UFV’s transition to online classes has been far from smooth. There is considerable confusion around how UFV is handling the barriers many students are experiencing with online classes and COVID-19, and the university has yet to publicly provide satisfactory answers.
These are unprecedented times though, and it would be unfair to criticize a relatively small university like UFV for being underprepared to shift their entire curriculum to an online format in two months. (Yes, the World Health Organization only declared a global health emergency two short months ago, on Jan. 30.)
However, as the full effects of the pandemic on B.C. citizens and businesses have been realized, UFV has been slow to adapt, and is failing to carefully and holistically consider the impacts of COVID-19 on students’ grades and provide sufficient resources for students and faculty to successfully complete the semester.
UFV should consider adopting a grading system similar to what UBC and many other universities across Canada have implemented: an optional pass-fail grade.
For most universities, the pass-fail grading system is optional for students and will, at this time, only be used for the Winter 2020 semester. It’s not ideal — there can be academic consequences down the line for students, as a pass does not allow future employers or schools to judge if the student was successful at the course. But are there any ideal solutions right now?
Despite the prevalence of technology in people’s lives, it is unreasonable to assume every student, and professor, at UFV has access to the internet or even a device at home to use for online classes. Moving classes online has created a barrier for students who do not have access to an electronic device or the internet.
There appears to be limited solutions for students without internet or computers. Libraries and cafes students may previously have depended on for the internet or computers are closed. UFV has set up Wi-Fi hotspots in the parking lot of the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses and has kept several computer labs open for student use. However, this requires transport to the campuses, and the shuttle bus many students used is offline until further notice.
This also requires students to be well enough and safe enough to attend the campus in person, not to mention be in the same country. Anyone who is self-isolating or in quarantine, has family members who are at-risk, or has gone home due to the pandemic can’t use this option.
Many students have also taken on the role of caring for at-risk or ill family members, shopping for those that can’t or currently shouldn’t shop for themselves, or caring for children who no longer attend school or daycare. Others working in essential services such as health care or the service industry have taken on additional shifts, either willingly or not, to deliver necessary services to British Columbians.
During the most critical time in the semester for projects and examinations, many students are stepping up and taking on additional responsibilities during this pandemic.
Right now, UFV is offering an extended withdrawal date: students can withdraw from classes up until May 8 with a W on their transcript. Students who worked hard in their classes but now face barriers to complete them will need to pay to retake them.
If UFV is considering these barriers they have failed to say so, and their actions do not reflect adequate movement toward eliminating these barriers to ensure students are able to successfully complete their semester.
A pass-fail grade option can help the grades of students reflect that, despite the barriers currently in place due to the ongoing pandemic, they were previously on track to successfully complete their course. It’s a step forward UFV badly needs to take in addressing the educational barriers online classes and the pandemic in general have created in education so that students are not punished for circumstances far out of their control.
