Chancellor Carol Christ hosted a Reddit AMA on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. (UC Berkeley photo by Yvonne Edwards)

UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ took concerns on sets from pass/no pass grade needs, tuition refunds and springtime break, to her response to this year’s dual Nobel award win whenever she sat straight straight down on Tuesday for an Ask Me any such thing on Reddit .

below are a few AMA features (Some concerns had been reduced for size and quality):

Concern from bustedlame : Are there any conversations or ideas of changing the optional P/NP technique to one thing more restricted like permitting (one) major requirement to be P/NP, or something like that comparable? This indicates in my opinion that the complete P/NP strategy is extremely modifiable in a fashion that will give pupils that are highly relying on remote learning the breathing space that is necessary , you guys considering any limited or modified version of the P/NP policy for the semester… I n short, are?

Chancellor Christ : many thanks for the concern. I am aware this will be a tremendously hot subject for our pupils, therefore I’m maybe maybe not amazed that this is actually the best subject of the AMA.

To begin with, we observe that pupils are dealing with unprecedented challenges in this extraordinary some time wish to accomplish such a thing we could to assist relieve the responsibility. Having said that, P/NP needs aren’t an issue that is straightforward nor one thing I’m able to manage by fiat.

The University of Ca includes a long-standing tradition of provided governance that numerous would argue has added to its extraordinary success. As a result, the authority which will make modifications to P/NP needs are delegated through the entire college plus the campus. Some areas of the P/NP policy are set because of the systemwide academic senate. Other people are inside the range associated with the Berkeley unit for the Academic Senate. Other people are set by the faculty associated with schools and universities.

You can find four basic aspects to our P/NP policy — the limitation from the quantity of total devices that may be taken P/NP, the limitation that major needs can’t be taken P/NP, the limitation that prerequisites for majors can’t be taken P/NP, while the due date through which a training course may be switched from graded status to P/NP. 1st of the components of the insurance policy is underneath the control over the systemwide Senate. One other three remainder in the authority regarding the schools and universities. L&S has made the due date for switching to P/NP much later — moved it till December; we’re motivating other universities to take into account such an alteration.

Take into account that you’ve got a wide array of means to cut back your scholastic anxiety. You are able to currently occupy to 33per cent of the graduation demands P/NP (and last semester’s courses don’t count from this total). Most UC Berkeley pupils are using more devices you may want to consider reducing your course load than they need to. As well as your college and department advisors are there any to assist you: they will have considerable latitude to give exemptions to P/NP restrictions — for major needs, as an example.

I am aware it is a really time that is stressful We encourage you to definitely utilize the latitude you have got in going classes to P/NP or asking your consultant for the exclusion.

Concern from bee5sea6 : what is happening with springtime break 2021? Into the study, it had been recommended which you had been considering getting rid from it very nearly totally. Whenever can we expect any updates on that choice, and exactly how really is the fact that choice really being taken?

Chancellor Christ we realize that the pandemic is hugely troublesome to pupils and their loved ones, and then we would you like to accommodate students as well we are able to. Berkeley has refunded housing and dining charges if you left college housing this previous springtime. Our company is trying to help all pupils, no matter where they elect to live, including through school funding and pupil solutions to meet up both in-person and learning that is remote residing requires. Crisis financing and expense of attendance changes (through our educational funding and Scholarships workplace) can be obtained to help specific pupils dealing with hardship that is financial. Of course a students’ families’ financial circumstances have substantially changed within the last couple of few months, they ought to contact our aid that is financial office we shall cause them to become getting all help which is why these are typically qualified.

Because each individual’s situation is unique, we encourage pupils who’re dealing with significant challenges to speak with their consultant for more information on resources and choices offered to them.

Concern from sprucegoose11 : Chancellor Christ: I’d want to hear some plans that are concrete rehabilitating the admissions procedure to make certain that under-qualified pupils can’t just purchase their method into this college. What exactly are some concrete actions being being taken?

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Chancellor Christ : Our admissions procedure is dependant on a holistic writeup on every applicant, looking not merely at test grades and ratings, but additionally at students’ achievements into the context of these possibilities, challenges, and status that is socioeconomic. Our present admissions procedure is sound and reflects lots of significant improvements built in the last few years. Within the last admissions period, we admitted a more class that is ethnically diverse admitted more lower-income pupils. Admitting an exemplary class that is additionally diverse, showing a cross-section of California’s communities, is a vital facet of our objective being a college.

After responding to concerns for 90 moments, Christ left the AMA. Find out more and join the discussion on Reddit .