COVID-19 Update Regarding Course Grading and University Commencement

Dear GS Students,

The last few weeks have brought unimaginable changes to New York and our GS community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I write knowing that some students remain in New York City, while others have traveled across the United States and the world. You are all in my thoughts every moment and I cannot wait for the time when we will safely reunite on the Morningside campus.

By now, you will have seen President Bollinger’s email outlining certain changes to our academic program this semester, including the decision to move to a Pass/Fail grading system for the term and the heartbreaking news about the cancellation of commencement in May. I write to you to give you some additional details about these changes.  

First, President Bollinger announced that he would be extending Spring Break this semester so that classes will be cancelled next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The purpose of this extended break is to accommodate students who have been in transit and to give everyone more time to prepare before coursework resumes. Exams and assignment due dates will be delayed until classes resume next Thursday.  

Second, I want to address the Columbia University-wide change this semester to a “Pass/Fail” grading policy. As you all know well, many in our community are facing tremendous challenges at the present time, challenges that will limit their ability to engage fully with their academic responsibilities. We have heard from students that are struggling with a range of issues: time zone differences, lack of access to course materials, family and work responsibilities, and the many, many other disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. We also know that there will be more challenges in the coming weeks. It is the university consensus that shifting to a Pass/Fail system in these circumstances will help to reduce student stress, accommodate changing individual circumstances, and allow for the greatest possible equity. It will cushion the transition to online learning and give students working in difficult conditions the best chance to complete the semester successfully.  

I fully understand and regret that this decision is causing stress for some students and appreciate the hard work that has gone into your studies this semester. Some of you have written to me to share concerns that your grades earned thus far and the hard work and grit that you have put into your courses this semester might not be recognized with letter grades. Some have shared concerns that this may impact your financial aid, ability to compete for medical school, graduate school, or other post-graduate opportunities, and your ability to compete for academic prizes and honors. Please be assured that your financial aid will not be negatively impacted by this new grading policy (assuming you receive grades of P). Please also know that our faculty is committed to offering you the support you need to document the excellence of your performance here; that academic honors, awards and prizes will still be distributed this term; and that every student’s transcript will carry the message that the Pass/Fail grading system was a university-wide decision necessitated by extreme circumstances. You should also know that Columbia is among several of our peer institutions that have implemented this policy and graduate schools and future employers will be fully aware of this unprecedented time in our world’s history. Contrary to our usual policies, grades of Pass will count for all classes, including classes taken for the Core, for majors, and for concentrations. In addition, faculty have been asked to extend the greater latitude to students and to show unusual flexibility in accommodating individual circumstances. In short, this is a time when we must care for ourselves and for each other to the best of our abilities—and I know we will. 

President Bollinger’s third point announced the cancellation of the May Commencement. While a necessary decision given current circumstances, I know this is a heartbreaking announcement for our incredible and amazing students who are on course to graduate in May—our beloved Class of 2020. I started my deanship with many of you, and it has been my privilege to get to know you, to watch you grow and thrive as students, and to be part of your GS story as your Dean. I promise we are exploring ways to celebrate your graduation and will be in touch in the weeks to come.  

I realize that our world is changing by the day and even the minute. Our GS staff has transitioned to remote operations, but during the break and beyond we are very much here for you, and we hope you will be in touch often to let us know how you are doing. In the coming days we will have more news to share about how we will celebrate end-of-semester accomplishments, even at a distance.

At GS, our community has always been our greatest strength. Now more than ever, I am proud to be your Dean, and I ask you to join me in extending your support to each other as we move forward together.

Be well, and take care,

Professor Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean