FYW ABC or NC

Dear Colleagues:

In the QCC English dept. we are looking into changing the grading system for ENGL 101, our first semester writing course. With the lowering of the pass rate on the Regents exam, we have noticed a higher fail rate in our 101 courses over the last few years. We have started toying with the idea of moving to a pass (A through C) or no credit designation. My MA alma mater, U of TN, had this system. After three attempts, students had to take 101 “elsewhere.” This elsewhere was generally assumed to be one of the local community colleges. I do not know if, since we’re a CC, this would complicate a transition like this.

I have spent some time on most of the CUNY English dept. websites, but it’s difficult to tell if schools have this grading system or a more traditional A-F one. If any of you have a NC grade or are transitioning to one, it would help me to know. You could either post your response here or write to me directly at [email protected]

Thanks.

best,

John Talbird
Coordinator of the Writing Program
Queensborough Community College