On March 16, 2020, the University of Southern California announced that they would be extending online courses throughout the end of the semester. While we understand and respect the decision to do so, there are still many concerns held by the students for the quality of their education. Many universities across the country, such as MIT and Carnegie Mellon University, have already taken the initiative to allow students the optional grading of Pass/No-Pass for each of their courses for this semester and allowing fulfillment of major requirements even though it goes against their regular Pass/No-Pass policy.

While the stress and the chaos of the COVID-19 has affected each of us and our families, we should counteract the negative impacts that this situation will have on the academic performance of the students. While we are all aware that USC is doing its best to accommodate for students during this difficult time, there are many disadvantages that come with virtual classes from technical error, to complications in office hours, exams, etc. Each individual student’s home environment differs completely from the classroom setting at USC. Professors included are unsure of how to move forward with grading policies and course plan with this new development. 

USC has effectively recommended students to leave campus causing most students to return home. As 25% of our student body is international students, those who have returned home especially will be poorly impacted by online class structure. The program, Zoom, allows for students to meet with their class at the designated time. However, as students are no longer on campus, some will be attending these classes daily at unreasonable times due to time zone differences. It is unreasonable to expect the same standards of student performance when the university is struggling to uphold the same standard of education. 

In this time of uncertainty and unfortunate circumstance for students, especially the graduating class, emergency grading policies should be adapted to accommodate.