University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 57-20
Proposal: Retaking Courses in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
(Voting Units: Academic)
Submitted by: Amy Howard and Undergraduate Student Government
Proposal: Provide undergraduate students the opportunity to retake any class regardless of the grade that was received during the Spring 2020 Semester. And, that any class taken during the Spring 2020 Semester would not count towards the limit of retaking a class a maximum of three times as stated in the University’s policy.
Justification: Current policy prohibits students from retaking a class when they have earned a C or better. In addition, students are permitted to only take a class 3 times. The COVID19 pandemic is an exceptional period in time for not only the country but also for the world. In this exceptional period of time, exceptions should be made, to accommodate the possible negative effects to an individual's academic career.
Further justification is provided in the attached USG Resolution.
Undergraduate Student Government Resolution:
A Resolution on Retaking Courses that happened During the COVID-19 National Emergency
in Spring 2020 Semester
Introduced on April #, 2020
Revised on April #, 2020
Adopted on April #, 2020
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-2020, #005
INTRODUCED BY: John Nowosad
| WHEREAS, | As of March 16, 2020, all face-to-face instruction at Michigan Technological University, including peer mentoring at learning centers, is suspended through the end of the Spring 2020 Semester. |
| WHEREAS, | Many students and instructors at Michigan Technological University have limited to no experience with online learning. |
| WHEREAS, | As of March 16, 2020, the Van Pelt and Opie Library is closed through March 30, 2020 pursuant to an executive order by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. |
| WHEREAS, | The Van Pelt and Opie Library supports academic activities at Michigan Technological University by giving all students access to internet connectivity, computers, and educational software. |
| WHEREAS, | As of March 24, 2020, all non-essential travel and gatherings are prohibited pursuant to an executive order by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. |
| WHEREAS, | The suspension of face-to-face instruction is unprecedented in the history of Michigan Technological University. |
| WHEREAS, | The COVID-19 National Emergency and problems surrounding it present significant and omnipresent threats to the general physical and mental well-being of all students. |
| WHEREAS, | It is the belief of the Undergraduate Student Government that these circumstances make it unusually difficult, in this difficult time, for undergraduate students to perform at their best academically in the Spring 2020 Semester and could have negative effects on the GPAs of all students; now, therefore, be it |
RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government of Michigan Technological University urges that, all students are given the opportunity to retake any class regardless of the grade that was received during the Spring 2020 Semester, and that any class taken during the Spring 2020 Semester does not count towards the limit of retaking a class a maximum of three times stated in the University’s policy;
RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government of Michigan Technological University presents this resolution at the first University Senate meeting after its adoption;
RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government of Michigan Technological University sends a copy of this resolution to Michigan Technological University President Rick Koubek, University Senate President Michael Mullins, Provost Jacqueline Huntoon, Center for Teaching and Learning Director Michael Meyer, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs Bonnie Gorman, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees Sarah Schulte, and other individuals subject to the approval of the Executive Board of the Undergraduate Student Government;
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution appears in the official minutes of the first Undergraduate Student Government General Body Meeting after its adoption, and will be circulated to the student body by all available means including social media.
April 15, 2020