Over the summer, the grade modifier plan that had been discussed among the students, faculty, and administration was approved for implementation by President Jackson. This move came after 43.6% of the faculty voted on the measure, 74.8% of which voted in favor of the modifier plan. This vote caused the Faculty Senate to recommend the plan to Provost G.P. “Bud” Peterson, who then recommended it to Jackson.
RPI’s current system of A, B, C, D, and F grades will be replaced with one in which grades such as A- (figured into a student’s GPA as a 3.67) and B+ (a 3.33) are available. The grade modifier plan will switch the current grading system from an A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc. to a grading system in which an A = 4.0, A- = 3.67, B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, etc. There will be no extra points added for an A+, though a notation will go on a student’s record indicating their performance; additionally, there will be no D- in the new grading system. The grade modifier plan will be phased in starting in Fall 2005. The new grading system will be instituted for 1000- and 6000-level classes that term, for 2000-level classes in Fall 2006, and for all classes starting in Fall 2007.
The majority of Rensselaer students seem unconvinced the grade modifier plan is in their best interests. Some, such as graduate student Azat Galimor, do not see any reason to change the system. Galimor is also concerned that as the grades become more nuanced, there will be more heated arguments with students over grades.
Jason Snozl ’07 expressed a more heated opinion, saying “I hate grade modifiers.” Snozl felt that he would receive A-’s instead of A’s more often than receiving B+’s instead of B’s.
Worries also abounded among students that their scholarship GPAs will be unduly influenced, as it will become harder to get an A and there will be no compensating A+ for lowered grades in other classes.
Not all students think modifiers are a bad idea. However a few expressed optimistic hopes about the modifiers’ influence on their grades. Lisa Rodgers, class of 2006, said she didn’t “feel that strongly” about them. No student could be found who was excited about the modifier plan.
The faculty’s overwhelming support showed a strong desire for a more flexible grading system. Wes Huang, a professor of computer science, said he had discussed the grade modifier plan informally with many of his colleagues and found solid support for it. Though he was unsure if he had voted on the measure, Huang said he definitely supported the grade modifier plan.
Provost G.P. “Bud” Peterson wrote in a column in July 12’s Polytechnic, “This proposal has been a controversial issue on campus since its initial introduction more than two years ago.... While some may disagree with the final decision, the manner in which this issue has been presented and discussed is a credit to the faculty, the students, their respective leaders, and to Rensselaer.”
