The faculty senate has never before approved legislation that would so significantly degrade the quality of the education at UC Santa Cruz. Students overwhelmingly support narratives. Alumni consistently cite these as one of the defining elements of their education. There is no pedigogical reason to support grades instead of narratives. In fact, the narrative approach should be exported to other UCs where students complain of grade inflation and the inhumanity of the education.
Faculty have tough jobs.
The administration needs to better support narratives, particularly with training and additional academic support. Addressing these issues is the pragmatic and pro-active approach to the problem. Alienating alumni will not help in the campus fundraising and other boosterism efforts. Already I hear alumni friends turning away from UCSC with bitterness upon this news. And flush with resources and support for education.