Pass for soldiers

An Israeli higher-education college will offer students called up for the war in Lebanon a pass grade to compensate them for the classes they have missed.

The Technion Institute of Technology in Haifa has decided to give students the option of a pass instead of a numerical grade as a form of psychological support to those who have experienced the traumas of war.

But Aviv Rosen, senior vice-president of the institute, said he was not entirely happy with the agreement. "It is not a good option, but it helps to make them (the students) feel better."

He said he thought many students would not choose the option, pointing out that a pass grade would not be helpful to those opting for graduate school.