Georgia college students push state to allow pass/fail grade option
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
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
