The resolution for the adoption of an A+ being added to the grading scale was passed with a majority vote at Wichita State’s Student Senate meeting Wednesday. 

The resolution will recommend the unversity add an honorary A+ to transcripts. This grade does not increase GPA or diminish the value of a regular A. The percentages that deem an A+ are at the discretion of the class instructor. 

“It will only show exceptional academic performance,” said Nazanin Kasirosafar, SGA’s Academic Affairs chair.

A survey was conducted and sent out on ShockerBlast, which is an official online newsletter accessible to the entire student body for keeping track of student organizations, sports clubs and various campus events. 

The survey had 309 responses. 

Business Senator Jamie Winslow brought up a point of discussion comparing the survey’s sample size to the student body population.

“The survey only included about 300 students compared to the 18,000 that go here, and that just doesn’t convey what the actual student population might want.” Said Winslow.

Student Services Chairperson Riley Hanson rebutted. 

“The survey is meant to support the legislation. It is not the legislation in (and) of itself,” Hansen said. “Over 300 participants is amazing in any capacity for a survey, let alone a non-research survey that is only encompassing 18,000 students. Additionally, due to the fact that every student was sent it via the shocker blast, every student had the same opportunity to take the survey.”

Despite concerns raised about whether the perspective of 309 students should dictate a change to the grading scale, the resolution passed with 16 in favor and 7 opposed.

The Student Senate meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in room 233 of the Rhatigan Student Center. 

Senate meetings are broadcast live on SGA’s YouTube channel.