October 15, 1999 NEWS 5 New gradiiig system adopted in fian term BY SUMMER WORLEY With a plus here and a minus there, a new system of grading has made its way into academics. This fall, faculty members may now attach a ‘plus’ or ‘minus’ to a students grade. Under the old scale, the system was blocked in such a way that a student who received a numerical grade of 88 made the same B grade as some one who received an 82. Without consulting each indi vidual instructor about each student in each course, it could not be deter mined that a B- would have been a B and not a C. The new system now adds pluses and minuses, resulting in the following letter/number assign ments; A;4.0, A-;3.7, B-h;3.3, B;3.0, B-;2.7, C+\23, C;2.0, C-;1.7, D;l, F;0. According to Dr. Tom Tait, pro fessor of what? and head of the aca demic standards committee, the plus/ minus system will help evaluate stu dent performance more precisely. Students and members of SGA, student government association, question how the new system will effect overall GPAs. Concern lies mainly in the grade of a C-. A C- is less than a 2.0 GPA (a 1.7). This makes a C- a failing grade. Under the old system, it would require a “B” to balance off a “D.” With the new scale, a “C-I-” would balance off a “C-” for a 2.00 GPA. “A ‘C’ is defined as “satisfac tory performance,” a ‘D’ as “below average performance-lowest passing grade” and an ‘F’ as “failure” under both the old and new systems,” clari fied Tait. “My understanding of the 2.00 GPA requirement for graduation is that Brevard College wants to insure that its graduates have performed academically to a satisfac tory level.” Moving Mountains Fall Service Days Call Linda Helms at 884-8275 or email her for more info. October 23: “Make a Difference Day” Join millions as they help others; $2.6 million will be donated to local charities across the nation. At Brevard College. Walk for Diabetes Sponsored by Medical Services; Contact is Leigh Ann Johnson. In the City of Brevard: Food Drive, Cake Walk and other fundraisers! October 30: Dupont State Forest Join our effort to become good stewards of the forest! Trail Maintenance and clean-up. Enjoy the forest. November 6:“House for the Holidays” Habitat for Humanity. Volunteer to help build a house for a family in the Twin Springs area of Asheville. Other Opportunities for Community Service: (Dates to be Announced) Koala Day Care: Koala is a day care for the elderly; rake leaves, help with chores. MAGIC; Make green spaces for urban areas; work with children with MAGIC ‘‘Freedom of Fir^’ Brevard College is proud to announce the “ Freedom of fire “ Na tional Ceramics Invitational beginning October 20 through November 5. The location of this spectacular display of Ceramic artwork will be set in Spiers Gallery, Sims art center. Viewing hours are between 10 a.m. and 5;30 p.m. there is no charge and all are invited to view the exhibit. On display will be the best work of nearly a dozen of the best ceramic artists who fire their work with wood in the country. Among the artists invited are Linda Christianson of Lindstorm MN Judith Duff from Cedar mountain NC Niel Estrick Ames, Iowa Tom Kearcher Portland,OR Lynne Johnson of Courtenay,B.C. Jan McKeachie-Johnston- River Falls, Minasota Don Rietz from Clakdale, AZ Wil Shynkaruk-Fargo North Dakota A1 Tennant of Koopville, WA And Shannon Williams of Bozeman Montana. The types of work ranges from purely functional works to sculptural pieces as well. Don t miss the extravagant display of wood fired ceramic masterpieces here at Brevard College. WELCOME BREVARD COLLEGE Students ft Faeulfyl f BEST suneenss SHAKES IN TOWN! m>mr, this AD in rot A fHEC SHM |M/M mu nem a tumw emcK OUT OIK eatmi stori too! n’SPHATl 0!)lumblQ Sportswear for M«\ & Women! Ouldoor 1 Casual OotNng Naot Shoes j Dowiriawn Brevaid Op«» DalyTiePni 8C2-*700