Letter to the Editor

A change in the grading scale is the current topic of discussion at Buena Vista University (BVU). I am hearing about it from all of my professors and friends. I read an article published in The Tack called, “Grading faces change: Opinions voiced on topic of grading scale,” written by Diana Odei. After reading this article, I decided to present my viewpoint on this change. I was already worried about the change in grading scale because I think it would be way more difficult for students to get 4.0 GPA. In this article, I found that according to the new grading scale, students who earn a C- worth 1.67 points, will no longer be passing. It makes me more worried and really surprised me because in the current grading system, students with 2.0 points are considered as passed.

 I also think that it is important for all the faculty, staff and members of the student body to think more critically about this change. I agree with the author of this article that this change would decrease the overall average GPA of BVU students. I am a science student and I think this change would make it more difficult for students to earn an A in science classes.

 I talked to some of my friends who are in their junior year and according to them, this change will have a negative effect on them because they are used to the current grading system. If the grading system changes now, it would be very difficult for them to adjust to it. Some of the faculty members feel that the new grading system would increase the competition between the students that would allow them to be more precise about their grades, whereas some faculty members are against this change because they know that this change will lead to an increase in the study load of students. Also, the change will increase the number of student complaints about their grades.

 The same is in the case with the students. Some students are in favor of this change, but many students are against it. It is important for students to get engaged with the faculty, staff and administration to help them to make a decision that would be beneficial for everyone. It is only possible if all the students and faculty members think more critically about the pros and cons of this change for the betterment of all of us.