SGA Resolution 2021-2022 #17, October 2021

То-ЫеЛ oiA fc od H/k IN THE STUDENT SENATE OF TOWSON UNIVERSITY, October 26th, 2021 , A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE CHANGE FROM A PLUS/MINUS GRADING SCALE TO A PERCENTAGE POINT GRADING SCALE. INTRODUCED ON: October 26,h, 2021 INTRODUCED BY : Senator Rink (on behalf of Director Leo and Director Edwards II) COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Favorable with Amendments SENATE ACTION: ENACT UPON APPROVAL. Jordan M. DeVeaux, President - Student Government Association WHEREAS, According to the Towson University Academic Catalog the Plus Minus system was implemented by Towson University in 1998 to “Better distinguish between students within a letter grade”, “Motivate students to work harder” and “Help Towson stand apart and appear academically elite.” WHEREAS, In the Plus Minus system, professors are given the liberty to change the grade percentage that qualifies for a letter grade. WHEREAS, A 2018 Pew Research Study found that academic pressure is the most stress- provoking occurrence in a young adult's life, stating “61% of teens say they [feel pressure] to get good grades”. Fear of failure can inhibit learning rather than propel it. WHEREAS, Brown University, and other elite institutions across the country, have moved to alternative grading policies. WHEREAS, Letter grades are not an accurate reflection of student performance as they are dependent on a wide range of percentages. For example, a student earning 87% (B+) does not necessarily show a better course understanding of a student earning an 86% (B).