To investigate college students' agency during the COVID-19 pandemic, a sample of translation students and instructors was surveyed. It was found that 55% of the participants were dissatisfied with distance learning (DL), online communication and had difficulty understanding online lectures. Findings also showed absence of goals, low self-efficacy, low student engagement and motivation, and a negative role. The most common concern was exams and passing courses with high grades. Instructors reported that many students were not interested in online learning, in doing assignments, refused to give oral presentations, did not participate in online class discussions, preferred lecture recordings, cheated on exams, overslept and started exams late. Recommendations for increasing translation students' agency in DL are given.