A group of Georgia lawmakers and student leaders from some of the state’s largest public colleges and universities urged the state’s Board of Regents Wednesday afternoon to allow a pass/fail option for students this semester.

The students say the option is necessary for a variety of reasons, such as classmates who’ve had difficulty doing coursework remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. They said many students had trouble completing work because of poor or no wireless internet signals at their homes. The University System of Georgia went to virtual learning after closing its campuses to students in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The University System of Georgia, though, has said it is maintaining a letter grading system.

The students and lawmakers said during an online meeting Wednesday the pass/fail option could be done retroactively since the semester just ended for many schools. Some students are worried about losing scholarships based on maintaining a specific grade-point average that is based on letter grades.

“It is never too late to do the right thing,” state Rep. David Wilkerson, D-Powder Springs, who led the online conversation.

Many colleges and universities across the nation have approved a pass/fail option for this semester. Student government leaders across Georgia, including those leading Democratic and Republican groups, have endorsed the pass/fail option in recent weeks. The students said they have not received a response from Regents members.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kiley King, an 11th grader who attended Parklane Elementary School in East Point reacts to the Fulton County Board of Education’s vote to close the elementary school on Thursday, Feb 20, 2025. Parents, teachers, students and community members filled the public comment time asking to keep Parklane and Spalding Drive elementary schools open. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Featured

Lee Reid, executive director of the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, speaks during a board meeting in December. The board is looking to revamp its review process in response to concerns of inaction. (Christina Matacotta / For the AJC)