"Many institutions have already implemented a pass/fail policy for MBA students (Stanford, Berkeley, UC Michigan, Harvard). There is a curve to learning online, not only for students, but also faculty. Considering the extraordinary circumstances that all members of our community are currently being faced with in regards to COVID-19, it is important for USD to remain mindful and consider the stressors and potential challenges that individuals encounter due to this escalating public health crisis. It would be in the best interest of students and faculty for USD to adapt and adopt similar measures put in place by other top-tier institutions."
"I believe that the pass/fail system would be ideal in this situation, as remote learning is not conducive to high-quality education. Many students experience great difficulty learning online - we also did not sign up for online learning. That being said, I do recognize how USD is also trying to make the best out of an unfortunate situation, and I am still very grateful that we can continue on with our degree despite the circumstances."
"My employer is in support of whichever Avenue is chosen to continue to provide funding for my studies."
"I support the implementation of the pass/fail policy for a variety of reasons during this difficult time. It would make it easier during the pandemic struggle."
"I believe that pass fail would make everyone's life more simple."
"In support of giving the option to take a letter grade or pass/fail."
"I fully support the idea of partial tuition reimbursement, I had many options for my MBA program and I applied to a full time in person program because I knew it was what best fit my learning needs. I do not like online courses, I don't feel the experience is as rich. Additionally, it presents me with some added challenges, I cannot fully concentrate in a virtual classroom because I have three children at home. I am a single mother and therefore do not have extra help from another adult. I understand this was an unfortunate and unexpected situation and we are making the best we can from it. I support the pass/fail grading system for this semester because I am concerned with the added challenges I am faced with. Because schools are closed I have all of my daughters at home during my classes. My professors have been great and understanding about my child being with me and getting in the video when I log on to class but even though they don't mind, the distractions I face on my end do not allow me to capture everything from the lecture. Additionally, since my older kids are having to do homework online to keep up with their studies, we have one laptop to share between us which adds another challenge."
"Everyone in administration seems to be shooting from the hip but still standing "on high" like they know what they are doing. It’s disappointing."
"I am not an advocate whatsoever of online learning. I am an extremely visceral learner and must be present physically to focus and extract everything from the process. I am extremely dismayed in the necessity to switch to remote learning, and while I know it’s not the Universities fault, I also believe I am not getting what I essentially paid for and would like to be made whole with a gesture of good faith from the school, whatever that may be."
"I think MBA students deserve a partial refund because personally, when I look back at previous semesters I felt I was receiving a great return on my investment. Whereas now, last-semester classes are based more on dialogue and discussion, and that aspect has been greatly impacted. Professors are doing a great job in adapting; however, our learning environment has been impacted significantly."
"I like the thought of an optional p/np policy. If it was a blanket p/np policy I might have different thoughts."
"It would be disappointing to take my capstone agile strategies class remote. I might be willing to wait until school can resume to take, although I’d like to graduate and receive a conditional diploma."
"Be fair to all students."
"Some change must be made because circumstances have definitely changed for everyone."