Every semester the U’s dean sends letters to students who received a 3.5 GPA or higher, alerting them of their status on the Dean’s List.
John Nilsson, assistant dean for the U’s University College, which helps undeclared students, said there are obvious benefits to making the Dean’s List.
“It has its own national prestige. It means that you, as a student, are well above average,” Nilsson said. “Getting on the Dean’s List takes some effort, but in the long run it is one of those things that jobs look for.”
Nilsson said being on the Dean’s List also helps students get into graduate school.
Jakob Jensen, a professor of communication at the U, helps students find jobs and said being on the Dean’s List is appealing to employers. He said while some job requirements overlook grades, having a good GPA can help land a career.
“I look at GPA as an indicator of work ethic and discipline. If students show up to class and do the work, then they tend to have a solid GPA,” Jensen said. “Of course, a low GPA is not a sign of poor work ethic [or] discipline. Many of our students work full-time, and that systematically undermines GPA.”
Jensen said in his experience of referring students to different employers he can sum up what employers are looking for in two points: having a college degree and gaining “relevant” career experience.
“A good GPA enhances the first of those,” Jensen said.
[email protected]