University of Virginia Library

Committee Proposes
Plus-Minus Nullification

By Mark Pirrung
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A resolution released from committee
at the meeting of Faculty before the
Thanksgiving break seeks to disband the
grade point average credit for
"plus-minus" grades.

The resolution is expected to come
before the general faculty at the meeting
on December 15. If passed, it will nullify
the measure passed last year that was to
go into effect this semester.

Lacked Approval

The measure, which was passed
December 2, 1969, was introduced from
the floor without committee approval. It stated
that plus and minus figures on grades would be
worth 3 in grade point calculations.

Discussions on the issue at the time was
revived by the Committee on Curriculum
Evaluation, chaired by William Abbot,
Professor of History. Some of the faculty felt
that the emphasis on precise grading was a
regressive move while pass-fail was being
instituted.

Mr. Abbot told The Cavalier Daily yesterday
that students represented on his committee
were not pleased with the move because of the
unwarranted emphasis on detailed grading.

Use Optional

Mr. Abbot also pointed out that the use of
pluses and minuses on reports was optional to
the instructors. Students who selected courses
which awarded detailed grades would be
differentiated from other students, and
transcripts would be confusing to outsiders.
Reports could result in "false distinction"
according to Mr. Abbot.

The measure is also opposed by Irby
Cauthen, Dean of the College, according to his
colleagues because of the unnecessary
complications in the form of extra paper work
which would swamp the office of the Registrar.

The measure was introduced last year by
Donald MacInnis, Associate Professor of Music,
who told The Cavalier Daily yesterday that he
still supports the idea.

Mr. MacInnis said that he is in favor with the
pass fail moves and that he sees no discrepancy
with the plus-minus system. Mr. MacInnis
contends "If you are going to take a course
with a grade you might as well have it reported
in detail."

Students Silent

"I feel that the measure will benefit
students," he continued. Mr. MacInnis said that
he felt his students desired the distinctions
offered by this system but he felt that the
majority of students were not speaking up on
the issue.

The resolution to adopt plus-minus grading
was reviewed by the committee last year and
dropped.