Proposal to change pass/fail deadline goes to University Council for approval

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by Greg Zwisler

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The proposal to move the pass/fail deadline to the 10th week of classes is one step closer to approval.

Currently, students have the option to designate a class pass/fail up to the fourth week of classes. "You don't have to predetermine which class you're going to blow off," Hanszen College junior Ken Cullen said.

This sentiment causes concern among the faculty body who has the final say in approving the proposal.

"I am not concerned with whether the deadline is four or 10 [weeks]," Chemistry Professor Lon Wilson said. "However, I am fundamentally concerned with the pass/fail option as students use it contrary to its intended purpose."

The faculty originally approved the pass/fail option to allow students to explore higher level classes outside their major. However, some faculty opposed the move outright.

"It sounds kind of wussy to me," Chemistry Professor Richard Smalley said.

Despite concerns that the students are misusing the privilege of the pass/fail option, Director of Academic Advising Mark Scheid said that the proposal would expand student options.

"If students are going to get to take courses pass/fail to avoid a low grade, it makes sense to let them get some data [on their class performance] rather than just having to guess how they're going to do," Scheid said.

The Registrar's Office reports that it is rare for a graduate to have used all four pass/fail opportunities. The great majority of classes are designated pass/fail during pre-registration. Only approximately 50 to 75 people add the option during the week before the deadline.

"We see a relatively steady flow all three weeks [after classes start]," Registrar James G. Williamson said.

The proposal originated with Student Association Internal Vice President Michael Munson. The SA approved it and passed it onto the Committee for Undergraduate Curriculum. The proposal will next be reviewed by the University Council. If approved, the Faculty Council will decide on the matter by early October.

This item appeared in the News section of the April 26, 1996 issue.

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