In 2004, Princeton University established a grade deflation policy that required each department to maintain a percentage of no more than 35 percent A-range grades. At the time, the policy was initiated in order to curb the trend of rising grades, which was viewed as unfair. Additionally, it was hoped that if good grades were given out equally in each department, students would not shy away from choosing departments that were known for being more difficult to earn high grades in.
However, 10 years later, after a careful reevaluation of the policy revealed very low satisfaction among students and faculty members alike, the university administration has decided to revoke the policy in favor of giving departments more autonomy and moving the focus from grade distribution to standards. The administration also stated its belief that the policy was damaging to campus morale and probably dissuading prospective applicants to the university.
Read more at The Daily Princetonian.
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