Currently writing my letter which would allow me (if endorsed) to give a PASS grade to my students. In the department meeting that we had yesterday (which made me cry while in the meeting, tbh), was my chance to lay my reasons as to why giving a PASS grade...

is the most equitable and right thing to do. Weighing all the circumstances of students, faculty, and admin, my decision was to apply for an exemption for a numerical grade and stick with my stance which is to give a PASS grade.

I am the faculty inside the classroom and I know my students well (academic and non-academic performance (behavior in class, laboratory performance, etc.) and I think that I can fully assess my students very well and I am confident that they deserve a PASS grade.

Again, I'd rather err on the side of compassion and equity for all. Also, academic excellence is not only seen inside the walls of the classroom but it has to manifest (both thoery and practice) outside of it.

P.S. (YES UMIYAK TALAGA AKO KAGABI. SOME FACULTY MEMBERS IN THE MEETING WERE WELL AWARE THAT I WAS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK YESTERDAY WHILE IN THE MEETING THAT IS WHY MY MIC AND CAMERA WAS SWITCHED OFF)

It was really that intense but what I really appreciate about it was that everyone was able to air their sentiments regarding this. Although some would not agree on the merits of giving a PASS grade, I would still stand to my decision and course this through the end.

Hopefully, my request gets endorsed which would give me the opportunity to give a PASS mark to my students. It's unfair to give them a numerical grade for this semester because how would I justify my students if I give them a 3.0 or 2.75 if at the end of the course

they could have raised it to maybe a 1.50 or 1.25. WE HAVE LATE BLOOMERS IN CLASSES. And as a student before, I was able to raise my 1.75 standing to an effin 1.0. This was in a regular semester and with face-to-face guidance from my professor.

There was a query about the PASS grade being unacceptable for application in graduate school or med school. My answer to this is that, I think that SCHOOLS AROUND THE GLOBE ARE HEAVILY AWARE OF THE IMPACT OF THIS PANDEMIC TO OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM...

And that when they see a PASS grade in your transcripts, they would get the idea that this grade was incurred at the time of the pandemic and careful consideration shall be given to these applicants. It's that simple.

Another question was: "What is the basis of giving a PASS grade if you can give a numerical grade instead?" (In short, anong basis mo na ipapasa mo sila? Nagcompute ka ba? If yes, then bakit pass pa? Bakit di numerical?)...

1. The performance of the students before the ECQ is not reflective of their performance of the whole sem. If I give them 2.5, would it justify the lack of skills thereof especially for courses with a lab/field component?

2. If I give them grades based on requirements that they have fulfilled, would it be just and fair for everyone knowing that there are remaining days to improve their scholastic standing?

"So will you be able to give them a Numerical grade if they request?". ANSWER IS YES. Based on pre-existing requirements, I can give them a grade. BUT. BUT. BUT. The pass grade is the just thing to do.

AND MAYBE THIS ONE TRIGGERED ME SO MUCH WHICH MADE ME CRY:

"Let us not baby our students. They can do this. This is part of academic rigor."

IMAGINE HOW SAD I AM TO HEAR THIS.

This is not a question or a move to show that we are spoon-feeding our students. This is to acknowledge that we are in the middle of a crisis and that this is not conducive for everyone in terms of learning.

I AGREE THAT AS A UP STUDENT, ACADEMIC RIGOR IS PART OF IT and that can be one reason as to why we keep on producing the best and the brightest graduates who become leaders in different fields...

but...

WE CANNOT ASSERT THIS IN THE MIDDLE OF PANDEMIC!