Grades:

• Grades are a summary judgment, a reduction of an entire term's work into one letter.

• The university uses an A – F marking scheme; so do I.

  • A excellent

  • B good

  • C average

  • D poor

  • F failure

  • See http://dictionary.reference.com/ for my understanding of the above terms.

• I do not give percentages on evaluations and then convert these numbers into summary evaluations.

• Marks earned on any evaluation instrument will receive A, B, C, D or F.

• While I may choose to have a brief discussion with your regarding any mark you earn, all serious issues about a particular mark must be done in writing, email preferred.

• The above item does not apply to interactive grading sessions.

• If you do all work perfectly on every evaluation instrument, you will have earned a B.

• To earn an A in my classes, you must show intellectual initiative.
  
  

  How the grades in my classes are allocated:

  • The syllabus will have “Grading TBD”.

  • Marking allocation is not determined by me.

  • Marking allocation is divided between projects and other work.

  • It is determined by the class as a whole, by a preferential vote.

  • The allocation of percentages between project[s] and / or examination[s] is determined later in the term.

  • This gives you [the student] a chance to control your own outcomes, after you have had on opportunity to assess how your effort allocation, learning style and methods of presenting work mesh with my evaluation rubrics and techniques.

  Appeals:

  • As near as I can tell, the University permits appeals of grades only in instances of arbitrary and capricious marking. Please do not waste my time and yours with claims that your personal life has adversely impacted your ability to perform and that I should raise your mark [ie, apply an arbitrary and capricious standard] because of these issues.

  And... if you think I'm kidding:

  • “You're keeping me from graduating.”: Two students, who needed courses I was teaching in order to graduate, did not graduate as each failed their respective course.

  Team projects:

  • No complaints about team member performance after six weeks into the term.