Pass/fail courses pass
Personal Interest Credits could ease pressure on student’s GPAs, leading to a better education and an escape from their comfort zone.
Beginning in September, Arts and Science students can designate up to six credits as pass/fail — which means their final grade won’t appear on their transcript or affect their GPA if they get above a D- in the course.
While pass/fail credits may not entirely relieve the pressure for a perfect GPA, this option will allow students to take courses they’re interested in outside their discipline, without having to risk their future prospects.
If the purpose of education is creating well-rounded, holistic individuals, this is a worthwhile objective. While one course may not make a degree, it can change your perspective or offer an alternative educational path.
Regardless of whether you think the point of university is to get a good job, or just a good education, there isn’t much to disagree with regarding this change.
And hopefully, other faculties will jump on the bandwagon.
The pass/fail option was spearheaded by Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) President Brandon Jamieson and Vice President Andrew DiCapua, who promised it during their campaign last year. It’s admirable to see student politicians stick to their guns and accomplish the goals they set out at the beginning of the year, especially goals with a lasting impact.
Hopefully ArtSci students will take advantage of this chance and go outside their normal area of expertise — learn a new language, stargaze in astronomy class, tackle basic physics, or join political discussions that you might not agree with.
When you only have to pass, there’s a lot more room to fail.
