New Grading Scale
College to implement 10-point grading scale in the fall
Jeremy Dillard
Issue date: 4/19/04 Section: On Campus
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A recent rumor on campus has been about a possible change in the college grading scale. Dr. Mary Draper, Vice President of Academic Affairs, states that the rumor is indeed true. Starting in the fall semester of 2004, the college will be implementing a 10-point grading scale in place of the current 6-point scale.
Dr. Draper gave two major reasons for the college's decision to change to a ten-point scale. First of all, a 10-point scale allows the faculty to continue with class rigor, and it also allows for students to earn the grades they deserve without a curve. A 10-point scale will save the faculty a lot of work!
Second, a 10-point scale puts the college on a national college grading scale. It will help students out tremendously in their efforts to get into graduate school. Graduate schools often look at the grading scale of a college in order to determine the rigor of that college's courses.
A rumor about the grading scale that Dr. Draper explicitly wanted to dispel is the thought that a 10-point scale will make classes easier. She stated, "Changing to a 10-point grading scale is not lowering the bar, but rather raising it to where it needs to be so that we can be the best for our students."
Student reaction to the change in grading scale varies. Students seem to carry one of two distinct opinions. Some students are in favor of the change; others are strongly opposed.
Michael Fichter and Johnathan Norris are roommates who are both in favor of the change. Mike said, "I am happy about the change. I believe that I lost a scholarship because of the previous scale."
John added, "It's a great attempt at leveling the playing field between our college and other colleges in the race for competitive jobs and graduate school openings."
Derek Vandevoort, the other member of Steele 314, commented in an off-handed manner, "I like the idea.
Brad Ericsson is on the other side of the issue. He stated, "I think that if they are going to make classes harder along with the change then it is retarded. I think if that's the case the grading scale should just stay the same. Classes are already hard enough."
The change in grading scale will take place no matter what the reaction of the students. Hopefully, the new 10-point scale will be a benefit to the college, faculty and student body.
Dr. Draper gave two major reasons for the college's decision to change to a ten-point scale. First of all, a 10-point scale allows the faculty to continue with class rigor, and it also allows for students to earn the grades they deserve without a curve. A 10-point scale will save the faculty a lot of work!
Second, a 10-point scale puts the college on a national college grading scale. It will help students out tremendously in their efforts to get into graduate school. Graduate schools often look at the grading scale of a college in order to determine the rigor of that college's courses.
A rumor about the grading scale that Dr. Draper explicitly wanted to dispel is the thought that a 10-point scale will make classes easier. She stated, "Changing to a 10-point grading scale is not lowering the bar, but rather raising it to where it needs to be so that we can be the best for our students."
Student reaction to the change in grading scale varies. Students seem to carry one of two distinct opinions. Some students are in favor of the change; others are strongly opposed.
Michael Fichter and Johnathan Norris are roommates who are both in favor of the change. Mike said, "I am happy about the change. I believe that I lost a scholarship because of the previous scale."
John added, "It's a great attempt at leveling the playing field between our college and other colleges in the race for competitive jobs and graduate school openings."
Derek Vandevoort, the other member of Steele 314, commented in an off-handed manner, "I like the idea.
Brad Ericsson is on the other side of the issue. He stated, "I think that if they are going to make classes harder along with the change then it is retarded. I think if that's the case the grading scale should just stay the same. Classes are already hard enough."
The change in grading scale will take place no matter what the reaction of the students. Hopefully, the new 10-point scale will be a benefit to the college, faculty and student body.