UPEI, Holland College being flexible with grading to help students through COVID-19

Holland College and UPEIsay they are taking a compassionate approach to students academic needs as education moves out of the classroom and onto the internet to adjust to COVID-19.

Holland College transcripts will no longer show a numerical grade but will only show whether the student passed or failed a course. Records will also no longer show if a student dropped a course.

Sandy MacDonald, Holland College's president, says he doesn't want students penalized as a result of the changes and stress that's surfaced because of COVID-19.

"Let's say they're taking an exam online, and they feel they're not really comfortable with this approach, we'll give them another assessment approach," MacDonald said. "We may give them a credit earned, versus a mark.

"The transcripts from this year will not look like transcripts from other years."

UPEIsays it will be dealing with gradeson a case-by-case basis.

Kathy Gottschall-Pass, the university's interim vice-president of academic research, said some students are concerneda pass-fail system could hurt their chances when applying for further education like law or medical schools.

If a student felt really disadvantaged then we would encourage them to reach out. Kathy Gottschall-Pass, UPEI's interim vice-president

"We have a lot of students who are still requesting grades," she said.

So instead of creating a blanket pass-or-fail system, the university is askingstudents who are concerned about their grades to turn to their instructors to come up with a plan.

"If a student felt really disadvantaged then we would encourage them to reach out and there are many things we can do to help support them if that's the case,"Gottschall-Pass said.

In addition to grading concerns, MacDonaldsaid Holland College is alsoworking onhow face-to-face job placements, practicums and clinical learning might be tackled while following provincial health measures.

MacDonald said the hopeis to have a plan before the semester ends. But, if not, he said the college will continue to explore options.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built aself-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
• Practisephysical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.

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