The big story this week was grade inflation, writ large in contraband photos on the front page of the 'Prince' and angry students talking about how the University ignored them.Meanwhile, a smaller story was unfolding.
Regarding 'Deignan's dedication to Princeton is unparalleled' (Letter, April 29):It is pleasing to read a defense of Kathleen Deignan, dean of undergraduate students, by one of the most thoughtful students I have had the privilege to teach here at Princeton, former USG president Joe Kochan '02.
If you had been in the East Room of Murray-Dodge this past Monday at four, you would have been privy to an amusing example of the absurdities that can follow from rigid application of academic rules.
On Tuesday, a Harvard committee of students, faculty and administrators, concluded that in the future students would be expected to study abroad and take more science classes in an effort to adapt the University curriculum to the 21st Century.While study abroad programs are quickly become the new academic "must" for the university student, an idea slowly becoming embraced by the Princeton community, what is more surprising is the intended increase in the number of science classes required for graduation.The committee said that every student should be "educated in the sciences in a manner that is a as deep and broadly shared as has traditionally been the case in the humanities and social sciences." Students should be able to "understand the news and expository articles in journals such as Science and Nature."As Harvard President Lawrence Summers told the New York Times, "an educational culture where it's an embarrassment to not know the names of five plays by Shakespeare but OK not to know the difference between a gene and a chromosome isn't functional."While I agree that there should be an increased scientific awareness an undergraduate student body, from my experience at Princeton, I question Harvard's conclusion that broad-based survey science courses are no longer sufficient.I would argue that survey courses should remain, but should address more current scientific-issue related survey courses are what are needed.
Regarding 'Dobkin tells 'Prince' to 'destroy' photos of vote' ( April 27):The news that has come out of Old Nassau over the past week has been as depressing as it is appalling.First, Dean Deignan is reported to have policed thought by confiscating hundreds of t-shirts based on their viewpoint and content.Second, Dean Malkiel appeared to win this round in her near-decade-long endeavor to police academic freedom by limiting the faculty's discretion in grading.Third, Dean Dobkin is reported to have attempted to police journalistic freedom in demanding that a pressman destroy photographs of faculty voting on Dean Malkiel's proposal.Has Princeton become a police state? Jo Ern Chen '00 Deignan's dedication to Princeton is unparalleledRegarding 'Deignan sets a bad real-world example for students' (Letter, April 28):I refuse to allow one paraphrased quotation in the 'Prince' to tarnish the image of a person as valuable to Princeton as Dean Deignan.I am of the firm belief that one of the greatest strengths of the University is its fanatically dedicated, student-focused administration and faculty.
There is no doubt that Princeton's USG president spends more time in the public eye than the social chair.
The University has a problem. A free speech problem. And just when it takes a step in the right direction, it lurches back in the wrong direction.First, the good news.
Regarding 'Grade inflation plan passes' (April 27):Now that the faculty have approved the proposal to curb grade inflation, I have but one question for the administration: What steps are you going to take to make sure that those of us involved in the "transition period" do not suffer negative effects when applying to jobs and graduate schools?Simply marking that grade inflation was being curbed starting the 2004-2005 academic year isn't enough.
With the 156-84 vote yesterday in favor of the grade inflation proposals, the faculty have agreed to "expectations" that they will limit A's in each department to 35 percent on coursework and 55 percent on independent work.
It was encouraging to see professor Christopher Eisgruber '83, speak up in favor of openness when making important decisions for Princeton.
In the halcyon days before 9/11, the recession and Iraq, my friends and I had a single goal that sprung from both our most selfish desires and our most pragmatic concerns: getting into a prestigious college.
A few weeks ago, I participated in an unusual exchange in the Frist Center. Feeling slightly mischievous, I walked up to the Young Republicans tent on the main floor and tried to convince them that President Bush was an entirely unattractive choice for the upcoming election.Surely this charge has been made dozens of times by Democrats at Princeton and in various places around the country.
Regarding 'Felten analysis refutes grade inflation claims' (April 23):The grade inflation proposal is a dagger in the heart of academic freedom.
Princeton students and Princeton faculty share a few hours of concentrated activity each week, but for the most part we lead lives radically and in some respects mysteriously separate.
Last Sunday, it was announced that our ill-fated invasion of Iraq has now cost the lives of 700 American soldiers.
We've heard about the dangers of alcohol; we've heard about the absurd caloric intake; we've heard about the laws and university policies against underage drinking and drinking games.
It's a safe bet that all the high school seniors here this weekend know Princeton's a great place to learn.
I'll start with an admission: Newman's Day is pretty fun. As one of my coworkers put it when asked for her thoughts on the notorious on goings of April 24, "Even if you're not drinking, you get to see students walking around drunk, doing things they wouldn't normally do." Well put, Coco.
My first thought on Princeton addressing grade inflation: good luck underclassmen, because I'm out of here.
Regarding 'Princeton to Miami' (Tom Hale, April 21):As a native Miamian and current student of Maurice Ferre, mayor of Miami for 12 years and Anschutz Distinguished Fellow in the American studies program, I found Hale's indictment of Miami as a city "with no soul" after a five-day vacation there to be rather distressing.As a gateway to Latin America and dazzling winter haven for northerners, Miami is one of the most complicated, diverse and, at times, overwhelming cities in the world.
