Academic Programs Committee Reports

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
FOR INFORMATION ONLY


PRESENTED BY: Jim Merriam, Chair, Academic Programs Committee

DATE OF MEETING: June 16 , 2005

SUBJECT: Changes to University Examination Regulations
DECISION REQUESTED: That Council approve changes to the University Examination Regulations as shown on the attached material, effective immediately.



SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL:
The Academic Programs Committee has reviewed changes to the University's Examination Regulations suggested by Student Enrolment and Services Division. Some of these changes are primarily editorial, based on implementation of the Banner system, and others reflect recent changes made by colleges to their own examination

The changes being proposed were outlined in detail in the May 19 Council Agenda package [Item 10.1] They have also been discussed and, where necessary, given formal approval at the College level. They are now being brought to Council for University-level approval. The proposal includes the following substantive changes:

  • Establishing the principle that instructors will assign to all students a computed percentage final grade in a course (along with an appropriate grade comment) instead of the non-percentile grades of ABS/ABF (Absent/Absent Failure), INC/INF (Incomplete/Incomplete Failure), and WF (Withdrawal Failure). (Note: these non-numeric codes will still accompany the percentage final grade, but as comments rather than as the grades themselves) (see Exam Regulations 1.4.7-1.4.9).

  • Addressing the unusual scenario whereby a student with a sufficiently high course average could pass a course with a computed percentage final grade even without writing the final examination. It is proposed that in such cases an appropriate failing grade of 49% be assigned (1.4.8.a.ii and 1.4.9.a.ii)

ADDITIONAL REVISIONS

The Committee had intended to hold a discussion about these changes at the May, 2005 Council meeting, to determine whether any additional revisions should be made before presenting this to Council for approval.

Because that discussion could not be held, the Committee has asked Council members by email to raise any questions or issues of concern prior to the Council meeting, so that any additional revisions could be circulated to Council in advance.

Attached is a memo from Jim Merriam, Chair of the Academic Programs Committee, which lists the additional revisions which have been made to the regulations in response to questions raised by members of Council.

ATTACHMENTS:

Memo from AVP David Hannah regarding Examination Regulation changes

Memo from Jim Merriam, Chair, Academic Programs Committee regarding additional changes being made following consultation with Council members

University Council Regulations on Examinations showing the changes which are to be approved.