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With Coronavirus Disrupting College, Should Every Student Pass? With Coronavirus Disrupting College, Should Every Student Pass?
(6 days later)
Carlos Polanco was living in a dormitory just two weeks ago, taking classes and thinking mostly about getting good grades and life after graduation. Now he is back in Clifton, N.J., home schooling his 12-year-old sister, doing household chores and worrying about the health of his relatives in the Dominican Republic.Carlos Polanco was living in a dormitory just two weeks ago, taking classes and thinking mostly about getting good grades and life after graduation. Now he is back in Clifton, N.J., home schooling his 12-year-old sister, doing household chores and worrying about the health of his relatives in the Dominican Republic.
“It would be amazing if I could just focus on my classes,” said Mr. Polanco, a junior at Dartmouth College, “but I have a lot of people depending on me.”“It would be amazing if I could just focus on my classes,” said Mr. Polanco, a junior at Dartmouth College, “but I have a lot of people depending on me.”
Students like Mr. Polanco, who have returned to a home life disrupted by the coronavirus, have been pushing their institutions to set aside grades during the outbreak, arguing that online classes are often a poor substitute and that the chaos caused by the virus falls hardest on those with the least resources.Students like Mr. Polanco, who have returned to a home life disrupted by the coronavirus, have been pushing their institutions to set aside grades during the outbreak, arguing that online classes are often a poor substitute and that the chaos caused by the virus falls hardest on those with the least resources.
Over the past few days, colleges across the country have begun to respond, with schools as varied as Ohio State, Columbia and Carnegie Mellon adopting a seemingly endless variety of pass/fail or credit/no credit systems, at a scale not seen since the protests against the Vietnam War disrupted classes in the late 1960s.Over the past few days, colleges across the country have begun to respond, with schools as varied as Ohio State, Columbia and Carnegie Mellon adopting a seemingly endless variety of pass/fail or credit/no credit systems, at a scale not seen since the protests against the Vietnam War disrupted classes in the late 1960s.
Some universities will still offer the option of letter grades, while others have dropped them altogether. But that’s not good enough for some students, who are seeking a “universal pass” — meaning that nobody would fail, regardless of performance and whether they can continue to take online classes, and that letter grades would be abolished.Some universities will still offer the option of letter grades, while others have dropped them altogether. But that’s not good enough for some students, who are seeking a “universal pass” — meaning that nobody would fail, regardless of performance and whether they can continue to take online classes, and that letter grades would be abolished.
The idea has acquired petition campaigns on scores of campuses and even an acronym among the cognoscenti: UP.The idea has acquired petition campaigns on scores of campuses and even an acronym among the cognoscenti: UP.
“The reality is, there are people who will not pass their classes, there are people who will not finish the semester, who will not graduate on time,” Mr. Polanco said. “The most vulnerable will be drastically harmed.”“The reality is, there are people who will not pass their classes, there are people who will not finish the semester, who will not graduate on time,” Mr. Polanco said. “The most vulnerable will be drastically harmed.”
But some institutions, and even students, have resisted proposals to give everyone equal marks, saying that the idea gives “gut courses” new meaning. It is possible to work hard, they say, even when your world has been turned upside down.But some institutions, and even students, have resisted proposals to give everyone equal marks, saying that the idea gives “gut courses” new meaning. It is possible to work hard, they say, even when your world has been turned upside down.
The debate is of particular concern to students trying to raise their grade-point averages in their final year or two of college to qualify for law, medical or business schools. Some fear it will hurt their chances if their college careers end with a “pass” instead of high marks.The debate is of particular concern to students trying to raise their grade-point averages in their final year or two of college to qualify for law, medical or business schools. Some fear it will hurt their chances if their college careers end with a “pass” instead of high marks.
That dynamic is playing out for Lydia Burleson, a junior majoring in English at Yale. Administrators there have instituted an optional pass/fail, allowing students to choose whether they want a letter grade. But undergraduates have started a “@NoFailYale” Facebook page, where many are calling for a universal pass policy.That dynamic is playing out for Lydia Burleson, a junior majoring in English at Yale. Administrators there have instituted an optional pass/fail, allowing students to choose whether they want a letter grade. But undergraduates have started a “@NoFailYale” Facebook page, where many are calling for a universal pass policy.
That would be problematic for Ms. Burleson, who said she struggled during her first year of college because her high school in rural Texas did not prepare her for the academic and social demands of an Ivy League school. But she has matured, she said, and this semester she is taking 5.5 credits, instead of the normal four or five, hoping it will be her breakthrough year.That would be problematic for Ms. Burleson, who said she struggled during her first year of college because her high school in rural Texas did not prepare her for the academic and social demands of an Ivy League school. But she has matured, she said, and this semester she is taking 5.5 credits, instead of the normal four or five, hoping it will be her breakthrough year.
She was working three jobs — as a dining hall manager, writing tutor and gym attendant — until the virus hit. She is still getting paid and living off-campus in New Haven, Conn. Despite the crisis atmosphere, she believes that she is still capable of getting good grades.She was working three jobs — as a dining hall manager, writing tutor and gym attendant — until the virus hit. She is still getting paid and living off-campus in New Haven, Conn. Despite the crisis atmosphere, she believes that she is still capable of getting good grades.
“I have not been working 70 hours a week to not feel confident,” Ms. Burleson said. “I want those grades. I’ve been working for those grades for the majority of the semester. So yeah, I will ask for grades if the option remains available to me, which is still up in the air.”“I have not been working 70 hours a week to not feel confident,” Ms. Burleson said. “I want those grades. I’ve been working for those grades for the majority of the semester. So yeah, I will ask for grades if the option remains available to me, which is still up in the air.”
Although some schools were quick to adopt a form of pass/fail, it has been an item of heated debate among faculty senates and student representatives on other campuses. At the University of California Los Angeles, the student government held a seven-hour virtual meeting on Tuesday night to debate the topic, eventually endorsing a pass/no record system, but with the option for individual students to “unmask” their letter grades.Although some schools were quick to adopt a form of pass/fail, it has been an item of heated debate among faculty senates and student representatives on other campuses. At the University of California Los Angeles, the student government held a seven-hour virtual meeting on Tuesday night to debate the topic, eventually endorsing a pass/no record system, but with the option for individual students to “unmask” their letter grades.
Robert Blake Watson, the student body president, participated in the debate from his home in Louisville, Ky., until it ended at 4 a.m. Mr. Watson, who plans to go to law school in the fall, said that as a matter of compassion, he had favored a mandatory pass/no record policy, so that choosing not to get a letter grade would not potentially stigmatize disadvantaged students.Robert Blake Watson, the student body president, participated in the debate from his home in Louisville, Ky., until it ended at 4 a.m. Mr. Watson, who plans to go to law school in the fall, said that as a matter of compassion, he had favored a mandatory pass/no record policy, so that choosing not to get a letter grade would not potentially stigmatize disadvantaged students.
“If you become ill with Covid-19, you’re being evicted from your apartment, you have lost wages,” he said. For those who want letter grades, “the problem is,” he said, “who are they getting that letter grading at the expense of?”“If you become ill with Covid-19, you’re being evicted from your apartment, you have lost wages,” he said. For those who want letter grades, “the problem is,” he said, “who are they getting that letter grading at the expense of?”
Still, many universities that have adopted a pass/fail system have tried to preserve the option for letter grades in some way.Still, many universities that have adopted a pass/fail system have tried to preserve the option for letter grades in some way.
At Berkeley, passed/not passed is now the default, but students are being given a choice of a regular grade. The University of Michigan has announced that undergraduates will receive either a pass or a notation of NRC, short for “No Record Covid,” on their transcripts. They will also be able to request a conversion to letter grades.At Berkeley, passed/not passed is now the default, but students are being given a choice of a regular grade. The University of Michigan has announced that undergraduates will receive either a pass or a notation of NRC, short for “No Record Covid,” on their transcripts. They will also be able to request a conversion to letter grades.
Ohio State’s university senate adopted a pass/no pass option for elective courses, and is allowing individual colleges to decide whether to extend it to courses required for majors, a move students have pushed for.Ohio State’s university senate adopted a pass/no pass option for elective courses, and is allowing individual colleges to decide whether to extend it to courses required for majors, a move students have pushed for.
“These courses tend to be more difficult and play a larger role in your career,” said Roaya Higazi, the university’s incoming student body president, who added that it has been difficult to get access to the software she needs to take classes from her home computer.“These courses tend to be more difficult and play a larger role in your career,” said Roaya Higazi, the university’s incoming student body president, who added that it has been difficult to get access to the software she needs to take classes from her home computer.
Mr. Polanco, the Dartmouth student arguing for a universal pass policy, said that at schools with semesters, rather than on a quarter system like his, students have already put in several weeks of work, so they wouldn’t pass based on nothing. But even if they were failing before the coronavirus shut down campuses, he said, it shouldn’t matter, and the focus on grades is beside the point. “In reality, we go to school to learn, not really to receive a grade.”Mr. Polanco, the Dartmouth student arguing for a universal pass policy, said that at schools with semesters, rather than on a quarter system like his, students have already put in several weeks of work, so they wouldn’t pass based on nothing. But even if they were failing before the coronavirus shut down campuses, he said, it shouldn’t matter, and the focus on grades is beside the point. “In reality, we go to school to learn, not really to receive a grade.”
Administrators at his school aren’t so cavalier. So far, they have rejected the idea of passing everyone, as well as another student proposal that everyone who passes a course would get an A or an A-minus, to preserve their standing for scholarship or graduate school applications that rely on grades.Administrators at his school aren’t so cavalier. So far, they have rejected the idea of passing everyone, as well as another student proposal that everyone who passes a course would get an A or an A-minus, to preserve their standing for scholarship or graduate school applications that rely on grades.
“Our faculty believe deeply that the A signifies outstanding work,” Joseph Helble, the provost, wrote to students, explaining why the school had decided on a credit/no credit model instead. Adopting other models, he said, “would undermine that commitment.”“Our faculty believe deeply that the A signifies outstanding work,” Joseph Helble, the provost, wrote to students, explaining why the school had decided on a credit/no credit model instead. Adopting other models, he said, “would undermine that commitment.”
The concern that professional schools might look askance at a “pass” grade from undergraduates might prove to be overblown. A Yale spokeswoman said the university’s professional schools would not hold pass/fail grades against applicants, whether the choice to forgo letter grades was theirs or the institution’s. And the medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, said it would accept pass/fail marks “without prejudice” for classes taken during the pandemic.The concern that professional schools might look askance at a “pass” grade from undergraduates might prove to be overblown. A Yale spokeswoman said the university’s professional schools would not hold pass/fail grades against applicants, whether the choice to forgo letter grades was theirs or the institution’s. And the medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, said it would accept pass/fail marks “without prejudice” for classes taken during the pandemic.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling perspective,” said Dr. David Wofsy, the medical school’s associate dean for admissions, in an email.“It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling perspective,” said Dr. David Wofsy, the medical school’s associate dean for admissions, in an email.
Veteran college professors say the last time they can recall such turmoil on campus was during the Vietnam War, particularly after the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, when the National Guard fired on students during a protest against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, killing four and wounding nine. Amid widespread strikes, classes were suspended across the country, and some universities allowed students to switch to pass/fail marks.Veteran college professors say the last time they can recall such turmoil on campus was during the Vietnam War, particularly after the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, when the National Guard fired on students during a protest against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, killing four and wounding nine. Amid widespread strikes, classes were suspended across the country, and some universities allowed students to switch to pass/fail marks.
“I don’t think anything like this has happened since then, so 50 years ago, half a century,” said Rick Danheiser, a chemistry professor and the chair of the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which was one of the first schools to adapt its grading system to the pandemic.“I don’t think anything like this has happened since then, so 50 years ago, half a century,” said Rick Danheiser, a chemistry professor and the chair of the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which was one of the first schools to adapt its grading system to the pandemic.
The M.I.T. iteration is pass/no record, meaning that if a student fails a course, it is wiped from the record, with a note placed in transcripts indicating that the semester was subject to a significant disruption, as context to medical, law, business and other schools.The M.I.T. iteration is pass/no record, meaning that if a student fails a course, it is wiped from the record, with a note placed in transcripts indicating that the semester was subject to a significant disruption, as context to medical, law, business and other schools.
“The reality is that the performance of students this semester is not only going to reflect the mastery of a subject,” Prof. Danheiser said, “but also could be impacted by differences between students due to their different health situations, the health of their loved ones, different access to technology, different home situations.”“The reality is that the performance of students this semester is not only going to reflect the mastery of a subject,” Prof. Danheiser said, “but also could be impacted by differences between students due to their different health situations, the health of their loved ones, different access to technology, different home situations.”
“We felt it would be unfair and not equitable,” he said, “to try to proceed under the conditions of this global crisis with business as usual.”“We felt it would be unfair and not equitable,” he said, “to try to proceed under the conditions of this global crisis with business as usual.”
Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting. Kitty Bennett contributed research.Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting. Kitty Bennett contributed research.