On Mar. 25, Loyola’s Student Government Association (SGA) announced, via social media, their proposal to President Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J. regarding a Pass/Fail option for the remainder of the semester. Speaking on behalf of the undergraduate population, SGA called attention to the difficult transition many students are facing in the wake of Loyola’s shutdown.
Among other concerns, the proposal highlights issues of equity. There are students returning to places with limited or no WiFi, unsafe environments, insufficient workspaces, and more responsibility for their families and households. Additionally, students registered with DSS are unable to access important resources they need.
The proposal also includes heightened stress levels overall, specifically mental and financial anxieties.
“We are scared. We do not know what new order will be coming down from the president or our respective governors and mayors,” the proposal says. “We have family and friends who are at higher risk if they contract COVID-19 and are trying to find ways to support them and their families as they have to self-quarantine for two weeks.”
Subsequently, SGA calls attention to the economic recession possibly following this crisis. Seniors are afraid of entering the job market at this time, and the process of applying to jobs has slowed as most companies focus on their current employees during the pandemic. This financial uncertainty, SGA proposes, is a barrier to academic success.
“We want to ensure Loyola is following through on its commitment to cura personalis,” they write.
SGA suggests that giving students the option to adhere to the normal grading scheme or to a Pass/Fail system would allow those working toward a specific grade to still do so, while unburdening others who are unable to meet their goals under unprecedented conditions. According to a poll conducted by SGA, almost 90% of students are in favor of this option. They propose that students are given until after final exams to choose which system they prefer. These alterations also extend to study abroad students who are dealing with their own difficult transitions after the abrupt move back to the United States.
According to the proposal, other universities, such as Harvard, Georgetown, and Rutgers have already taken similar steps.
“We present this proposal not because we want an easy semester. This semester will be anything but easy for most of us,” SGA writes. “We are calling for a greater focus on our mental health and overall well-being. Now, more than ever, we are living in a world of uncertainty and need additional support from our professors and other campus resources.”
Featured Image Courtesy of Loyola Maryland SGA
