The dean’s list GPA requirement was raised this semester from a 3.5 to a 3.8. According to Dan Sullivan, associate dean of the College of Undergraduate studies, the change was made to ensure that the dean’s list only recognizes students in the top 10 percent academically and to promote consistent recognition across all programs. What do you think of this change?
Laura Enzinna, junior biology major
“I think it’s a ridiculous standard, considering that an A- is a 3.7. If you are getting top tier grades, then you still can’t be on the dean’s list. It cuts out a lot of students. I understand why they want to trim it down to 10 percent, but that’s what honors is supposed to be for and not the dean’s list.”
Victoria Leon, freshman psychology major
“It’s a pretty big change, but when you tell me you’re part of the dean’s list, you should be in the top 10 percent of the school. So I think it makes sense.”
Faria Chowdhury, junior biology major
“I think it’s ridiculous and unrealistic. People who get below a 3.8 GPA should be recognized as well. It’s hard. It’s not easy out there.”
Hunter Bolton, freshman business administration major
“I think the change makes sense. As the years have gone by, educational standards have gotten higher, so it makes sense to raise the standards here too. It’s probably going to upset people who made the dean’s list last year and are now going to have to work that much harder, but in the long run, the change is going to get people to work harder. It makes sense.”
Sara Staley, senior psychology major
“The university definitely made a mistake in raising the GPA requirement…I was shocked when I heard about the change, and I don’t really see a good reason for it. If I was just purely committed to my studies, I could get that 3.8 or higher, but I try to keep involved on campus. This change contradicts the idea that NSU wants us to be involved on campus and do more than just be here for school. Well, if you want to get a 3.8, there’s no way, unless you’re hitting the books constantly and denying yourself social and leadership opportunities.”
Amr Eltalla, sophomore biology major
“I think the change should’ve been made. You want your dean’s list to include only the best of the best, and a 3.5 GPA is a lot more common than a 3.8 GPA. That .3 really does make a big difference, and I feel like it was the right move.”
Mia Knowles, junior psychology major
“A 3.5 GPA is working really hard and having to raise it even higher is really saddening for the people who are already at a 3.5…I can imagine the people who used to be on it, but now can’t be, feeling sad. They can try, but it’s hard.”
Megan Maloney, freshman biology major
“I’m new here, so I really don’t know how this affects people. I know in high school it’s usually the top 20 percent, and I know the state recognizes the top 20 percent of your class so you’re guaranteed admission to universities, so maybe the dean’s list should be the top 20 percent instead of the top 10 percent.”
