Summary of Changes to Uniform Grading Policy

November 13, 2003

1. The Introduction and Statement of Purpose of the revised document identify five specific points that clarify what a Uniform Grading Policy should do. New language is consistent with existing and anticipated University and EPUS policies.

2. Revises the process by which Amendments and Exceptions to the Policy may be granted. New rules allow changes by a favorable faculty vote of 60% of schools and colleges rather than previous 80% requirement. Ratification at 80% has prevented needed changes in the outdated 1984 document

3. Makes it possible for the campuses, schools, and colleges to adopt course forgiveness procedures, if desired.

4. Regularizes and clarifies the use of special symbols. For example, a new symbol "***" is introduced to indicate grades that have not been received at the time grades are being processed. This replaces the symbol "Y" used somewhat inconsistently by some campuses.

5. CCHE Policy sets the drop/add period at the beginning of a term as the first 15 percent of the semester. New language reflects that period and deletes the current language requiring "12 days."

6. Revises the 1984 document language in several places to clarify its purpose. The changes include the removal of outdated language on financial considerations, plus/minus grading, the meaning of letter grade symbols.

7. Clarifies that the time to finish an IW or IF is a maximum of one year. Current policy says "one year", leading some faculty or instructors of record to think they must give a whole year. They do not

8. Clarifies drop/add and pass/fail procedures.

9. Adds a stipulation for review of this policy on a periodic basis.

10. The new policy is forward looking and anticipates technological changes in grading procedures. It is more flexible than its predecessor and regulates fewer aspects of uniform grading centrally and allows some flexibility at the college, school, and campus level.