SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
?
MEMORANDUM
S. 7.52
To .... ...
.Senate .. .... .. ................ ..................... ..................... ....................
...
.
.
From .......
Sen
.
.te, .Cmmj ttee....
O.
f
l
....Undergraduate
......................................................................................................................... .7Studies
Subject..
Proposed Revisions
?
the
?
Date
......H04-,2......
.... ............
in ?
..............................................
Gradg System ?
.
Actions concluded by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate
Studies at its meeting of 78-04-11 gives rise to the
following motion:
MOTION 1 (Letter grades, other transcript notations,
definitions and numerical equivalents)
That the accompanying table replace the
Grading Table on page 69 of the 1977/78
calendar. This involves the following specific
recommendations:
1.
That for the computation of grade point average (semester,
cumulative and graduation GPA) each '+' be considered .33
higher than the grade on which it is based and each '-' grade
be considered .33 lower than the grade on which it is based.
2.
That the definitions of A, B, C, D, and F grades (as recorded
in Table 1) be approved.
3.
That the definition of P (as recorded in Table 1) be approved.
4.
That the Course Challenge (CC) entry be retained with the
present terms (cf. p.70 of the 1977-78 Calendar).
5.
That the category 'Aegrotat standing' (AE) be established
with the following terms:
Aegrotat standing (AE)
in
an incomplete course may be awarded on
medical or compassionate grounds by the Registrar on the recom-
mendation of the Chairman of the Department concerned when
written evidence is submitted to substantiate a request for such
standing and that the course requirements for credit have been
substantially fulfilled.
?
This evidence normally must be received
by the Registrar or Department within 96 hours of a scheduled
final examination or within 96 hours of the last day of lectures
of the semester for which such standing is requested.
?
Courses for
which Aegrotat standing is awarded are not included in the general
calculation of Grade Point Average.
2
revisions-Grading
To: Senate (Proposed
System)
?
- 2 -
?
78/04/21.
6. That the
Deferred Grade (DE) entry be retained
with the present
terms (cf. p.70 of the 1977-78 calendar).
7. That the
designation
'N'
be retained
with the present terms (cf.
p.70 of the 1977-78 calendar).
8.
That the
designation 'W' be
retained with the following terms:
The designation 'W' will be given when a student withdraws (or
is withdrawn) after the course drop period
for a course graded
on a Pass (P) or
WITHDRAWN
(W)
basis (the course drop period
is
the period in
which no
entries
are made on transcripts). This
form of grading is only used in courses of the practicum type in
which a student is working with human subjects, e.g. Education,
Criminology,....
9.
That the Audit (AU) entry be retained with the present terms (cf.
p.69 of the 1977-78 calendar).
10.
That the Credit Without Grade (CR) entry be retained with the
present ter
?
(cf. p.70 of the 1977-78 calendar and Table 1)."
MOTION 2 (Procedure for Computing Cumulative Grade
Point Averages if the same course is
repeated)
That the procedures for computing cumulative grade
point averages be modified so that only the higher
grade of a repeated course be included in the
computation.
Rationale:
Under the present system, a failed course is like an
albatross about the student's neck. For example, if
a student fails a four credit course and later
repeats the course, expends a great deal of effort,
and earns an A, the net effect is equivalent to earning
a C in an eight hour course as far as the student's
cumulative grade point average is concerned. Once
a course has been mastered, the student's cumulative
grade point average ought to reflect the level of
mastery that has been achieved.
3
To: Senate (Proposed ?
- 3 -
?
78/04/21
revisions - Grading System)
Note - the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies is
recommending very modest changes in the present system of
grades. Over a five year period a series of sub-committees
and the main committee have examined proposals for far more
extensive change, for example, limitation of the transcript
to a record of courses for which credit was actually granted,
a provision of the option of taking an ungraded degree,
provision for taking courses outside ones major field on a
pass/no entry basis. Perhaps the most publicised issue has
been consideration of further liberalizing or limiting the
course drop provision. During these years proposals brought
before SCUS have reflected some of the general trends which
have effected practices in higher education throughout
North America. Perhaps the most persistent theme in proposed
changes was the observation that grading has a major effect
on what is learned and how well it is learned and that the
effects of grading are often negative, i.e. grading impedes
the learning of the mature, self-directed student and contributes
to reducing a "test passer or teacher pleaser" rather than
an educated person. None of the recommendations reflecting
this orientation has survived consideration by the most recent
sub-committee and by SCUS. The recommendations forwarded for
. ?
Senate consideration represent "fine tuning" of the existing
grading system and reflect a concern for fairness, consistency
and credibility. It is the position of SCUS that students will
be best served by actions which will increase the overall
credibility of the credentials they receive from the University.
Last year SCUS considered the report of its latest Sub-
Committee on Grading and in July, 1977, the amended report
was circulated to the Student Society and to faculties for
consideration and comment. Detailed responses were received
last fall and there is a measure of agreement approaching
consensus on the proposals now forwarded by SCUS for Senate
approval. The sub-committee proposals rejected by SCUS
are reflected in the SCUS motions noted on the last page
of this submission.
SCUS is now considering the report from its Ad Hoc Sub-
Committee on Grading Practices. That report addresses the
question of the relative responsibility of student, instructor
and departmental chairman in relation to specifying course
requirements, establishing the basis for grading, evaluating
work submitted, awarding grades, communicating concerns about
marking or grades, and reconsidering a grade already awarded.
We hope to forward a set of recommendations for Senate approval
in the very near future.
S
To: Senate (Proposed
revisions-Grading system)
?
4 -
?
78/4/21
In submitting these recommendations there is no intent that
they be applied retroactively in any fashion. To do so would
seriously disturb the nature of official records and transcripts
already released and to raise questions
of
credibility, variations
in averages, values and similar matters. If they are approved
it would be appropriate that the changes be reflected in the
calendar for 1979-80, with changes to commence for September 1979.
It is expected also that the changes to Registrar's computer
systems may be extensive. Technical review will be initiated
if the recommendations receive Senate approval, on the under-
standing that report will be made to Senate if there is indica-
tion of significant costings or problems.
D. R. Birch
DRB/c g
?
0
io
SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
MEMORANDUM
SCUS 7g2/
•o. ?
SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE
?
From
H. N. EVANS, SECRETARY
STUDIES
?
SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE
STUDIES
Subject
REVISED REPORTONGRADING
?
Date
APRIL 17, 1978
Over a period of some five years a series of sub-committees
and the main Committee have considered issues related to grading. The
most recent report has been extensively reviewed and modified by the
Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies following comments and res-
ponses received from each of the Faculties and the Student Society on
a main report, SCUS 76-43, which was distributed to those bodies under
covering memorandum July 8, 1977.
It is not anticipated that there will be a need to refer to
earlier reports of the various committees but should this be required
the main items would be SCUS 76-43, SCUS 76-43a, SCUS 76-43b and the
recent SCUS 78-16 with minutes covering the periods April 4, April 11,
1978.
The items retained have been relettered and renumbered to
provide consistency in the present report. There is attached "Extract
from pages 69, 70,71 of the 1977-78 Calendar" to show present terms.
0
As amended and revised
by SCUS to April 11, 1978
REPORT ON GRADING
A LETTER GRADES, OTHER TRANSCRIPT NOTATIONS, DEFINITIONS AND
NUMERICAL EQUIVALENTS
"That the accompanying table replace the Grading Table on Page 69
of the 1977-78 Calendar. This involves the following specific
recommendations:
1.
That for the computation of grade point average (semester,
cumulative and graduation GPA) each '+' be considered .33
higher than the grade on which it is based and each '-' grade
be considered .33 lower than the grade on which it is based.
2. That the definitions of A, B, C, D, and F grades (as recorded
in Table 1) be approved.
3.
That the definition of P (as recorded in Table 1) be approved.
4.
That the Course Challenge (CC) entry be retained with the
present terms (cf. p.70 of the 1977-78 Calendar).
5.
That the category 'Aegrotat standing' (AE) be established
with the following terms:
Aegrotat standing (AE) in an incomplete course may be awarded on
medical or compassionate grounds by the Registrar on the recom-
mendation of the Chairman of the Department concerned when
written evidence is submitted to substantiate a request for such
standing and that the course requirements for credit have been
substantially fulfilled. This evidence normally must be received
by the Registrar or Department within 96 hours of a scheduled
final examination or within 96 hours of the last day of lectures
of the semester for which such standing is requested. Courses for
which Aegrotat standing is awarded are not included in the general
calculation of Grade Point Average.
6.
That the Deferred Grade (DE) entry be retained with the present
terms (cf. p.70 of the 1977-78 calendar).
7.
That the designation 'N' be retained with the present terms (cf.
p.70 of the 1977-78 calendar).
8.
That the designation 'W' be retained with the following terms:
The designation 'W' will be given when a student withdraws (or
is withdrawn) after the course drop period for a course graded
on a Pass (P) or WITHDRAWN (W) basis (the course drop period is
the period in which no entries are made on transcripts). This
form of grading is only used in courses of the practicum type in
which a student is working with human subjects, e.g. Education,
Criminology,....
9.
That the Audit (AU) entry be retained with the present terms (cf.
p.69 of the 1977-78 calendar).
-2-
10. That the Credit Without Grade (CR) entry be retained with the
present terms (cf. p.70 of the 1977-78 calendar and Table 1)."
B. PROCEDURE FOR COMPUTING CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGES (If the
same course is repeated)
"That the procedures for computing cumulative grade point averages
be modified so that only the higher grade of a repeated course be
included in the computation."
Rationale:
Under the present system, a failed course is like an albatross
about the student's neck. For example, if a student fails a four
credit course and later repats the course, expends a great deal of
effort, and earns an A, the net effect is equivalent to earning a C
in an eight hour course as far as the student's cumulative grade
point average is concerned. Once a course has been mastered, the
student's cumulative grade point average ought to reflect the level
of mastery that has been achieved.
0
Letter
Definition
Numerical
Grade
Equivalent
A+
4.33
A
Superior performance
4.00
A-
3.67
B+
3.33
B
Good performance
3.00
B-
2.67
2.33
C
Satisfactory performance
2.00
C-
1.67
Satisfactory performance
No numerical
P
or better (Pass, ungraded)
equivalent
D
Marginal performance
1.00
Unsatisfactory performance
0.00
F
(Fail)
No numerical
CC
Course Challenge
equivalent
Aegrotat standing,
No numerical
AE
compassionate pass
equivalent
0.00
DE
Deferred grade
for specified
purposes
Did not write final examination
0.00
N
or otherwise complete course
No numerical
W
Withdrawn
equivalent
AU
Audit
No numerical
equivalent
CR
Credit without grade
No numerical
equivalent
Note:
?
Credit is granted for A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, P, D, CC, AE,
CR. ?
No credit is granted for F, DE, N, W, AU.
LIM
TABLE 1
GRADING SCALE -
Each credit course for which the student is registered is awarded a grade
notation at the end of the semester. The grade for each course will be
entered on the student's record by a letter grade and a numerical equivalent
as follows. (See note below.)
.
.
6.2 Standing and Credit
Grading Scale
Each credit course for which the student is registered is awarded a grade at the
end of the semester. The grade for each course will be entered on the student's
record by a letter grade and a numerical equivalent as follows:
Numerical
Letter Grade
Equivalent
Class of Achievement
A
4
First Class
A-
B+
B
3
Second class
B-
Ci.
C
2
Pass
C—
Pass
F
0
Failure
DE
0
Deferred Grade
N
0
Did not Write
CC
No numerical equivalent
Course Challenge
AU
No numerical equivalent
Audit
CR
No numerical equivalent
Credit Without Grade
Deferred Grades
The letter grade
DE
will be given when a physician's certificate or other docu-
ment substantiating a request for deferment on medical or compassionate
grounds is received by the Registrar or the Chairman of the department con-
cerned within four days of the date from which the examination was to have been
'itten, or when the instructor in the course wishes to defer submitting a final
drk pending completion of further work from the student. The awarding of the
letter grade
DE
will be subject to submission of such grade by the instructor, with
approval by the Chairman. All unchanged deferred grades will be automatically
converted to Fafter the fifth day of lectures of the semester immediately following
the one in which the grade was awarded. In exceptional cases an extension may be
granted on petition by the Chairman of the department concerned.
Grades of
The letter grade
N
is given when a student registered for a course and did not
write the examination, or otherwise compitte the work in the course, and did not
withdraw before the deadline date. An
N
is considered an Ffor purposes of scho-
lastic standing.
Grades of
CC
(Course Caiknge)
A student who has been registered for Course Challenge is subject to an assess-
ment equivalent to the final examination for the course plus an interview which
may include an oral and/or practical examination, all to be arranged and
approved by the Chairman of the department involved. Departments are free to
hold Course Challenge examinations any time during the semester after the for-
mal period of registration for Course Challenge. A performance equivalent to a
grade of C or better in the course is required for successful Course Challenge.
The statement from the department concerned indicating the final disposition
of the Course Challenge in the semester must be submitted to the Registrar on or
before the last day for submission of regular grades in the course for that semester.
There is no provision for extension or deferrals. Results will be recorded by
'lariments as
succes.rfid
or
wuaccessfrl
or
unatremp:ea
Successful results will
dear on transcripts and statements of standing with the entry
CC
in the grade
column and with credit shown. At the end of term, unsuccessful or unattempted
results will not appear on transcripts or statements of standing but will be held in
internal records by the Registrar's Office.
The grade of
CC
has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the calcu-
lation of Grade Point Average. The grade of
CC
cannot
be
applied in any way
towards application for scholarships. bursaries or loans.
Ei-,,i-
P/1 6
- ES' ?
7' ?
1
A,- / 77- 7.1
> ?
-/
Grades of
CR
The grade of
CR
has no numerical equivalent and is not included in the calcu-
lation otGrade Point Average. Students enrolled in English 010-3 are graded on a
credit/no entry basis. The grade of
CR
may be assigned in certain other special
cases.
Grades ofPand
W
The grades of? and
W
have no numerical equivalent and do not affect either
Semester Grade Point Average or Cumulative Grade Point Average. Examples of
466;
courses
KIN
graded
450.
on these bases are EDUC 401,402.405 and 406; CRIM 361.461.
Credit for the Semester
All credit earned will be granted, regardless of the Grade Point Average for the
semester. Credit may be granted for a specific course once only. Wl)erc a student
repeats the seine course, the course(s) with the lower grade will be recorded on
official records as a duplicate course. Duplicate courses remain on the permanent
age;
record
but
and
are
are
not
included
counted
in
in
the
she
calculation
calculation
of
of
the
the
Cumulative
Cumulative Grade
Grade
Point
Pouts
Aver-Aver-
age for graduation.
- ?
a
Appendix I
SCUS 78-21
REPORT ON GRADING
Following the varied responses from the Student Society and each
of the four
Faculties, in its review of SCUS 78-16 (the Report on Grading and
responses
thereto) at meetings of April 4 and April 11, the Senate Committee
on Under-
graduate Studies considered a number of main motions or motions in
principle
including the following (with some adjustments to wording), in addition
to
those directly reflected in the present report.
1. ?
That the present nine-week course drop date regulations be
retained without change.
APPROVED
2. ?
That no form of Pass/No Entry currently is desirable.
APPROVED
3.
?
That the item "That A+ be considered as equivalent to 4.0
except for scholarship purposes, in which case it will be
considered as equivalent to 4.33 (as at present)" be
deleted.
APPROVED
(Similarly the recommendation which would have retained
C- as 2.00 for all purposes was defeated.)
4.
?
That there be grade notations of DE and I.
FAILED
5. ?
That there be no major change in the present course add,
course drop, course change procedures.
APPROVED
