University switches to electronic grade submission

For the first time in 30 years, Temple is changing their grading system.
Starting this semester, Temple professors will submit their grades electronically, eliminating paper forms. This is the first time since the 1970s that Temple has changed their grading system. Previously, the university used mark sense grade forms, which some professors compared to a Scantron sheet.
“The administration and many instructors wanted us to move into a more modern method of grading,” said registrar Jacqueline Resavage. “It was felt that Temple University should be a leader not a follower in technology, so we embarked on this exciting project.”
Resavage added that students will benefit the most from this change.
“Based on the 24/7 concept for submitting grades, an expected benefit is that more grades will be submitted on time than in the past,” Resavage said.
Temple officials are taking all measures to ensure that professors fully understand the new system. A 10-minute online tutorial is available, which takes the viewer step by step through the process.
In addition to the online tutorial, in-person demonstrations were held last week on Main Campus and at the Ambler Campus, Health Sciences Center and Tyler Campus.
Professors will benefit from the new system as well, Resavage said. She explained that professors will be able to submit their grades when it is most convenient for them, and not when the Temple offices are open to receive forms.
Professors will be able to access the electronic grading form on April 29 through TUportal.
“I don’t think that it will be that much more efficient for instructors,” said statistics professor Alan J. Izenman. “However, it will remove a level of busywork for department secretaries and administrators who used to do all the paperwork and photocopying to process the grade sheets as they are handed in.”
Geology professor Laura Toran said she feels that the new system will be more efficient for both professors and students.
“There will be less paperwork, less chance of something getting lost, less time to get grades processed, and reduction in errors,” Toran said.
“I am glad they’re finally going to it. It’s long overdue,” said public relations professor Gregg Feistman.
Some professors cite having no issue with the old system.
“The old system was simple from my perspective,” said sport and recreation management professor Raymond Tedrick. “I had no trouble.”
“I’ve never had a problem with writing out grades on paper. It didn’t take long and you didn’t have to sit in front of a computer screen to do it,” Izenman said. “It’s all about going to a paperless society, I suppose.”
An added bonus to the new electronic system is the elimination of paper.
“Hopefully, this project will add value to the university-wide ‘going green’ initiative,” Resavage said, “since we will be eliminating thousands of pages of paper grade lists per year by going electronic.”
Jessica Lawlor can be reached at jessica.lawlor@temple.edu.