What is the university policy of assigning grades not based on numerical average, but rather what the instructor "thinks" you deserve.

For example, a 95 average qualifies for an A by the syllabus, but the instructor only gives A's to "a few students," thus the 95 is translated to an A-.

I know this is nitpicky, but it gets under my skin. Complain to the department or just let it go?

12/19/2008 4:02:25 PM

I think if the syllabus has it broken down into what score equates to what grade and you can prove you got that 95 average then you may have a case, otherwise just move on I guess

12/19/2008 4:06:46 PM

You certainly have a case, but it usually takes weeks or months to get this resolved. Send a message to the dean and CC it to the offending professor. Problem will likely be solved pretty quickly, but will probably piss off the dean as well as things like this should go to the head of the department first.

12/19/2008 4:16:52 PM

I agree with ^^; if you can prove that you had a 95 in the course, and the syllabus says that 95 = A, you should get an A. That could be cut out quickly if he said 'approximately a 95,' or something like that, though.

12/19/2008 5:04:36 PM

Instructors can do what they want, but they are bound to a certain degree by their syllabus. If the syllabus outlines the grading scheme, you may have a change in holding a professor to that scheme. The first person to confront with this is the professor in question. If that fails, you should request the advice and assistance of your adviser. The should be able to point you to the next person in the university hierarchy that can most effectively help to address your issue. Is the instruction in question is senior faculty, please refer to the part of my first sentence that said "Instructors can do what they want".

12/20/2008 1:46:22 AM

I usually don't see anything wrong with bumping students up. For instance, some students might have been awarded A+ for the 95. But a 95 is at least a fucking A. I don't see how you could possibly get marked down, especially subjectively. That blows.

12/20/2008 7:19:13 AM

the whole +/- system that the university uses is silly

12/20/2008 9:53:30 AM

Never experiences that, only been bumped up. If it's in the syllabus, then the professor pretty much has to follow it. So as long as you can prove your grades then you should be golden. The syllabus is mandatory for this very reason to protect students and teachers.

12/20/2008 9:59:08 AM

No! No, see, this is the fundamental flaw with the check check-plus check-minus system! The only reason Token was able to do all that is because his family is rich!

12/20/2008 11:25:38 AM

not worth the fight, been there done that, except mine was an 80.0 in org chem 2 and that gave me a C

12/20/2008 12:40:51 PM

I agree, it's def. not worth the difference. Unfortunately, the difference broke my 4.0 (tragedy, I know) for the semester.

She's also an instructor that "doesn't ever give A+'s." that should have been my first warning sign.

Oh well, thanks for the advice everyone...

12/20/2008 3:08:52 PM

Quote :

"Each student should be informed at the beginning of the semester of the means to be used to determine grades in each course or section."

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/grades_undergrad/REG02.50.3.php

The syllabus should include...

Quote :

"Explanation of how grades are determined and the relative value of the various evaluation components of the course, i.e., the portion of the grade that derives from quizzes, tests, final exam, projects, attendance, etc. Instructor's conversion system from numerical to letter grading, if applicable."

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.7.php

12/20/2008 5:18:43 PM

I wish I could award A+'s to some students now. It really helps distinguish between the hard working and gifted students verses the hardworking and average intelligence or smart slacker low A students. Where I teach now we give A,B,C,D,F. It stinks.

12/21/2008 4:26:20 PM