Western Oregon University Implements New Strength-based Grading Policy
Since 1856, Western Oregon University has been committed to the region, to serving the people of Oregon, and to the core values of student success. As an innovative public liberal arts institution historically serving first-generation college students from all four corners of the state, Western is announcing the implementation of a strength-based grade approach that recognizes, embraces, and focuses on student competencies and achievements. “We believe in the growth, learning, and potential of all Western Oregon University students, and this grading standard lets everyone know that we plan to walk with them every step of the way,” said President Jesse Peters.
Beginning this 2024-25 academic year, the institutional academic grading regulation will reflect a grade range of A through D. The letter grades of D- and F will be replaced with No Credit (NC) for undergraduate students. The grade of NC will be used in instances where the student does not meet the course learning objectives and will not negatively impact student GPAs.
This change is intended to alleviate the pressure of learning, foster academic exploration, reduce grade anxiety, and shift focus to the student’s academic possibilities, and strengths.This is key since many students who struggle in a course in their first year of college are discouraged from remaining engaged. A Western student earning a F during their first two quarters is 60 percent less likely to be retained. Conversely, students who earn NC in courses designated as Satisfactory/No Credit have a retention rate of 83 percent.
Provost Jose Coll explains that the new grade annotation will not lower standards but is instead a way to focus on student learning outcomes and increase retention and graduation rates. “GPAs will now be a true reflection of student success and course mastery; failures will no longer mask the demonstrated abilities of our students when they pass courses,” he says.
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