College students debate pass-fail grading in the midst of Coronavirus

by Alison Jankowski
edited by Paul Lambert

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, students at New England colleges have split opinions on whether to adopt a pass-fail grading system.

Meryem Bastug, a Quinnipiac University sophomore majoring in psychology, approved of her school’s decision to allow students to either opt for pass-fail or traditional letter grades. “I think it was definitely the right decision as I am at home now and trying to juggle school work with my other responsibilities,” she said. “I see it as a type of cushion for me if I feel I need to use the pass-fail option I have until May 18th to decide.” 

Pass-fail grading allows a student to be given a “pass” or “fail” grade for each course taken instead of a traditional letter grade. A number of schools have continued to offer letter grades as well. Instructors continue to maintain records of letter grades and students choose the preferred grade option at the end of the semester.

(Photo: Google Images)

The change to pass-fail grading also comes with some challenges. Symantha Surowaniec, a Johnson and Wales culinary student, has been torn over the decision of whether or not to opt for the newly introduced pass-fail option at her university. She worries about the impact it would have on the graduate school admission process. “I don’t plan on graduate school but those plans might change and I would hate for my undergraduate courses to not count for anything” she said.

Graduate and professional schools generally do not look favorably on pass-fail grades for admission. Another downside to the grading is the fact that a passing grade is not factored into a student’s GPA, while a failing grade does.

FPU sophomore Carley Roy said she would have gone along with whatever the university had decided but supports the present decision to continue with letter grading. “I have adjusted well to online learning and appreciate the ability to take classes for a grade that counts toward my GPA” she said.

There was some strong support on Raven Nation from students who favored the pass-fail system as well. Many felt the home environment was not conducive to learning, while other students were facing health obstacles, and the lack of accessibility to technology due to the virus. There has been no official word if FPU will offer the pass-fail option in the future.

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Reporter Alison Jankowski: “Continuing to work hard and balance all of my school work and looking forward to the day we can all go out and socialize again.”