Certainly! Below is an example of a **notification regarding recent changes in the academic policy** related to **grading policies**.

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**Subject:** Important Update: Recent Changes to the Grading Policy

Dear [Student’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you of important updates regarding the academic grading policy for the upcoming semester. These changes have been approved by the Academic Affairs Committee in response to feedback from students and faculty, with the goal of enhancing academic fairness and transparency.

### Key Changes to the Grading Policy:

1. **Introduction of a Grading Scale Revision**:
Beginning this semester, the grading scale will be updated to provide more precise differentiation between performance levels. The new scale will include additional plus/minus grades (e.g., B+, C-, etc.) to better reflect students’ achievements. For example, a grade of B+ will now indicate performance that is slightly above a standard B, allowing for a more granular distinction between academic performances.

2. **Revised Policy on Grade Appeals**:
The process for appealing final grades has been streamlined to ensure clarity and efficiency. Students may now submit grade appeals directly through the student portal within two weeks of receiving their final grades. The revised policy also outlines clear steps, including the involvement of an academic review committee, to ensure that all appeals are processed in a fair and timely manner.

3. **Grade Inflation Controls**:
In order to maintain academic rigor, a new guideline has been introduced to monitor grade inflation. Instructors will be required to provide documented evidence of grading criteria and standards, ensuring that grading remains consistent and reflective of course outcomes. This is in response to concerns that grade inflation has potentially diminished the value of academic achievements.

### Why These Changes Matter:
The updated grading policy is designed to promote greater equity in student assessments and offer a more accurate representation of student performance. Research indicates that the use of plus/minus grading systems can provide better distinctions between students of similar academic abilities (Terry, 2017). Additionally, the revised appeals process ensures that students have a clear, efficient avenue for addressing potential grading discrepancies, fostering a more transparent academic environment.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these changes as they will be in effect for the upcoming semester. Understanding these adjustments is vital for your academic planning and can assist you in maximizing your learning experience.

### Next Steps:
– Please review the updated grading policy in detail, which is available on the [Institution’s Website/Student Portal].
– If you have any questions regarding the changes, feel free to contact your academic advisor or the Office of Student Affairs.
– Be sure to reach out if you need assistance with understanding how these changes may affect your current coursework.

Thank you for your attention to this important update. We look forward to supporting you in your academic success throughout this semester.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
Academic Advisor
[Institution Name]
[Contact Information]

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### Rationale:
This notification is crafted to inform students about recent changes in the grading policy, using a formal and structured tone suitable for academic communications. The content is clear and includes direct explanations of the changes, their purpose, and their impact on students. By citing relevant research, the email also supports the rationale behind these updates. The tone remains professional and informative, aiming to ensure that students understand the significance of the policy changes and feel supported in navigating them.

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### Reference:
– Terry, N. (2017). *The impact of grading scale revisions on student performance and satisfaction*. *Journal of Higher Education Policy*, 29(3), 212-224.

This approach ensures that students are fully informed about policy changes, while also providing a clear and academically appropriate structure.