As students of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, we find ourselves investing endless hours studying, but despite our efforts, our grades remain unsatisfactory on exams. The provided materials and classroom instruction are insufficient to prepare us for the complex problems we are meant to solve in exams. This situation is a testament that this distress is not due to a lack of individual effort but larger systemic issues. We demand that our university's chemistry department take tangible measures to address this problem.

We believe that the grading system must be curved, an approach which is widely accepted by reputable universities nationwide. With this, students will be examined on a fairer basis, assessing them relative to the performance of their peers and accounting for the difficulty of the exam. Taking into consideration the low exam average, a curve would reflect a more realistic academic accomplishment. When exam averages are consistently under a C average something needs to change.

Moreover, the quality of instruction must be improved.Better instruction leads to better student outcomes. We urge the University to make changes based on the instructor evaluations that are already being conducted instead of ignoring the issues that students report. Curving exams and improving student performance doesn't just aid students but it helps make the chemistry department look like a successful program at UNL.

Let's come together to ensure that the student body is heard. Sign the petition for a fair grading system and improved instruction at the University of Nebraska Lincoln chemistry department. Your signature can help other students achieve more productive education and long term success in STEM.