Days before Georgia State University students resume classes, Wendy Hensel, the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, offers guidance to faculty on assessments and grading going forward.
In a lengthy message, Provost Hensel details a revised final exam schedule, the deadline extension for class withdraws, and the need to reconsider final grades. The provost also tells faculty they are considered ‘essential business’ under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom’s latest stay-at-home order but should consider if they can work from home.
Several final exam dates remain the same, aside from May dates, but the university adds a window for tests to be complete. Students will have 60 hours to complete an exam unless a professor chooses to add a limit.
The university also expands the deadline for a student to withdraw from a class to April 17. Students receive two courses to withdraw if they need it. Withdraws result in a “W” and a student who has already reached the limit of six withdraws are still able to use this option.
Provost Hensel tells professors to rethink grading habits because of the transition both faculty and students have to undergo.
“As you consider what typically would be an ‘A’ to ‘F’ performance, you should take into account the context in which we are operating,” Provost Hensel says. “What may seem like below average performance in normal times may reflect real achievement under the circumstances.”
The provost also tells faculty to offer a “low risk” assignment for students. This aims to test the waters of comfort for students.
In regards to testing, Provost Hensel says the university offers two online proctoring resources to administer tests. One locks a student’s web browser, and another records a student through video in the case they are suspected of cheating.
The provost clarifies that no in-person testing will not be offered. Final exams that must be taken by students at the same time must receive permission from the dean of their college.
The university extends the deadline for grade submissions to May 11 to allow faculty the possibility to assess examination styles. The University Registrar also extends the length of final grades in efforts to avoid assigning an “incomplete” to students.
The message also says the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers rubric recommendations for professors. The website also offers resources for students during the transition.
Note: This article was written for PRN, the student-led news station at Georgia State University.
