This week the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto voted in favour of changing the current system of grade transcription Honours/Pass/Fail to Credit/No Credit. Faculty Council was unanimous their support of the change. This was a brilliant victory for student who voted 77% in favour of the change.

See the email I sent to the student body below:
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Students, colleagues and friends – you did it. What some called impossible you have achieved.

Congratulations, this afternoon Faculty Council voted unanimously to change the current form of grade transcription from Honours/Pass/Fail to Credit/No Credit. However, more important is why they voted unanimously. I believe it is because you took part, because you engaged with your curriculum. This initiative would have gone nowhere without your support. At Faculty Council, jaws dropped as the projector flashed response rates of 84%, 91%, and 94% on the screen before them. When students speak with a clear voice the Faculty will listen. Thank you for your support and I encourage you to stay involved in issues surrounding your curriculum to produce the best learning environment for you and your peers.

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Next Steps:

The motion now will go to the University of Toronto Academic Policy and Programs Committee (March 31) and Academic Board (April 30). However, it is unlikely to be overturned by either of these committees. I have attached the background document provided to members of Faculty Council for your reference.

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lead educators of the Faculty of Medicine for their support:

Jay Rosenfield Vice Dean UME
Anita Rachlis Clerkship Director
Martin Schreiber, Preclerkship Director
Richard Pittin, Senior Academic Coordinator, MedSIS & Evaluations

I would also like to thank members of the oversight committee who helped to manage the referendum:

Kelly Emms, President, University of Toronto Medical Society
Ken VanDewark, Junior Vice President of Education
Emily Brecher, Medical Society Speaker
Kenneth Lee, Junior Vice President of Communications
Hanmu Yan, Senior Vice President of Communications

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It has been a pleasure representing you during this process, I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Take care,
–
Andrew Brown M.D. Candidate

Senior Vice President of Education (Medical Society)
Faculty of Medicine – Class of 2011
University of Toronto