G.P.A. requirements raised to 3.5 for all Deans List hopefuls

Texas A&M University- Commerce has changed requirements for being named to the Dean's List this semester.

"Compared to other schools in the A&M System, our standards are far below, and if you want to improve student learning, then increase standards," Dr. Brent Mangus, dean of education and human services said.

According to Mangus, the new requirements, already in effect, are a 3.5 semester grade point average and enrollment in no less than 12 hours of academic work, compared to Texas A&M University- College Station, which requires a 3.75 grade point average and at least 15 hours of academic work.

The raised requirements will make the University equal to that of Texas A&M University-West Texas.

"The changes are a proactive decision made by A&M- Commerce, not a decision put forth by the A&M system," Mangus said.

In previous semesters, according to the A&M- Commerce Web site, "the Dean's List includes the names of those undergraduate students, who, during the semester, have

been registered for not less than 12 hours of academic work, not counting non-academic service courses, and who have maintained a minimum semester academic grade average of at least 3.25."

According to Mangus, there were approximately 420 students named to the Dean's List last spring. The numbers will decrease as a result of the new standards; however, the decrease will not be drastic.

"The change will encourage the students to do better, and that reward will be more cherished," Mangus said.