On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. People all around the world who had been monitoring the situation were uncertain of what this meant for their daily lives and how to respond. Even now, people continue to be uncertain of what this means and how their lives are affected by this sudden change. So many aspects of life have been changed in the matter of a few days which no one could have predicted. Colleges and institutions have been forced to transition online abruptly. Students all over the world are left distressed and fearful of what is to come. Students who live on campus were hastily forced by the situation to leave and adjust for their own safety. Change is never easy and COVID-19 has forced our hands and brought so many changes in our daily lives.

We, the students of UTA, ask the administration to understand the stress and the pressure that has been placed upon us by this unexpected pandemic. We request that the University take into account the stress created by the pandemic by altering their grading policy to allow a pass/fail option that still counts for credit and fulfills degree requirements for the classes in the Spring 2020 semester. We understand that this might not be applicable or appropriate for every situation such as those seeking higher education where a letter grade matters; however, we could still like the option to have pass/fail available for those of us who opt to. Whether students choose to have a letter grade or pass/fail on our transcripts, we suggest that our transcript offers a concise explanation on the discrepancy by indicating that the pandemic is responsible for the inconsistency. Other universities have implemented similar policies to ease students. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has decided to enforce their alternate grading policy of "pass/no record". Cornell University has implemented a "satisfactory/unsatisfactory" grading policy. Northwestern University has asked faculty to make all final assessments optional for undergraduates. Many universities all over the nation are making changes if not considering a change in grading policy due to the increasing number of students who may be forced suffer at the hands of this unexpected pandemic. The consideration and implementation of this policy would mean so much to the students at UTA.

UTA is compromised of so many different students. We pride ourselves for being the 6th most diverse university in the nation and the top university for serving first generation, low income students in Texas. We are also the top university for transfer students in Texas along with the number 1 university nationally for veterans. Knowing all of this, it is important to consider the students and their situations. There are students at UTA who do not have the resources or may not even have access to the resources necessary to thrive in an online environment. Students may lack access to a reliable internet connection or devices necessary to learn online. Some students have families to care for that they must balance with their education now. Students have limited/no access to the things UTA provided them with such as SI instruction, tutoring, and the IDEAS Center to help with their educational career. International students who have been able to safely travel back home are left to cope with the time zone differences and create solutions alone while others may still be searching for a way back to their families. UTA's resources and access to them is limited due to these unfortunate circumstances. The mental health of students is at risk with this transition and the pandemic. The lack of resources along with many other issues that students are facing, whether they be financial or personal, will negatively affect the grades of students. Students' grades will be punished for circumstances that are beyond their control. A pass/fail option will allow students to deal with the situation they have been placed in without hindering their education.

The administration and faculty have been working so hard to help students adjust to these changes. We would like to thank Dr. Vistasp Karbhari and all of our faculty and administration for taking the time to inform us about the growing situation and continuing to devote their time for doing everything they can to provide us with an excellent education. It has not been easy for anyone whether it be students or the administration/faculty. During these desperate times, we ask for the support of our administration. COVID-19 has cost people their lives, their peace, and their health. Us as UTA students, only ask for the administration and faculty to recognize the toll this pandemic has taken on the students and to offer a pass/fail option for our classes. We hope that the university will stand by us and enact this change.