Students can hold off concern over the plus-minus grading system for another semester, as the implementation report has been recommended to the Office of the Provost and no changes are set for next semester.
Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said he expects the president and provost to follow the Faculty Senate’s recommendations to implement the grading system.
The implementation of the new policy also has to do with timing and the University’s software.
Don Chance, staff senator and business professor, said he is also wonders where things stand with the new system.
For the past few years, the University’s business offices and the University Registrar have had to work with an outdated computer system, and in order for the new grading system to work the University will have to update its operating software.
Chance said they will implement a new computer system within two to three years, ideally at the same time the new grading system takes effect.
However, Cope maintained that plus-minus grading is not completely reliant on the computer system.
“That would be ideal, but it may not be the way it happens,” Cope said.
Changes to next semester’s grading system are unlikely, but the next academic year is not too far off, Cope said referring to fall 2014.
As for students with doubts about the new systems, Cope said he understands there are some students who would rather have a C than a C minus, but the plus-minus system is used at most major universities.
The new grading system will help raise the University’s standards.
“It will increase the likelihood that students’ work here will be taken seriously by graduate professionals,” Cope said.
“It will increase the likelihood that students work here will be taken seriously by graduate professionals.”