For your consideration:

In the midst of the global pandemic due to COVID-19, some student government leaders across prestigious universities are pushing for a national movement titled “#NoFailCollegeName” (i.e. #NoFailHamptonU).

In the potential case that students do not return to Hampton University’s main campus to finish the semester;

• We are advocating for grading this semester to be shifted to an Optional Pass/Fail system. Students are currently operating in extraordinary circumstances and this should be reflected on students’ transcripts. Under an Optional Pass/Fail system, students would receive credit for their courses and a “P” on their transcript if they do so choose to opt-in.

• Under this system we can ensure that work done this semester will be counted for all majors and for grad schools. It is important to note that all companies and graduate schools are facing this crisis and because so, a note can be added to each persons’ transcript describing how our time at Hampton was cut short by a global pandemic.

• We are aware that under this system some students may still not be able to pass their classes; however, in an international crisis every student’s top priority should be their safety and health. Therefore, with an Optional Pass/Fail system, no student will be penalized for factors out of their control (Resource limitations, broadband access, external stressors, etc). Every Hampton University student will pass their courses and receive credit towards major, distributional requirements, and graduation.

• Just as we relied on students to be selfless and have integrity to self-report if they traveled internationally during Spring break, we can use the same honor system to trust that Hampton University students are passionate about completing their coursework. An Optional Pass/Fail system would encourage Hamptonians to work hard without fear of being academically punished because of uncontrollable factors.

• In regard to the merit-based scholarships that the university awards to some first-time freshmen, We are recommending that for the semester of Spring 2020 the university lifts the requirement of maintaining a cumulative 3.33 GPA letting all scholarship recipients keep their scholarship going into the upcoming semester.
  
• We also are recommending that the 2020 Commencement be postponed to a later date and not cancelled.

Please sign and share,

Jonothan Mack - President

Bruce J. Wilson - Vice President

Kenneth Rioland, III -Student Representatives to the Board of Trustees