Hello Knights,

My name is Falit Sehgal. I’m a freshman and the current vice-president of the student council here at Vermont Tech. I’m writing today to address the policy change recently forced upon us by our Academic Dean, Anna Gaillat. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the previous two semesters students have had the option for courses to be graded on a pass/no-pass scale. The Academic Dean has revoked this option for the Spring Semester of 2021. This is problematic for many students since online learning is immensely difficult and circumstances have not changed.

From firsthand experience in my first year, I can already say coming to college on its own can be difficult. Primarily, this is due to the major difference in educational structure between college and high school. Combined with having to adapt to new environments and new people, this makes beginning a college career a very daunting task.

This process is stressful under regular circumstances, but we’re doing it whilst enduring an unprecedented devastating pandemic. Trying to meet people in a new environment is challenging under normal circumstances. Being able to find and talk to people while doing online classes is next to impossible since there is no chance to be able to talk with anyone. The expectations for students have not changed. We are still expected to wake up every morning, to attend class. To do our homework and take our tests. To get good exam grades and be consistent, outstanding students.

The environment that we are in have changed, though. It’s now directly impeding our learning. In these circumstances, the pass/no-pass option is crucial for many students. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the college continues offering courses with this remote-learning model, they must continue to offer pass/no-pass option to all students. The college has a responsibility to its students to offer them a quality education. While they fail to deliver this option, they fail this responsibility.

I need you to help spread the word. Tell your club members, your friends, and every student you know here at VTC about this issue. If enough students sign, the administration will listen and respond by changing this unjust policy.

Thank you on behalf of all your fellow students