Instead of sitting in rush hour traffic or starting early at happy hour, 40 students attended “Open Mic with Mike” on Friday afternoon with University President Michael Adams.

Chris Breault, a graduate student from Columbus, evoked laughter from the audience, when he asked the president: “Why is there no A+?”

“The (University Council executive) committee made the determination not to make the A+,” Adams said. “I think it’s a sensible grading system.”

Students continued to question Adams about the grading system for about 10 minutes.

“I certainly want students to do well,” Adams said. “I think a student who leaves here with a 3.6 or 3.7 who is involved may be more prepared than someone who has a four-point, (but) who has done nothing but study.”

But Adams told students they are too concerned with their grade point averages.

“I think I would worry a little less about grades than you all do,” he said. “Given the quality of student we have here today, I think you’re going to do fine.”

Students moved on to discuss the amendments in the University’s alcohol policy, which was revised in September 2006.

“Students were playing too much,” Adams said. “Our goal was to send a message and deal with the most over the line behavior.”

Adams said the administration changed the policy for several reasons, including increased numbers of alcohol-related police reports and complaints from parents that the policy was too lenient.

“There’s a difference between lying in the gutter on Clayton Street at 2 a.m. and having a beer on the weekend.”

Breault also asked Adams why the administration contacts the parents of students found in violation of the school’s alcohol policy.

“It was a hard call for me,” Adams said. “If you are developing a problem and we can get you help from home, we’ve probably done you a favor.”

Students asked questions about many other topics.

Arthur Tripp, a sophomore from Duluth, asked the president about a recent Red & Black article on hate crimes.

Adams said he takes pride in a police department that seriously addresses hate crimes.

“It is a case of who reports and who doesn’t,” he said.

“I would rather report those issues rather than sweep them under the rug, which is what I think other schools do.”

Other topics discussed include Fine Arts building construction, the University’s biofuel efforts and student loans.

President Adams will be meeting with The Red & Black editorial board this Wednesday.