Can Grades Be Legally Changed in School and College?

The quest for better grades is understandable, but the idea of changing them legally is a complex and often misunderstood concept. Is it possible to legally alter your academic performance in school or college? The answer, in most cases, is no, and this article will demystify the process and discuss the implications.

The Legal Process of Changing Grades

In the vast majority of educational institutions, changing grades legally involves retaking a course. This is a common practice that allows students to improve their academic standing. Here’s how it typically works:

Register for the Course Again: Most universities and colleges allow students to retake a course where they performed poorly. This often results in a new grade being recorded, and the original grade may be dropped from the calculation of the GPA. Documentation and Verification: When a student retakes a course, the educational institution carefully documents the process, ensuring that all academic standards and procedures are followed. This includes submitting assignments and examinations under appropriate supervision. Academic Records: The new grade replaces the old one in the student's academic record. This ensures that the student's performance is accurately reflected in their academic history.

Why Altering Grades Illegally Is Not Advisable

There are several reasons why attempting to change grades illegally is not only unethical but also legally risky:

1. Academic Dishonesty and Cheating

Many students might consider drawing lines through their grades or using digital tools to alter their performance, but these actions are forms of academic dishonesty. They can lead to severe consequences, including:

Disciplinary Actions: The institution may initiate disciplinary actions, such as suspension or expulsion, for detected instances of cheating or academic dishonesty. Revocation of Degrees: If discovered, the institution may revoke degrees awarded to students found guilty of cheating, leaving a permanent mark on their academic record. Future Implications: Academic dishonesty can negatively impact future job prospects and professional opportunities, as employers often use academic records as a reference during the hiring process.

2. The Role of Technology in Catching Cheaters

Modern educational institutions often have robust systems in place to detect and address instances of academic dishonesty:

Automated Grade Reporting Systems: Grades are typically entered into a central database before being printed or distributed. Any attempt to alter these grades would be easily detected by system administrators. Digital Audit Trails: Changes to digital records leave a trail of evidence, making it difficult to hide such actions. Human Oversight: Educational institutions employ administrators and faculty to monitor academic processes and prevent dishonesty.

Validation from Academia and Legal Perspective

To ensure the accuracy and integrity of academic records, many educational institutions have robust policies and procedures in place:

Registrar’s Role: The role of the registrar is to manage the official record-keeping for the institution, ensuring that all grades and academic achievements are accurately reflected. Teacher Input: While teachers are responsible for evaluating student performance, they must input grades into the institution's centralized system. Cross-checked and updated frequently, these systems are designed to prevent unauthorized alterations. Security Measures: Educational institutions invest in security measures to protect academic records, including encryption, access controls, and regular system audits.

Conclusion

In summary, while retaking a course is a legitimate and effective way to improve grades, altering grades illegally is not only unadvisable but also fraught with legal and ethical risks. Always adhere to the policies and procedures set by your educational institution to maintain academic integrity and ensure your success in the long term.