AAC Statement/Recommendation to Faculty

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

At its last meeting, AAC met via Zoom with student representative Miracle Adebanjo, who communicated that the transition to online teaching has prompted a deep and widespread sense of anxiety among the student body. In most cases students did not sign up for online classes, and most faculty have little experience teaching them. Many students are attempting to finish their semesters in challenging home environments, and some will unfortunately have to cope with dire financial or health crises. Given these unprecedented circumstances, the Academic Affairs Committee strongly urges all faculty to consider student work for the remainder of this semester with the maximum amount of flexibility, generosity, and–most of all–compassion. Some examples might include:
-accepting late work with little or no penalty
-relaxing attendance and participation policies
-grading on a curve

Academic Affairs Committee