Student transcripts could look a little different next year after the implementation of contextual grading and the new XF grade.
The new grading system would require that an “X” is added to an “F” grade when a student is convicted of violating the Honor Code.
The “X” notation may be removed only if the student responsible participates in an ethics course which proves their renewed understanding of academic integrity, said Dean of Students Jonathan Sauls. However, making the effort to remove the “X” is completely voluntary.
Sauls said the XF grade will improve the honor system while allowing students to gain a better understanding of the University’s academic standards.
Although the proposal is awaiting formal approval by the Faculty Council and Chancellor Carol Folt, Sauls said he is confident it will pass.
The notation is used by a number of other schools, Sauls said, but not all of those institutions allow students the opportunity to remove the “X” from their transcript.
“We thought it was important to have that redemptive quality,” Sauls said. “There’s an educative component for students to learn and grow from mistakes.”
The XF grade is one of several methods UNC is using to change its approach to academic conduct. UNC will also implement contextual grading in the fall that will show how well a student did in a course compared to their classmates.
Theresa Raphael-Grimm, chairwoman of the educational policy committee, said contextual grading will tell graduate schools more about an individual’s academic achievement while also curbing grade inflation over time.
