Harvard University curbs grade inflation.
Preliminary studies indicate that on average, undergraduate grades at Harvard University fell last year to the approximate level they were three years ago. The report, issued by Jeffrey Wolcowitz, Harvard's dean of undergraduate education, follows heated criticism directed against the university's grading policy.
According to data accumulated last year, a majority of the grades issued to Harvard students were A's or A-minuses, prompting controversy over grade inflation in institutions of higher education.
Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences capped the number of students who could graduate with honors last year, but the new policy did not specifically require professors to change their grading practices.
Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis told the Harvard Crimson that without policy changes, public scrutiny may have instigated the widespread lowering of grades.
"As a professor, I am not surprised that with all the discussion of grading practices last year, some faculty were more conscious about the number of high grades they gave," Lewis said.
Firefighters contain wildfire at UC-Berkeley
Firefighters finally controlled the spread of a wildfire, which desolated 10 acres of University of California property, early Friday morning.
Because the fire was limited to wildland, no homes or structures were damaged or evacuated.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. Over 100 firefighters and 25 fire engines from surrounding fire departments responded to the emergency.
A burning pickup truck has been deemed responsible for spreading the blaze, according to investigators. The truck sent flames up a hillside Thursday night, quickly traveling to UC-Berkeley property.It is still uncertain whether the fire was accidental or arson.
-- Compiled by Jenn Roberts
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