Campus Commentary Question: What do you think about a change from the pass/fail system to a satisfactory/unsatisfactory system? “When interviewers look at students’ grades and see pass/fail classes, they might feel it was a cop-out. I think you should take the class for a grade. The new system does seem to push you toward that.’’ “I feel the break-off should be at a C and up. Some peo ple will take the pass/fail option and not work hard. There is no motivation to make them work.” Brian Stick Provisional Compiled by Janet Cody and Thomas O. Dekle Renu Singh Accounting “For me the old system is better because the new system would make it rougher. This is an upper division school.” You can’t pass and get credit for a course with fewer points. You must put in more time and effort for a satisfactory grade.” Dave Hockman Building Construction Technology “If they look to the ac creditation of the school, I would think they would want to raise the require ment to a C. If you have to get a C to get the satisfac tory grade, you might as well work for a grade.” Mary Bell Computer Science Gary Smith Public Policy “I have never taken a pass/fail, but the satisfac tory/unsatisfactory system would make people put more effort into their electives.” Vicki Milana Accounting “If the course is really dif ficult, sometimes a D is hard enough for a student to get.” John Lowery Business “If you think the class will hurt your cum., then taking the satisfactory grade makes sense. I believe, on an in- dividual basis, you might as well take the class for a grade.” Dan Setton Engineering “If you transfer to another school it doesn’t look good. What point is the D? It real ly serves no function.” “I’m not saying I approve or disapprove of either of the systems, but part of the motivation is to get a grade.” Bonnie Osevala Business Page Curt Sanders Public Policy
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers