To Coronavirus From College Students: You Need To Stop Infecting Our Grades | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

To Coronavirus From College Students: You Need To Stop Infecting Our Grades

Does pass/fail grading sound better than a permanent grade on your transcript that was out of your control?

15
To Coronavirus From College Students: You Need To Stop Infecting Our Grades

Two days ago, I found out that students at the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Central Florida are petitioning to have the option of a pass/fail grade on their transcript due to remote instruction. What this means is that students would not be penalized down the road for a class they couldn't really put their all into because of the COVID-19 hysteria. The majority of the students petitioning feel that it is a fair option to have because certain populations may not have access to good technology or internet at home which is now a hard requirement for online learning. Personally, do I agree with it? I do to an extent. My take on it is that yes students should have the option, but it should be more on a case-by-case basis. For example, if it were me, I would take the letter grade because I have access to technology, internet, and I'm working which pushes me to manage my time and prioritize homework and studying. Everyone has a different situation though which is why I support the idea.

I interviewed a few students from the University of Central Florida and this is what they had to say:

Q: In your opinion, how does the pass/fail option play a role in the impact of remote instruction?

A: I believe the pass/fail option is something essential to be implemented for this term. This change in instruction not only affects the students who learn better in person but also those who rely on tutoring to pull their grades up to a passing grade. Students looking to take advantage of office hours, SI sessions, SARC tutoring, all knight study and more do not have these options anymore. Some Si leaders or tutors can host sessions online, but most are not able to since they are students who are also affected by this change. We as students, leaders, teachers and most importantly as consumers deserve the right to choose what happens to our credits after attempting to make it through finals. As a Knight, I appreciate all the efforts my university and professors are making to ensure a smooth transition to online instruction. But, the one thing they cannot supplement is my time spent on a C when it could have been higher due to being away from campus.

My coworker and friend Deion spoke these words of wisdom and I completely agree with him. Yes, Knights help and support each other but it is only so possible when we are all struggling with life and have to scrape together time for homework and exams. After receiving his opinion, I interviewed two more students about their take on the petition itself.

Q: What is your opinion on the pass/fail petition?

A1: I think the criteria for pass/fail is hard to determine and the requirements for each. For some people, you can pass with a C-, but [the system] is pretty arbitrary. It's hard to distinguish who did really well and who just skated by. It definitely doesn't help when you're applying to grad school or medical school, because you have to explain what happened. People paid money to take a course and they should get the grade they worked for.

While I agree with Peter's take on this, I also think it should be judged on a case-by-case basis. If someone didn't have access to technology or other required materials, they should pass or fail based on their current grade.

Q: What is your opinion on the pass/fail petition?

A2: In my opinion, UCF thinks they are doing the best they can and I really appreciate it but it's hard to completely grasp the full extent to which this is affecting us students. Our workload was a lot, to begin with, but the transition to online instruction is much more challenging as each student learns in a different way. I struggle with my teachers simply uploading videos about the material and leaving it at that. I wish my professors implemented the Zoom lectures because of how interactive they are and how heavy the course material is.

Krysten is completely right. A lot of professors have other things going on that prevent them from providing enough supplementary material, but we are struggling enough. Not everyone has the motivation or resources to learn from home and if tutoring is needed it isn't the most accessible resource right now. Either way, everyone has their part to play. Within reason, stay home as much as possible. And, if you need help you can still contact your professors and they will work with you to the best of their ability. Stay safe out there!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198687
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19960
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461698
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28790
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments