After last May's errors in final grade reporting, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Academic Assembly and the Office of the Registrar developed a new policy to post final grades.

Previously, faculty members used bubble sheets to report student grades. In the new policy, Penn State faculty will be required to submit final grades through a secure Web site, which will eliminate any mistakes caused with the bubble sheets.

"We believe [this system] will be very beneficial to the university. It is both easier and less time consuming," said James Wager, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and university registrar.

Grade errors last year reached regional news when hundreds of students received incorrect grades because of improperly scanned bubble sheets.

"I went online to check my grade and it was much lower than it should have been," Elizabeth Lorenz (sophomore-psychology) said. "I was upset and it was such a hassle."

USG President Rubina Javeri is optimistic about the new system.

"Hopefully this new program will deter the problems faced last year," Javeri said.

The Office of the Registrar's new policy will require faculty to use eLion and enter a specific six-digit code for security to ensure that only authorized faculty are entering grades.

Each faculty member was given a key ring that encases a Secure ID chip displaying his or her access code. The number changes every 60 seconds.

"It seems that it will take less time and be more efficient than past methods," Javeri said.

While the new method may solve problems regarding the bubble sheets, it might create new problems. Some fear that if the Penn State Web server is down, it could cause a delay in grade reporting.

Wager said multiple measures have been taken to avoid such problems.

"There has been a lot of care given to the technology information systems," he said.

While problems are usually encountered with technology, Wager said there are alternatives planned in case they are needed.

The new process will allow students to receive grades much faster than in previous semesters. The electronic posting allows for real-time grade viewing, instead of the former delayed access.

"As soon as the faculty member records the grade, the student has access to it," Wager said.

Overall, the process will remain similar to before.

"We will continue to report grades to students the same way, using the Internet, the 800 number, and by mail to those who request it," Wager said.