In a significant move aimed at enhancing academic integrity, the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University has introduced new grading policies for the upcoming fall semester. These changes are designed to tackle the issue of grade inflation and ensure a more rigorous academic environment for students.
Changes to Grading Practices
Faculty members have been directed to eliminate grade rounding, remove the A-plus grade option, and maintain average GPAs for courses between 3.3 and 3.5. This initiative, communicated through an email from the Communication, Professional and Computer Skills (CPS) department, reflects a growing concern over the elevated grades observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and in subsequent semesters.
Concerns from Faculty
According to a faculty member who wished to remain anonymous, the new grading policy was implemented without prior discussion or approval from the faculty. This has raised concerns within the CPS department, which is unique in that it is staffed entirely by lecturers without tenure protections. The new grading standards currently apply only to CPS courses, highlighting a potential disparity within the business school.
Specific Grading Requirements
Under the new guidelines, instructors of standard courses must ensure that the average GPA for each section falls between 3.3 and 3.5. For honors courses, the GPA must be within 0.2 points of the cumulative student GPA. Additionally, faculty are instructed not to round up final grades, even if a student’s score is close to a higher letter grade. Instructors will also engage in two check-ins with CPS leadership to discuss their grading strategies and receive support as needed.
Attendance Policies Implemented
Alongside the grading changes, the Kelley School will enforce a new attendance policy for CPS classes. Students are permitted up to three absences without penalty, but after the fourth absence, they will face a reduction in their final letter grade. A total of six absences will result in an automatic failure due to non-attendance, although exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Importance of CPS Courses
All students at Kelley are required to complete courses within the CPS department, which includes essential classes on business presentations, writing, and soft skills development. These courses are designed to provide practical training that fosters mastery in critical business competencies. However, faculty members are concerned that the new GPA targets may hinder students’ potential for success.
Response from School Administration
A spokesperson for the Kelley School did not address specific inquiries regarding the grading changes but emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining rigorous and fair academic standards. The administration aims to ensure that grades accurately reflect student performance and that grading practices are consistent across different sections of the same course.
Impact on Admissions and Student Expectations
As the Kelley School gains popularity, there has been a noticeable tightening of admissions standards. Recent reports indicate that the school received approximately 27,000 applications for around 2,000 available spots. This surge in interest has prompted discussions about the implications for current and prospective students.
Controversy Over Admission Criteria Changes
In a related development, the school recently raised the minimum grade requirement for automatic admission from a B to a B-plus for incoming pre-business students. This change has sparked criticism from parents and students who feel misled by the timing of the announcement, as many had already made commitments based on previous criteria.
Conclusion
As the Kelley School of Business implements these new grading and attendance policies, the academic community watches closely. The balance between maintaining high academic standards and supporting student success remains a critical focus for the institution as it navigates these changes.