Eastern Michigan University’s Student Government met for the current members' last meeting of the 2020-2021 school year, on Tuesday, March 9, to vote on referendums.

Previously, a resolution that would have been named Resolution 107-05 was denied. Instead, Speaker Auryon Azar authored a new resolution that will hold the name of Resolution 107-05. It is intended to extend the pass/fail option for non-major classes.

“Resolution 107-05 is essentially Student Government calling upon the University to extend this semester's Pass/Fail option, to the last day of regular classes in the semester, and is designed to make Provost Longworth and the Faculty Senate aware of the opinion and preferences of the Student Body," said Speaker Azar.

Resolution 107-05 was motioned to amend, revise, and then by unanimous consent was voted yes to be put in place.

“Every student who has had unexpected life struggles this year knows how unforgiving COVID has made our academic environment. The support and understanding that most of our professors have extended us are always greatly appreciated, but the uncertainty of our situation means our academic prospects could collapse in an instant anyway," Azar said.

Resolution 107-05 will now strongly suggest that EMU considers extending the pass/fail deadline for each semester.

Next, two referendums were proposed. One, proposed by Senator Karin Hartmaier, was suggested holding more offerings of asynchronous and synchronous classes for pre-requisite classes. The goal is to aid students who wish to continue socially distancing themselves, as the pandemic continues and even after the pandemic. And, to accommodate those who cannot financially commute or move to EMU to complete their studies.

Student Government voted to withdraw the referendum, due to scheduling concerns the University may run into if this were to go into effect. 

Lastly, a second referendum was proposed by an unnamed student, who is not a part of Student Government. 

This referendum proposed allowing students to be able to choose the pass/fail option after the semester has ended. After students had seen their final grades, they would choose if this was going to affect their grade positively or negatively and then be able to apply for the pass/fail option. Senators voted no for the referendum by 12 votes for no and 0 votes for yes.

This month, Student Government is holding its election. Student Government Election Days for the 2021-2022 school year will be held on March 24 and 25, for all students, who can vote on their "my.emich” accounts.

For more information, the EMU Student Government’s website.

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