<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/07/education/07education.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/07/education/07education.html</a></p>
<p>Check that out. Man I hope this grade deflation problem gets fixed!</p>
<p>I actually thought the article was saying BU had one of the only honest grading systems. I don't think grade deflation is that big of a deal. I work hard, and I've never gotten a grade I didn't think I deserved. Plus, I've had friends talk to professors about grades who have adjusted them/explained them to my friends' satisfaction. At BU, you just have to accept that you probably won't have a 4.0, but neither will anyone else. The NY Times article is just nice, because now, a lot of readers know how hard you had to work to get your grades, which means a lot more in the end, I think.</p>
<p>DramaQueen,
What happened to the committee that was supposed to change some aspects of this situation? There was a lot of info about the new Dean/Pres. and students/faculty addressing this issue in the spring, supposedly doing an audit of professors in an effort to discourage this so called deflation. It seems like BU grades somewhat realistically but the problem comes in because many colleges inflate grades causing unfairness.</p>
<p>I think it was the student/Provost committeee:
iThe mission for the 2005-2006 academic years is threefold: </p>
<p>I. Grade Deflation
Though grade deflation may not be a Boston University policy, students feel that often professors use this to discern course grades. It is our mission to work with the Provost to clearly discern his position, and to relay the strict denial of this policy to all faculty members. </p>
<p>II. Course Evaluations
Though students evaluate professors at the conclusion of each semester, the results do not filter back to the students. These surveys could aid the student community and, thus, we will work to (1) find the completed surveys, (2) attain permission to publish the information, that of which is not confidential, and (3) advertise the availability of course evaluations to students browsing potential courses. Given the availability of such evaluations, the level of teaching will undoubtedly increase at Boston University because professors, knowing their evaluations will enter the public domain, will strive to better their craft. In addition, the publication of course syllabi and reading lists will help students gauge the practicality and goals of the course and help in selection processes. This information will improve both academic advising and student expectations. Moreover, the BU Barnes and Noble will be able to order text books earlier and purchase more used books, reducing costs for students.</p>
<p>THE NY TIMES article can be accessed vis CC home page at the top.</p>
<p>I haven't heard anything about policy being changed, but it always seems to be discussed at the student union. I'm sure we'll all know if there is a drastic policy change.</p>