Apply now: New Alternative Grading Community of Practice for winter term

Portland State University is launching a new Community of Practice (CoP) for teaching faculty who want to rethink assessment in ways that support equity, student well-being, and deeper learning. This opportunity is grounded in the nationally recognized GOAL Framework, which provides a structured, flexible approach to alternative and growth-oriented grading practices.

Over the course of five structured sessions and guided asynchronous work, participants will explore and pilot new approaches to grading and assessment that move beyond reliance on points-based systems and high-stakes exams. Together, we will develop sustainable practices that meet the needs of both students and faculty.

APPLY NOW

Why Join?

• PSU’s 2024 Student Experience Survey found that nearly 90% of students reported emotional or mental health challenges, and fewer than half reported a sense of belonging. Assessment practices are a key area where faculty can make a transformative impact.
• Instructors across campus are grappling with burnout, accommodation complexity, and new challenges posed by generative AI. Alternative grading offers powerful strategies to foster engagement while reducing grading burdens, and in ways that deepen learning.
• This CoP connects PSU’s local work to national movements in ungrading, contract grading, competency-based learning, and engagement-based approaches.
• We know that there are faculty throughout PSU who have been incorporating alternative grading principles and practices into their courses for years, often working in silos. This is an opportunity to connect and learn from and alongside one another.

Stipend: Eligible Spring 2026 PSU teaching faculty who complete the program receive $750 compensation for 24 hours of work.