No explanation required: Prof lets students choose own grades

09 Aug 2017

A professor at the University of Georgia is allegedly allowing his students to choose their grades as they deem “appropriate”, reports The Washington Times.

The move is part of a policy to help students avoid “profound consequences” from any undue stress over their grades.

“If you feel unduly stressed by a grade for any assessable material or the overall course, you can email the instructor indicating what grade you think is appropriate, and it will be so changed,” reads the policy that appears in the online syllabi for two of Watson’s business courses this Fall.

“No explanation is required, but it is requested you consider waiting 24 hours before emailing the instructor.”

Dr Richard Watson is the J. Rex Fuqua Distinguished Chair for Internet Strategy at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business’s Department of Management Information Systems.

According to Campus Reform, both Data Management and Energy Informatics tests and exams” will be in the open book and open notes format, “designed to assess low-level mastery of the course material.”

Only positive comments will be allowed during in-class presentations. Less favourable ones aimed at improving future presentations will be sent via email instead.

UGA professor Dr. Richard Watson is allowing students to choose their own grade if it causes them stress. #Lit pic.twitter.com/yb4ZKbn61j

— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) August 7, 2017

The professor noted in the policy students bear the responsibility if this policy “hinder the development of group skills and mastery of the class material”, adding, however, he will provide “every opportunity” for his students to gain “high-level mastery”.

According to CSC Media Group, which was first to pick this story up, Watson has removed the Stress Reduction Policy from the syllabi since the publication of their news report. CSC has also been asked to issue a retraction. A screenshot of the initial policy on CSC appears to show such a policy was put up.

Study International News has reached out to Dr Watson for comment.