From the Rector
Dear Bilkenters,
I wish to welcome you to a new academic year. This year 2291 high school graduates have become Bilkent students. Among them are 62 international students from 21 different countries. Compared to last year this is approximately a threefold increase. This semester, we also have 114 exchange students from 14 countries. We hope to increase our international student numbers in the coming years.
Over the summer, the university Senate made a number of important decisions. The first decision involves the addition of two new grades: A+ might be given to the top student in a class with a minimum enrollment of 25 students. An A+ has the same multiplier (4.00) as an A grade. Hence, it will not affect the GPA, but an A+ will indicate a truly extraordinary performance. To rule out the possibility of A+ inflation, in most cases only one student can be awarded an A+ grade in any given class. On the other end of the scale, an FX grade has been instituted to accompany the infamous F grade. The FX grade has the same multiplier as the F grade (0.00), but it indicates an insufficient participation in the course. For example, students failing because of attendance requirements or not showing up for exams will earn a grade of FX instead of F. A class average without FX grades will indicate a better measure of class performance. Moreover, FX grades in a student’s transcript might be an early indicator of problems.
Starting this academic year, eligible students can apply for a minor program in addition to their major. Keep reading this edition of Bilkent News for more information.
Four-year students in their 3rd semester will see a surprise course, GE250 Collegiate Activities I, pre-loaded into their course schedules. This new course is similar to GE100 in the sense that students collect points to pass. GE250 is followed by GE251 in the following semester. GE250 is a non-credit pass/fail course, while GE251 is a one credit unit course. GE250 is the prerequisite of GE251. Students earn points by actively participating in the activities of any one of the diverse student clubs at Bilkent. Participation in such activities will enrich university life. It is the only course in the university (and probably in the country) given and graded by students.
All graduate students in a degree program requiring a thesis will take either GE590 (for master’s students) or GE690 (for Ph.D. students) to gain experience for the teaching duties of academic life. To complete the requirements of this course, students must participate in teaching-related activities such as grading homework, helping undergrads in the lab, or proctoring exams.
I wish a successful as well as an enjoyable academic year for everybody.