i want to make my position clear on this.

if you're a classical civilization major, then going to school is an experience. you're there to meet people, to have discussions, to take part in debates, etc. your letter grade is ultimately somebody's opinion on your arguments and writing style, and doing away with it isn't such a big deal.

but, if you're an engineering student then you need to be evaluated on what you actually learned, which means you need to be tested. a pass/fail system for engineers or doctors or (...) would be reflective of total societal collapse, and this virus really isn't bad enough to be talking like this. so, these people have to be evaluated somewhere at some point, they can't just be passed and moved along. the students will mostly agree with me on this point - they don't want bullshit on their transcripts.

the policy should be centered on what stem students need, not what is convenient for arts majors.