As students of Boston University, we are beginning to see problems in the Boston University grading policy that will have adverse effects on not only our immediate but our distant futures as students and professionals. The university has implemented a policy of grade deflation, where most, if not all, classes curve or award grades so the average course grade lies in the C to C+ range, and only sometimes in the C+ to B- range. With this we see two major problems in the Boston University grading policy. One problem is the fact that the university grades on a class curve. Certain percentages of students in each class will receive certain grades, regardless of their efforts and achievements. The GPA of these students can be solely based on how they compare to the students in their class, not how they achieve in accordance to the class material. The second problem lies in the extremely low average grades of the classes at the university. Students may be able to achieve the highest level of learning a class has to offer and still receive a below average grade based on a curve professors implement in efforts to preserve their own positions in the university. This policy is geared toward polishing the image of Boston University. By accepting students of the highest ability and achievement levels from all around the world and awarding grades below their abilities and achievements, Boston University is attempting to appear as a more challenging university. This perception, however, is misleading. If students are capable of achieving the highest academic standards yet are awarded with grades below their achievement levels, where is the challenge Only a very elite few students will earn the grades they deserve while others will be left with grades lower than they deserve. This policy is demoralizing to students. When the maximum amount of effort is applied from a student of outstanding ability and the award in return is below their achievement, these students lose motivation to continue such efforts. The image of Boston University years from now will not help current students attain jobs, receive internships, or be accepted to graduate schools. The grades students leave with from the university are more important now then the image of the university and the administration is not taking this into consideration. The Boston University grading policy may have long term effects on not only the students of the university but the university itself. When students graduate and become alumni, they will not forget the grading policy of the university. The alumni are major factors in funding the university. When prospective students learn of the grading policy at Boston University, they will keep this in mind when making the final decision on which school they want a diploma from. This petition is geared toward the students, faculty, and administration of Boston University in an effort to open talks of review and consider revision to the Boston University grading policy. For the sake of the students of Boston University and Boston University itself, please strongly consider signing this petition. This petition will be delivered to the president of Boston University upon receiving an adequate amount of signatures. Please pass this petition link to everyone who may be willing to help, be it BU students, family members, faculty, friends, or anyone else.

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