Indiana University Kelley School of Business Implements New Grading Policy to Address Grade Inflation

What's Happening?

The Indiana University Kelley School of Business has introduced a new grading policy aimed at addressing grade inflation within its Communication, Professional and Computer Skills (CPS) department. Faculty members have been instructed to eliminate grade rounding, remove the A-plus grade option, and maintain average section GPAs between 3.3 and 3.5. This decision was communicated via an email from Polly Graham, the business writing course coordinator, highlighting concerns over elevated grades during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent semesters. The policy was implemented without faculty discussion or approval, affecting courses staffed entirely by lecturers without tenure protections. Additionally, an attendance policy has been enforced, allowing up to three absences without penalty, with stricter consequences for additional absences.

Why It's Important?

The new grading policy at the Kelley School of Business reflects a broader trend among business schools to enforce grade distributions to maintain academic rigor and fairness. By setting GPA targets, the school aims to ensure that grades accurately reflect student performance, potentially impacting students' academic records and future career opportunities. The policy may also influence the school's reputation and competitiveness, as it tightens admissions standards in response to increased popularity and application numbers. Faculty concerns about the artificial limits on student success highlight the ongoing debate over balancing academic rigor with student achievement.

What's Next?

The Kelley School of Business will monitor the implementation of the new grading policy through check-ins with CPS leadership, providing formative support to faculty as needed. The school may face further scrutiny from faculty and students regarding the impact of these changes on academic success and fairness. As the policy is applied, the school may need to address concerns and adjust its approach to ensure it aligns with its educational goals and maintains its reputation as a leading business school.