In Bozeman we do not transfer in GPA. We do post the courses with grades (noted with a T to indicate that they are transfer grades) but do not post a transfer GPA. We state in the catalog that “Only credits taken at MSU are used to compute the cumulative grade point average.”
Strong arguments can be made on either side of this issue – I think the national standards are “be clear, be consistent.”
Interestingly, I just talked to Cheri. Our schools approach this differently and we are both dealing with strong willed, persistent, and articulate individuals wishing that we did this “the other way.” Whichever way a school chooses to go they will end up with strong willed, persistent and articulate people who are disadvantaged by the policy. That said, I do think the national standard of clear and consistent needs to rule the day.
The alternative is to allow this to be addressed by the Board of Regents. Have a state policy set and then we can refer those disadvantaged to the board. However, as Charity points out, this can lead to discussions about variability in grading policy and practice.
Tony
Tony Campeau
Registrar
Montana State University
406.994.2604
RESPECT … INTEGRITY … STUDENT SUCCESS … EXCELLENCE
From: MACRAO Listserv [mailto:MACRAO@listserv.gfcmsu.edu] On Behalf Of Charity Walters
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 4:26 PM
To: MACRAO@listserv.gfcmsu.edu
Subject: Re: Cumulative GPA Question
At Western, transfer GPA is not calculated into the cumulative GPA though we do record it In other areas of Banner for tracking purposes. We are working on starting to post all transfer credit and letter grades on transcripts, but this will not include be included in the GPA calculation. Before this new project of posting all transfer work started, we have just recorded summary credits of transfer work. The summary credits policy started about 10 years ago and if anyone is considering using summary credits instead of list credits I would not recommend it. That decision 10 years ago has caused a whole mess of issues now as we move towards more computer oriented registration, advising, and graduation procedures.
In regards to posting it on the transcripts I did have one conversation with the faculty when I first got here a few years ago(as they in general are the ones that typically say no whenever we pursue this option) and the concern that emerged from the conversation was they want students to feel like they are getting a “fresh start”. Even when we explain to them that students aren’t really getting a fresh start because yes their transcript at Western may say this, but their previous work is still used in multiple areas (i.e. financial aid, entering academic status) it still comes down to for them that the perception is still important.
It’s been a couple of years since I looked at the nationwide data or potential trends, but from when I last looked at it (Spring 2013) I couldn’t find any standards or trends emerging related to this issue.
To be honest I’m careful with this conversation as it can open another whole can of worms related to grading. (i.e. a faction that believe W grades should not be recorded on transcripts and if a student drops it should completely disappear from the record).
Charity
Charity Walters| Registrar and Director of Institutional Research | The University of Montana Western | 710 South Atlantic Street | Dillon, Montana 59725 |
Phone 406.683.7471
From: MACRAO Listserv [mailto:MACRAO@LISTSERV.GFCMSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Johannes, Cheri
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 4:05 PM
To: MACRAO@LISTSERV.GFCMSU.EDU
Subject: Cumulative GPA Question
Good afternoon,
Could you kindly respond what the policy is at your respective institutions for either including or not including transfer work (ie. calculating credits/GPA vs. just T-lettergrade) in your cumulative GPA and if you have any history on why or why not this is your institutional policy ? And/or, if you have any AACRAO related information on regional or national trends/practices ?
Thank you!
Cheri
To unsubscribe from the MACRAO list, click the following link:
http://listserv.gfcmsu.edu/scripts/wa.exe?TICKET=NzM1Nzg5IGNfd2FsdGVyc0BVTVdFU1RFUk4uRURVIE1BQ1JBTyNcJ84joHBX&c=SIGNOFF
To unsubscribe from the MACRAO list, click the following link:
http://listserv.gfcmsu.edu/scripts/wa.exe?TICKET=NzM1Nzg5IHRjYW1wZWF1QE1PTlRBTkEuRURVIE1BQ1JBTxAttOmHzhLi&c=SIGNOFF
