A+ Grade Point Change FAQs

A+ grades will earn 4.0 grade points instead of 4.33 grade points beginning Fall 2018. Some frequently asked questions about this change are below.

When will the change go into effect?

The change will go into effect for all A+ grades earned during and after the Fall 2018 semester.

Since I matriculated while A+ was 4.33, will I be grandfathered into the old GPA calculation?

No. All A+ grades earned during and after the Fall 2018 semester, regardless of a student's matriculation term or student level, will receive 4.0 grade points in GPA calculations.

Will the A+ grades I earned in the past still count as a 4.33 in GPA calculations?

Yes, all A+ grades earned prior to Fall 2018 will use 4.33 grade points in GPA calculations.

Will this change how other grades (A, A-, B+, etc.) are calculated into my GPA?

There is no effect on other grades. Only the A+ has had the earned grade points changed.

How will any A+ grades I earn during or after Fall 2018 show up on my transcript?

For all A+ grades, the grade points earned for the course will be computed by taking the credit hours and multiplying them by 4.0, instead of 4.33.

Why did Faculty Senate decide to make this change?

The Faculty Senate convened a working group on grade inflation. Detailed explanations for the approved motions can be found here. In particular, review Motion #2.

When did Faculty Senate decide to do this?

The Faculty Senate decided this at the March 26, 2014 meeting.

Why is there a four-year gap between when Faculty Senate decided to change the grade points for A+ grades and when that change is actually happening?

In general, the date was pushed out so that the first incoming class was notified of the change upon matriculation. According to the minutes of the March 26, 2014 Faculty Senate meeting, "It was noted that the implementation date of Fall 2018 must be included in the General Announcements for 2014-2015 so that the Fall 2014 incoming students are notified."