace the original grade with the grade from the re-taken course. Although this is appreciated, many cannot afford to retake a course, whether it has to do with money, or being behind in classes, ultimately delaying when one graduates.

Most classes have gone virtual since before Thanksgiving. Virtual learning is something new that many have not yet adapted to, causing grades to diminish. This is a poor reflection on many students. Between constant COVID scares, as well as adapting to a fully online course schedule with quizzes and exams, our grades as well as GPA is feeling the brunt of this pandemic. 

In addition, Rhode Island is the most infected place in the world right now. This is a distraction for many. Due to these factors which are out of our control, we should have the option to do Pass/Fail again. Our futures rely on our transcripts, and they should not be affected because of this.