17/01/2025
Dear College of Engineering,
This is to express my concern regarding the recent decision to implement GWA Ranking Sectioning within our department. While I understand that the intention behind this policy may be to promote academic excellence, I humbly ask you to consider the significant negative impact this change could have on students' well-being and academic performance.
Many students, including myself, rely on our established study groups and friendships, our "study buddies" or 'tropas' to deal with the, most of the time, really overwhelming demands of engineering courses. These groups serve as more than just casual friendships, they provide academic support, emotional encouragement, and a shared sense of responsibility that makes the challenges of college life more manageable. With the new sectioning policy based on GWA, many of us would likely be separated from these vital support systems, which could lead to an overall decline in motivation and performance. The sense of community that has helped us persevere through difficult courses could be lost, leading to increased stress and isolation.
It is essential to consider whether the benefits of this policy truly outweigh the potential harm it may cause. Was any effort made to gather student input before implementing this decision? Did you conduct surveys, hold consultations, or seek feedback from those who would be directly affected? It feels as though this policy was imposed without considering the voices of the students, who are the most important stakeholders in the academic system. As students, we understand the value of academic rigor, but we also know the importance of a supportive environment in fostering success.
Being empathetic in decision-making is crucial, especially in a field as demanding as engineering. We already face lots of challenges, from the difficulty of the courses to the pressure of maintaining 'passing' grades, and removing the social support that helps us cope could make it significantly harder to thrive. We are not asking for a reduction in academic standards, but simply for a consideration of the human aspect of education.
Please reconsider the implementation of the GWA Ranking Sectioning policy, or at least engage with the student body to explore more balanced solutions that promote academic excellence without sacrificing the emotional and social support that we rely on :>>
Sincerely,
An Engineering Student