No pass-fail grading!

The College of Charleston will not implement an optional pass-fail grading policy this semester, despite pleas from some students who say the change would alleviate anxiety and stress caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Nearly 4,500 people have signed an online petition calling on the university to allow students the option to implement a pass-fail option for their fall 2020 courses instead of a traditional letter grade, according to post and courier report.

Doing so, they said, would allow students to successfully complete their current coursework without fear and stress of it potentially negatively impacting their grade point average.

On Thursday, college officials confirmed the school will not update its grading policy this semester.

Instead, it extended the deadline for students to withdraw from a course, they’re failing and will allow students to choose one course during the spring 2021 semester that can be graded using the pass-fail system.

“We recognize this decision will not be universally popular, but we also believe it is the right decision,” college Provost/Executive VP of Academic Affairs Suzanne Austin and Simon Lewis, speaker of the Faculty Senate, wrote in a joint email to students.

“Since classes began this past August, faculty have been encouraged to be flexible with their assignments, attendance policies and grading and that flexibility has resulted in some very positive outcomes during a difficult time,” they said.