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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume. 34, Number 12. June 16, 1971

Does the scheme have disadvantages for students?

Does the scheme have disadvantages for students?

Any scheme of regulations will contain some apparent injustices, the aim of reform is to minimize perceived injustices. Like all reforms, the new B.A. degree has certain disadvantages.

1/ Whereas under the present unit system a student may fail in one paper and yet gain a passing grade for the unit as a whole, under the sub-unit course system each paper will be credited separately.

Thus, whereas under the present system a student in Political Science I may get 48 for paper A and 53 for paper B and so obtain a passing grade for the whole unit, under the new system assuming that the papers were available for separate credit at 6 credits each he would obtain only 6 credits or half of a present unit.

This disadvantage is partially offset by the obverse case; a student who under the present unit system gets marks of 40 and 53 now gets no credit wheras under the new system he would again get 6 credits.

University statistics do however reveal that the number of students who would fall into the first catagory, do outnumber the latter type of case.

This disadvantage may well be minimized however, to the extent that students will presumably be more likely to choose those courses in which they are likely to be interested and/or successful.

2/ At least in the initial transition period, the new system is liable to be cumbersome and rather confusing for staff and students alike. The benefits of the new system are likely to be realised only slowly, and students in the meantime will face problems of adaption.

3/ Under the new regulations the number of separate courses available will be greatly increased. This fact has important implications for academic counselling in the faculty. It will obviously be essential for students to be able to receive better advice on their choice of courses than they have commonly received in the past.

The academic staff are aware of this and preparations are being made to disseminate information on he new system and the details of courses which will be offered in 1972. Students who are enrolled this year should familiarize themselves with the new system and learn how to take advantage of it. Start asking questions now and don't leave it till March next year.