Spring Break
Grading scale still hot topic
Ed Komenda
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: News
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"Today, I'm here to propose a resolution that shoots down the +/- system," said Tony Thomas, SGA senator-at-large. "I know that this issue has touched a lot of students and faculty, and this needs to pass."
The resolution, authored by Thomas himself, claims that the majority of students at Western Illinois University are against the +/- system and states that SGA rejects the system.
"Although the Faculty Senate approved the system, Dr. Goldfarb has final say; he can still veto the system," Thomas said.
Jessie Kallman, Board of Trustees Representative, spoke about the abolishment as well, stating it is unfair to implement the system because students are currently under another advertised contract.
"We've already been under a contract for a flat grading scale, and nothing should change now," Kallman said.
With that statement, Steve Rock, Faculty Senate Chairman, took the stand to explain how the +/- system came into existence.
"There was big debate in CAGAS, and there was vote of 5 to 6 in favor of the system," Rock said.
The Council on Admissions, Graduation and Academic Standards acted on a recommendation in 2005 regarding the +/- system, conducted research on the topic, and after considering the research, a vote was taken in favor of the system.
According to Rock, the idea went to the Faculty Senate next, where it was also approved, but due to problems with outdated software, the system was put on hold.
"When the Faculty Senate approved the system, there were problems with the grading software," Rock said. "Faculty used bubble sheets to report grades, and the bubble sheets only accounted for the straight letter A, B, C, D, and F; they couldn't account for +/- grades.
"Personally, I am not in favor of +/-," Rock added. "I think it is unfortunate that we passed this thing three years ago and it is still not in effect."
Rock said he has complete confidence in SGA's ability, but he believes its argument against the +/- scale needs work.
"I am not speaking against your motion, but I think it would do a lot of good for you to go out there and observe what's going on out there at other institutions," Rock said. "I think you should just take a little time, do some research and make your argument stronger."
Nicole Shipman, SGA senator-at-large, jumped into the debate as well, pointing out that it is important for SGA to act quickly with the situation because many SGA members are graduating in May.
"I don't want to wait until next year to see something done because I won't be here, but I know there are a lot of students here who have a lot to say about the issue," Shipman said.
With that, the members of SGA took a hand vote, revealing that the resolution passed by majority vote. Applause filled the room with the conclusion of the debate.
In other business, in response to the recent controversy concerning the issue of "secret ballots," SGA passed a rules amendment stating that "all votes taken within the Senate shall be done by voice vote, hand vote, roll call vote or signed paper ballot."
The amendment also states that "a motion to use roll call or official signed paper ballot require a one-fifth (1/5) vote of the senators present."
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