<p>I noticed that this is an old thread. However, I wanted to respond. Although I don’t have any articles to reference this, it is my understanding that most college administrations discuss the issue of grade inflation/deflation at length, are concerned about it and how it affects reputation, and often instruct faculty to avoid grade inflation.</p>
<p>However, another dilemma often occurs when teaching skills of non-tenured professors are evaluated based on student evaluations. When professors grade strictly, a disgruntled student(s) can give a bad evaluation and this (these) can affect a professor’s profile and be used against him/her when going up for tenure. I am aware that many young professors are wary of grading strictly, and sometimes inflate grades to avoid repercussions in evaluations. Those I have spoken with do this with a heavy heart, but do it anyway.</p>