Grading system changes weighed
GCSU may be among several public universities in Georgia to undergo changes to its current grading scale, with consideration from the state Board of Regents.
Schools in the University System of Georgia are gradually adopting the cumulative grading scale more commonly known as the plus/minus grading system.
The policy was designed by the regents and will require that grades be assigned a letter value that directly corresponds with the numerical average, giving an A+, A- option. The system is currently in pilot mode at the University of Georgia and Georgia State University and may reach GCSU as early as 2011.
The cumulative grading system is designed similarly to the standard grading scale, in which the student’s total number of grade points earned will be divided by the number of hours a student takes. However, significant changes include the distinction between what numerical grades function as an A and others that signify a B+.
At institutions that already use the cumulative system, such Emory University and Morehouse College, the numerical values assigned to letter grades typically differ from professor to professor, with professors having the option of giving an A+ designation to students at their discretion. Both the University of Georgia and Georgia State use the cumulative grading scale to access permanent records and only use the uniform system with regards to special learning services.
Dr. Ken McGill, chair of GCSU Chemistry and Physics said that the regent’s decision to adopt the cumulative grading scale will make all credits earned at GCSU transferable to other schools in the University System.
“GCSU is in line for this system because classes must be able to transfer for all colleges in the USG,” McGill said.
McGill ventured to GCSU having had exposure to cumulative grading system.
“Students have perceptions that the plus/minus system may help borderline grades and GPA,” McGill said. “But this grading system can work either way.”
Although the cumulative grading system will not be used in the calculation of HOPE Scholarship GPAs, it is expected to ease the process of transferring credits to and from institutions by giving corresponding courses the same academic weight.
Although the system is in its premature stages at GCSU, some students have seemingly opposite viewpoints about it. Some students fear the effects it can have on grades in test-oriented courses compared to those in essay and project-oriented courses. Freshman mass communication major Graham Williams feels that although the grading system has the potential to be good, he is firmly against it.
“A majority of the classes I take are psychology and sociology, which both give a lot of essay tests,” Williams said. “The system would make students have to work even harder than they already do now.”
While some students may share Williams’ viewpoint, there are others who would be satisfied with the grading system. Junior political science major Daniel Moss said that the cumulative grading system makes the grading style more accurate and gives students an incentive to over achieve.
“With the current system, an 81 is just as good as an 89,” Moss said. “The current system is good for those who are on the edge but the plus/minus system will help those who do more than what is required.”
The cumulative grading system, when administered, will be recorded to permanent student records and will not be affected by institutional credits.
Posted by Drake Simons
on Feb 12 2010. Filed under News.
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