The SGA meeting held Sept. 27 discussed a possible switch from the current 4.0 GPA scale.

The proposed change would mean students who made straight A’s are not guaranteed to receive a 4.0. Instead, the new proposal would require students to make a 93 and above to achieve a 4.0.

“One of the questions asked in the meeting was if the administration had any research to back up the supposed benefits of the proposal,” said Freshman Forum Advisor for Senate Holly Dunbar.

Ross Alexander, vice president for academic affairs and provost, said he and Amber Paulk, sociology and family science professor, have not gathered research on the proposal.

Paulk said she thought it was a good idea based on her personal experience at the previous institution where she taught. The grading system allows her to reward students who work hard because it is possible for a student on the lower end of 10 points to work a little harder and actually get a few points higher on their GPA.

“The con to the current system is that I can’t reward students appropriately,” Paulk said. “From what I’ve read, the pros outweigh the cons.”

Dunbar said Alexander and Paulk told SGA the switch would make the university look more prestigious and increase the value and make the university’s reputation look better. The proposal came from the idea of moving to D1.

She said students who briefly expressed their concerns stated that for many students, an 80 or 90 is their best effort, and the new system would not change their work ethic.

“We were told to have a decision before December, so we may discuss it on and off for several weeks,” Holcombe said.

Dunbar said if the proposal passes, the new system will begin in the fall 2019 semester. Students who are already at UNA, would not be grandfathered into the current policy if SGA voted to change it.

“My personal stance right now is not determined,” Holcombe said. “I have yet to have the time to look over the academic papers about the subject that were given this weekend.”

He said there are senators on both sides of the fence, but he is confident everyone will review the information given to them with an open mind.

“We want to make sure that we are making the best decision for campus,” Holcombe said.

Alexander said if the senate voted the proposal down, the process will end the proposal there because the administration values student opinion.

The decision has been tabled by the senate and will be discussed in further meetings. Senate meetings are every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in SGA room on the first floor of the Guillot University Center. For questions or concerns, email [email protected].