In short, it looks like there is going to be an A 4.0, A- 3.7, B+ 3.3, B 3.0, B- 2.7…etc….system. Possibly going into effect during Maymester.
Just some information about the history of the plus/minus grading system.
Board of Regents, April 1996
The Sub-Committee on Retention Rates has also looked very closely at the report put out by Chancellor’s Office. Also under discussion by the Committee was the plus-minus grading system, which they felt (once the System is under the semester system) will help to give more differentiation in grades. When institutions have a longer term, it helps to break down a 10-point spread and students are given a better edge.
Academic Affairs Committee, Board of Regents, November 2002
Dr. Frank Butler, Vice Chancellor for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs presented information and recommendations regarding the plus/minus grading system. Dr. Butler suggested that the chief academic officers reconsider the plus/minus grading system and discuss it with the faculty at each person’s respective institution. Discussion ensued and Dr. Ronald Henry of Georgia State University suggested that the plus/minus grading system be made a local institutional option. Discussion ensued and philosophical questions concerning the efficacy of a D+, D-, A+, and A- were discussed. Dr. Butler indicated that the results of the discussion would return as a formulated motion. The discussion served the purpose of a “first read” on the issue. Concomitant with the formulated motion, Dr. Butler indicated that measures would be taken to accomplish plus/minus in BANNER if a motion were to be delivered to the chief academic officers. In addition, consideration of other issues such as transferability, grade inflation, the integrity of grades, national standards of grading, the diminishment of GPAs, ramifications for CAPP, Department of Education and HOPE issues, analysis of and comparisons with other state systems, and transfer GPA would require much in-depth discussion by a committee of chief academic officers representing all sectors of the USG.
Board of Regents, February 2006
In response to a request from the two institutions, the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs, Daniel S. Papp, discussed the possibility that the University of Georgia (“UGA”) and Georgia State University (“GSU”) be permitted to issue grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+,C, C-, D, F on a three-year pilot basis. Provosts Arnett C. Mace, Jr. (UGA) and Ronald J. Henry (GSU) elaborated on the reasons for the requests. No additional resources will be required from the System.
