Canadian University adds "FD" to grading scale

Students know the letter grade "F" means fail, but what about "FD?"

CTVBC.com reported that Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada is taking punishment to a whole new level by adopting a new grade of "FD," which means failure with dishonesty. This is now the worst possible grade a student can receive.

Rob Gordon, director of criminology at SFU and acting chair of the senate committee on academic integrity, said the new grading is intended to curtail cheating using the Internet.

"What used to be a lot of cheating in libraries has changed quite significantly," Gordon said. "We now have to be concerned about cheating during exams with high-tech devices and the inappropriate use of Internet sources and downloading, including online companies offering services to students that promote academic dishonesty."

Department chairs can impose the "FD" grade if they feel the incident warrants a severe penalty.

Gordon said the new grade will only be used in cases of dishonesty.

The grade has yet to be used in its introductory semester, however, it will stay on the student's transcripts for two years after graduation.

Some students say it's unfair to carry the stigma of the grade into the working world.

"Two years loss of your life is a bit too far," said Olid Amid, Simon Fraser student.

However, some students said they feel the grade will finally hold cheaters accountable for their actions.

Student John Aubrey said the grade "makes it a lot easier for those of us who don't cheat to get good grades and to not worry about the people who are cheating."

Even though this grading system is fairly new, other universities have already began implementing its own system. The University of Alberta gives cheaters an "F8" or "F9," which is reduced to an "F" after three years.

"In our case, we give the students a chance to redeem themselves," Dean of Students Frank Robinson said. "[In] three years they can graduate and have a clean record and get on with life."

I have never been a fan of cheating, which is why I agree with this grading system. There is no excuse for plagiarism or being too lazy to study. If you're in college, then it's time to study. You knew going into it that it wasn't all fun and games.

This grading system should be considered in the United States, especially with all the new technology that makes it easier for students to cheat. However, cheating is a choice and if you make that choice then an "FD" is what you should receive.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know Why Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss

Tune in to 88.3 FM Murfreesboro

This week's news topic is about a new book and documentary titled "Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss." The book and film are about female Canadian teens who trade sex for money, drugs and apparently homework. The overall consensus of the film is how oral sex has become more acceptable and isn't considered sex by teenagers.

However, the film also talks in depth about teen prostitution and how the girls becoming involved are from wealthy suburban homes. Apparently, children as young as 11 are turning to prostitution for money. But if these young girls are from rich households then why do they need to turn to prostitution? Things don't seem to add up here, so I'm guessing that they are seeking attention and a chance to be the most popular girl in school with the guys. Lame.

Some girls may take on the role of a prostitute, but others find themselves stepping into the shoes of a pimp. They call themselves girl recruiters. They become good friends with girls and then trade them to men for money and/or drugs.

Things sure have changed since I was in high school...