The university should be open to reviewing the plus/minus grading system, which needs some type of uniformity. Although it was implemented three years ago, not all professors use the system, and even within departments there are varying grading scales, which results in discrepancies about what might constitute an A in one class versus another. Because of this, Student Government Association representatives have plans to meet with the Faculty Senate to discuss uniformity and grade equality concerning the plus/minus system.

Consistency is necessary to hold professors and their respective departments accountable for their students’ grades. How is it fair to students when one syllabus in one college says a 93 constitutes an A and another syllabus in the same college claims and A to be a 96, as it is for some?

Yes, the plus/minus system helps prevent grade inflation and makes the university more competitive with other similar universities academically, but a more consistent A through F system would be fairer to students. A plus or a minus can make a significant difference in a student’s GPA, crucial for scholarship renewals and professional and graduate school prospects. While students should rise up to the challenge of a more rigorous grading system, the same level of effort should be rewarded equally at least within departments.

Opinion editor Andrea Bolt for the editorial board.