New Grading Curve passed

The new Grading Curve passed (by a wide margin). This will be implemented starting with this Fall's classes. The curve is set up in the following way:

Core Classes

• ≤ 40%: A-, A, A+
• ≤ 80%: B, B+, A-, A, A+
• ≥ 20%: B- or below

Electives

• ≤ 60% A-, A, A+
• ≤ 90% B, B+, A-, A, A+
• ≥ 10% B- or below

The faculty feels that the Core Grading Curve gives a little bit more guidance so that there will be more of a distribution of grades within courses. Further, it also offers a bit of encouragement to give more difficult assignments so that there will a wider distribution in scores on those assignments.

We have never had an Elective Grading Curve in the BBA Program. We looked at historical grades and about 80-90% of the classes already follow (or nearly so) this grade distribution. The faculty want to do two things with this curve: 1) Provide guidance for new faculty so that they know the norms of the School, and 2) Encourage faculty that aren't currently following this Curve to change their evaluation procedures so that they have some differentiation in their grading.

I'm very happy that these curves will be in place next year. There should be less anxiety about how grades will be allocated during the year. Anything that can reduce th anxiety level around here is a good thing.