Resolution 16-20: +/- DILEMMA

Number 16-20
Description Implement a +/- grading system
Authored by Kashif Merchant
Sponsored by Julianne Kirby
Venkatesh Ramaning
Date Submitted Saturday, September 3, 2016
Committee Academic Affairs
Result n/a
Remarks The committee looked at the potential benefits and losses of this resolution and felt that this resolution would impact many unforeseen aspects of college life. The committee also felt that if this system was to be pursued, it should be initiated by the administration, not the students.
Whereas UT Arlington uses a grading system of A,B,C,D and so on to compute grade point average of students; and
Whereas Each letter grade is assigned based on scores received by students on a 100 point scale and each letter grade has a margin of 10 points on the scale;
Whereas A plus-minus grading system will provide a fair system for student who work hard and are often on the higher end of the grading scale; and
Whereas Because of more grade variations, grades awarded will be a better reflections of students academic abilities and achievements; and
Whereas Research on the plus-minus grading system, as well as results from universities that adopt the system show that it reduces grade inflation, improves differentiation among students and increases student motivation.
Be It Further Resolved That UTA adopts a grading system that utilizes plus and minus grades