1. Grading Guidelines for grading in CIS 602

2. New Grading Policy The Computer Science Department has become concerned about grade inflation and has developed the following guidelines for graduate courses: –A – 25% of the class –B+ – 25% of the class –B – 30% of the class If I deviate from these percentages, I have to be able to justify doing so. While I will not apply these standards rigidly, I now have definite standards for each grade.

3. Requirement for A You must demonstrate clear proficiency in original programming with Java to get an A. Your final project will be the most important consideration in determining this. A project that you get from a previous semester or the web and then modify will not qualify. The project must also be well planned, tested, and on-time. A students will also help to support less capable students on Web Board and help to improve the lectures and demos for the course.

4. Charity Grades Usually, students who clearly demonstrate the skills required for an A will have an average of 95% or above. There is no limit on the number of A grades I will give to these students. If fewer than 25% of the students in a class meet these requirements, I will give a few A grades to students who came close.

5. Requirement for B+ In general, B+ students will meet the same requirements as A students, with less originality. Their demonstrated competence may be less convincing, or they may not help in supporting other students or in improving the course. They will complete all assignments on time and have them work properly.

6. Requirement for B B students will be distinguished from B+ students mainly by lesser performance on assignments or tests, or not completing all parts of an assignment, or not being on time. The final project may also be the main differentiator between B and B+.

7. C Students Students who are habitually late with assignments, do them poorly, or recycle other people’ programs instead of showing original work will get a C or C+. In addition, anyone who uses ANY code or documentation from someone else without giving credit cannot get a grade higher than C+.

8. Changing Grades From experience, I have found that the students who complain about grades are usually the worst students, so I seldom change grades. One or two low grades is irrelevant for a good student, as the requirement for a good grade is to demonstrate skill by the end of the semester. Therefore, only mediocre students have to worry about grades.

9. Software Inspections Classroom Students are required to attend all Software Inspections scheduled for 6 Fridays. You must come prepared with 5 copies of the code to be inspected and your planning documents. For each two inspections that you miss or are not prepared for, your final grade will be lowered half a grade (A to B+, B+ to B, B to C+, etc.)

10. Typical letter from B student Esteemed, Respected Professor Blank: I really worked hard in this class and expected an A. I got A’s on most of my homework. I won’t get into the PhD program, my mother won’t love me, and my fiancé won’t marry me unless I get an A. Please change my grade to A. Desperate

11. My typical response Dear Desperate: I think you must have me confused with another instructor. I teach computer science, not begging. Sincerely yours, Professor Blank

12. Test grades - programming Programming problems on test will usually have components that you should be able to do with experience from the homework plus new material that will test your ability to use Java documentation. I try to make the test so difficult that no-one can do everything, yet grade leniently so that someone who has done the homework and learned how to use documentation should do well.

13. Exam Alternative Students who make a major revision to a lecture or create a new lecture may be excused from an exam. Only students who do exceptional homework, are active in providing technical support on Web Board and request permission in advance may do a presentation. Most students who qualify to do this would get an A on the exam, so it may not mean much. It does help me remember you when I write letters of recommendation.