Student Government passed a resolution Wednesday evening reaffirming its opposition to the suffix — or plus-minus — grading system and advocating for student representation in further discussion of this topic.
SG concluded that many students oppose the suffix grading system  based on a survey sent to students and by the comments left by students in January 2012. Of more than 200 emails from students, only 2 percent were in favor of the system.
A Faculty Senate committee was also formed to address the process of implementation and to conduct research about the effects of a new grading system.
A survey conducted by the Faculty Senate committee in spring 2013 confirmed many students would see a drop in letter grades and a decline in their overall GPA.
According to a resolution presented by SG, implementing the system would have a negative effect on overall student GPA, which in turn would affect TOPS and scholarship eligibility and retention rates, not to mention the logistics of implementing this system in the midst of a budget crisis.
Implementing a suffix grading system could cost the University between $15,000 and $20,000, according to Speaker pro tempore Trey Schwartzenburg.
“Much survey and data research supports the almost unanimous opposition of plus-minus grading,” Schwartzenburg said.
This is the third SG resolution opposing suffix grading being sent to Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Stuart Bell, who has the final decision on this matter with the Office of Academic Affairs.
While SG wants to keep the status quo with the current University grading system, it switched gears by making changes to its constitution.
The amendments allow the president and vice president to run for an additional term, allowing for a maximum of two one-year terms.
The president now has the ability to appoint an executive staff and judicial officers, dependent on SG senate approval.
The amendments also mandate removal of College Council officers who fail to regain active status after four weeks of inactivity.
While SG approved these amendments, they will not take effect until the student body votes in the fall election on Oct. 28 and 29.