#PassFailNation

#PassFailNation

Photo by Victoria Heath on Unsplash

The outbreak of COVID-19 has drastically changed the way material is being delivered this semester. Tarleton faculty and staff are working diligently to move courses online and adapt to the sudden changes, but moving courses online may only be half of the battle. Students are also battling increased stress, uncertainty, financial hardships, and familial concerns all while trying to balance a sudden shift in course delivery.

Numerous institutions are looking at the merits of changing to pass/fail option for this semester. David Perry wrote an opinion piece for CNN about the possible benefits of pass/fail.

Texas A&M University 

 According to an announcement  earlier this week from the TAMU President and Provost stated  "students will have the opportunity to choose Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading for any course in which they are enrolled in the spring semester 2020". The full announcement can be found here. 

Prairie View A&M University

PVAM also announced that it would be issuing temporary changes to their grading policy. Students will have the option to chose pass/fail but "does not reflect a change in expectations but an acknowledgement of the severe complications of this unusual moment". The full announcement can be found here. 

A more extensive list of schools offering pass/fail can be found here.

What does Pass/Fail entail?

Tarleton announced a plan to implement a pass/fail option, and faculty and leadership continue to discuss the best ways to support students through this situation. Students should consider the best option for their unique situations and goals. Before opting for pass/fail here are some factors to consider:

• Are you on track to make the grades you want?
• Are you currently making satisfactory academic progress? 
• Can or should you retake the course at a later date? Keep in mind there are limits on how many courses you can drop within your academic career.
• Are you on any academic based scholarships? Would they accept pass/fail grades?
• Are you looking to transfer programs, attend graduate school or taking any required pre-requisites? If so, will your classes and credit still transfer? 
• Have you talked to your professor about staying on track with the course?
• Have you talked with your academic adviser about the best options?

Having the option to chose pass/fail may take some of the stress off of students so they can focus on health, safety, childcare, and ensuring financial security. Students can continue to learn without the increased academic pressure.

Alternatively, some students may prefer and even excel with online courses. They may be too close to graduation to retake a course or need a certain grade letter to advance in their program. For those students receiving a letter grade may be preferable.

More information about Tarleton's pass/fail option can be found https://www.tarleton.edu/registrar/pass-fail-opt.html .

If you are struggling in classes, know you are not alone. This is an unprecedented situation. Please discuss your concerns with your professors.  Online tutoring is available. Call 254-968-9293 to set up an appointment. The library is also available for research and reference help. Email reference@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9249.

Follow #PassFailNation to follow nationwide discussions.