Stanford University 'in dialogue' with Princeton administrators about grading policy

In the five years since the University implemented its new grading policy, no peer institution has adopted a similar policy, though this may change.

Stanford’s Committee on Undergraduate Standards and Policy has “been in dialogue” with Princeton administrators about its grading policies, according to a March 5 report in The Stanford Daily.

Dean of the College Nancy Malkiel confirmed that the Stanford committee had contacted her.

“The simple story is that I was asked about our efforts, and I was very happy to respond,” she said in an e-mail. She also noted that Stanford was the third school to reach out to her about grading policies.

At a debate on grade deflation sponsored by Whig-Clio in December, Malkiel said that representatives of two other Ivy League universities had asked her to speak to their faculties regarding the policy.

She declined to name the schools that had contacted her.

Though it is still unclear whether Stanford or the two Ivy League schools will move forward with discussions on grade deflation, Malkiel said she was excited about the possibility that other schools would consider similar policies.

“If Stanford were to decide to do something about grading, I would, of course, be more than pleased,” she said.

Stanford history professor Philippe Buc, who chairs the school’s committee, declined to comment, explaining that discussions are still in their preliminary stages and that the committee meetings are confidential.

Stanford student Andrew Hillis, one of two undergraduates on the committee, also declined to comment, citing confidentiality policies. Eugene Nho, the other undergraduate representative, did not respond to a request for comment.

David Gobaud, president of Stanford’s student government, said in an e-mail that he was not aware of Princeton’s policies, or of the committee’s discussions.