AELP Grading Changes (effective fall 2013)

In my September 12, 2012, memo concerning the role of grades in American English Language Program (AELP) courses in the calculation of students’ grade point averages, I indicated a spring 2013 implementation target. Based on thoughtful feedback from the Faculty Council, I am shifting the implementation to the fall 2013 semester. This will allow more time to communicate the significance of this grade change to faculty and students.
As stated in my earlier memo, the learning outcomes for AELP courses have not changed. The courses are immensely valuable to students who are preparing to work toward a degree, certificate, or to transfer. While a change in the handling of course grades has an institutional impact on AELP students’ grade point averages, there is no change in the course or learning outcomes. AELP will continue to provide students with the highest quality language-learning journey.

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All AELP courses will now be 5 credit hours effective spring 2013.
The following information is from Dr. Pearl’s e-mail dated Oct 5, 2012
Hi Debra,

“I am accepting the recommendation that I have received concerning the recording of grades for AELP classes into BANNER. The classes will receive traditional grades of A, B, C, D, F and etc. but for the purposes of recording into the BANNER system and reporting they should have a symbol attached to them. Thus the grades will be recorded at A1, B2, and etc. as an example”.

“The AELP grades will not be counted towards the calculation of the student’s GPA and the courses will not be counted as earned hours. The credit value of the classes will be determined by the billable hours for the student”.
• The grades for these courses (EL 101, EL 102, EL 103, EL 104, EL 110, EL 111, RD 101, RD 102, RD 103, SP 102) will be A1, B1, C1, D1, and F1. In regards to the number added to the letter grade ,it will not impact prerequisite or assessment level checking in Banner. In other words, Banner only recognizes the Numeric Value for each grade (for example A=40 and A1=40).

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Debra Ritenour
240-567-8098