Regarding 'The taming of the A' (Editorial, April 12):
If the university community is to embark on this grand experiment, we should take special care to evaluate how it affects the lives of undergraduates. Princeton already gathers data on how its students fare after they pass through Fitz-Randolph Gate, so following up on the post-grad effects of the grading changes should be fairly straightforward. Only adequate data collection — both before and after the proposed changes — can answer these questions.
With a faculty full of talented social scientists, Princeton has no excuse to conduct this experiment without comprehensively monitoring its effects. If the faculty votes in favor of the proposal on April 26, I challenge the administration to coordinate a careful survey to assess the new policy's effects on campus life. Tom Vogl '05
Grade deflation can't be unilateral
Regarding 'The taming of the A' (Editorial, April 12):
Grade inflation must be addressed by Princeton in conjunction with its peer institutions to ensure that no students will be unfairly positioned in the post-graduation scramble for jobs, internships and graduate school admissions.
Today's atmosphere of collective encouragement would relent to an excessively competitive environment in which students' consuming motivation would be one-upping their peers. This aggressive environment would generate more cheating and strain the Honor Code, diminish campus intellectualism by making students hesitant to share their ideas in nonacademic settings, discourage students from enrolling in classes outside of their major and provide students less incentive to work hard if all they'll get is a B.
Dean Malkiel said that "some school had to have the courage to take on" grade inflation. But, in this case, who benefits and who loses from Princeton's leadership? While academics around the country may applaud the University's initiative in tackling a widespread problem, for the students, the current proposal will make Princeton's undergraduate campus life — perhaps Princeton's greatest attraction — far less attractive.
If the Ivy League presidents can reach a consensus on athletics reforms, why can't they develop a uniform plan to confront grade inflation? Shaun Callaghan '06 Vice president, USG
Since when is Death Ball news?
Regarding 'Watch your back: Death Ball strikes campus' (April 14):
It's sad that this is the best the 'Prince' can do. I think today's paper hit an all time low. Why don't you just call it the "Joker"? Steven Sucharski '06
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The CPUC must not gut its Judicial Committee
Bill HewittEnding the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Ending the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Princeton, let’s adopt a digital prox
Jorge ReyesTo prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
To prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
What is a Princeton degree really for?
Joel IbabaoSo what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.
So what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.