Written by: Libby Thoma | Staff Writer

Western is making the decision to introduce a new grading system called a No Credit grading system. This system would include the replacement of a D- through a failing grade with a “no credit.” 

Western’s official press release states that “…it’s about student success, not lowering standards.” This means that a failing grade would not impact a student’s overall GPA.

Students worry that this change will lower school standards and that transcripts and degrees from the college will hold less significance to future employers. Provost Jose Coll states that this change was meant to increase graduation rates and keep students at Western.

Coll also states that GPAs will now accurately reflect the student’s success rate, although it is unclear how excluding a student’s grade earned will not accurately reflect the student’s success rate.

As the student body worries about the quality of their degrees and how seriously Western is taken as compared to other universities, Western, according to the press release, approaches the topic with the ideas that learning will become more important than grades, there will be an overall reduction in grade anxiety and students will focus on the possibilities that may come with academia. Western also aims to lower student discouragement, with students dropping classes and even out of school due to low grades. 

Attempts were made to contact the Financial Aid Department, but they could not be reached. According to the SAP Policy, a grade NC does not apply towards completing the number of credit hours that are needed. It is unclear if an NC will affect scholarships the way an F would. 

This new grading system has proven to be concerning, but the university claims that the change is for learning and academic exploration and of course, retention rates. Students worry the value of their degree will decrease, which would negate the money and GPA-saving aspect of the No Credit system. The pros and cons of this system are currently unknown variables, but important for the student body to fully understand. 

Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu