Other internationally ranked universities, including Australian National University and the University of Melbourne, have opted to extend their flexible grading system to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on their students. The impact of the pandemic has not lessened and many students have experienced worsening circumstances as a result. To expect students to perform to their usual standard when their mental health and physical health is suffering from the effects of isolation and separation from their support networks is unreasonable. Furthermore, the mixed approach to online learning and shortened semester has been a challenging adaptation and, although this is through no fault of the university, we should take into account the impact that this has had on students.

Tell the university how you would like them to support their students through this and let them know it is not acceptable to leave in place the usual high standards for academic performance.