The remains of low-income students increase to fulfill their studies, that is why they ask to be evaluated with a universal degree system.

Katherine Almendarez, who is a sophomore at Claremont McKeena College (CMC) in the city of Claremont, sees her future in trouble after the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The young woman is the oldest of four siblings and the first to go to college. For her and her family this is an extraordinary achievement since the young woman was accepted into the private school with a Questbridge scholarship which pays for all her university expenses.

However, just over a month ago, the pandemic left their parents unemployed, and because they both do not have regular documents to work in this country, they do not receive any type of government financial aid.

"Basically, we are depending on the income that CMC returns to me with the reimbursement of tuition and / or the hours of study that I work continuously," said Almendarez.

Now the 21-year-old is responsible for her home not only financially, but also academically as she takes care of helping her brothers with their homework because their parents don't speak English. Added to this you should make sure to follow your own studies which are increasingly difficult to do at home.

The internet connection at home is slow and it is difficult for everyone to be doing their homework at the same time, which has repeatedly caused Almendarez to miss his classes so that his brothers do not miss theirs.

The young student ensures her ability to learn is challenged by the obstacles she faces at home, but not her willingness to learn. However, their grades begin to compromise.

For this reason, Almendarez and other concerned students facing the same situation joined a student movement to ask CMC to support a universal grade system.

In social networks, students are mobilizing with the hashtag #NobodyFailsatCMC

Mobilizing students

Claremont McKeena College is a private school where 68% of its students come from the richest 20% in the nation, and therefore the resources available to students in their homes differ greatly.

The student coalition requires the Claremont McKenna faculty and administration to review its decision, made on April 17, to continue with the current grading scale.

Marycarmen Montañez, another CMC student, said they are supporting the universal grading system because the option to pass / fail with letter grades is an inequitable policy that leaves vulnerable students behind.

However, this affects them as they assure that this type of degree will remain on their record forever regardless of whether the cause was out of their hands.

Almendarez said this situation concerned many students, especially those of color and minority backgrounds, who do not have the same opportunities as affluent students to excel during the pandemic.

"We have many students who are a minority on campus and struggle to manage their classes," said Almendarez. "And these are people who come from low-income backgrounds or international students, or those with mixed-status families, who have parents who they are essential workers or students who have many siblings to care for. ”

Marycarmen Montañez advocates a universal degree system. (Courtesy of Montañez)

Montañez said that CMC is proud to say that it is a school where everyone reaches out.

"But if that were true, as it is in the university's mission, then we should now be targeting this universal policy that addresses the most disadvantaged students on campus," said Montañez. "Especially in a school in an institution like CMC, where the majority of the students come from the richest tax group in the country."

Montañez said minorities on campus are aware that there has always been a disparity however the gap is widening now that students are off campus.

"I couldn't imagine progressing professionally without my classmates and especially without those students who have more difficulties," said Montañez.

No change

In response to student concerns, CMC said they did consider their most vulnerable students who did not uniformly support a Universal Pass policy.

"Many advocated receiving their letter grades for a variety of reasons," said Gilien Silsby, director of public relations, at CMC. "Our current adopted policy provides a means for students to receive a passing grade if they choose to do so at their own discretion of what is best for them."

This allows students to choose between a letter grade or CR / NC, (credit / non-credit) whatever is in their own interest.

Silsby said preventing anyone from receiving a grade "is not fully supported by our students."

Claremont McKenna College students will have until May 26 to request credit / no credit grades, after final letter grades are released on May 22. Any student, in any course, can request a CR / NC rating.

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