The end of March usually brings a packed library and cramming for Carleton students, with final projects due and lecture slides to get caught up on.
Right now, MacOdrum Library sits empty and lecture halls are deserted. COVID-19 has turned everyday life upside down. After the cancellation of in-person exams, many students—living both on- and off-campus—have gone home early.
With all this disruption, it’s time to alleviate the worry of grades. As the University of Ottawa, Ryerson University, University of Alberta, and others have, Carleton should implement a pass/fail grading system.
These are extraordinary times, and not all students should be expected to meet the same academic standard. Without the availability of face-to-face counselling, instructor office hours, or on-campus academic support services, many students’ grades will naturally suffer.
This is all in addition to the stress on students’ and faculty members’ mental health, as everyone is going without most of their social support system.
Isaac Newton may have developed the theory of gravity while he was in quarantine. Carleton students can still strive for the academic heights if they choose, but the pass/fail system should be an option for those who need it.
Life under quarantine is not a normal learning environment. Normal standards of grading can not be applied.
File photo.
