       if @rubricGrade
         @rubricGradeTierId = @rubricGrade.tier_id
       else
+        alert("no rubric grade!!")
         @rubricGradeTierId = null
 
       if @rubricGrade

      else
        @comments = ""

      # alert(@selectedTier.id)
      # would this always have an id?
    alert: ()->
      alert("snakes!")    

      @badges = {}
      @id = if attrs.id then attrs.id else null
      @fullCreditTier = null
      @name = if attrs.name then attrs.name else ""
      @rubricId = if attrs.rubric_id then attrs.rubric_id else @$scope.rubricId
      if @id
