The plus-minus grading system is being called to the stand, as the University of Wyoming looks towards a grading system that will further benefit students. As of now, it’s up to the professor whether or not to use the plus-minus system while grading for their courses, leading to inconsistencies that may harm students’ academic standing.
When the plus-minus grading system was first introduced, it was a means of replacing the old system that consisted of just straight letter grades. However, its usage was optional and not all professors chose to switch systems.
“One of the problems, since it’s voluntary, is if you’ve got students in a class, it’s not always clear if all of their classes they’re taking are using the same grading scheme,” Masters in Public Administration Professor Gregg Cawley said.
A C-grade’s percentage value is 70-79 percent. In the plus-minus system, however, that is split into three categories: C minus, C and C plus. The percentage values for each are, accordingly, 70-72 percent, 73-76 percent and 77-79 percent.
“There’s issues between whether or not a C-minus constitutes getting to go on the the next class,” ASUW President Ben Wetzel said. “For some areas, a C-minus would not allow you to go on. For others, it would because it’s not a D.”
This system can also harm a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). With the straight letter grade system, the GPA values are fairly straightforward. An A (90-100 percent) is equated to a 4; a B (80-89 percent) is a 3; a C (70-79 percent) is a 2. Under the plus-minus system, a C minus (70-72 percent) is equal to a 1.7. This inconsistency can affect student’s relying on financial aid, by making it more difficult to meet scholarship requirements.
There are plus sides to the system.
“By having more of those smaller diversifications, it gives you incentive to, all the way to the end of the semester, keep working so you don’t drop from a plus to a straight or you could work from a straight grade up to a plus,” Wetzel said.
The plus-minus system also allows professors to differentiate students on a more detailed level.
Music student, Raleigh Coones, said, “I feel like it’s less vague. You get a little more recognition for doing better.”
ASUW is working with the Faculty Senate to establish a system that will be of no detriment to students as well as solve the problem with inconsistency.
“We are working towards a system that’s going to be fair for all students,” said Wetzel.
