Harvard Postpones Grading Reform to 2027, Introduces SAT+ Grade

The grading reform initiative, which has been a focal point of heated discussions among students, faculty, and administrators, was originally proposed in February. The initial plan faced substantial backlash, particularly due to the introduction of a strict cap on A grades, which many students felt would limit their academic freedom and discourage them from pursuing challenging coursework.

In light of the feedback, the revised proposal is set to be voted on by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This vote will determine the future of the grading system at Harvard and its implications for the student body.

Key Changes in the Revised Proposal

The updated grading reform plan includes three primary modifications that aim to address the concerns raised during the initial proposal:

• Delay in Implementation: The rollout of the grading reform has been postponed from the previously scheduled 2026-27 academic year to fall 2027. This extension is intended to allow for further discussion and refinement of the proposal.
• Revised A-Grade Cap Calculation: The new plan alters how the A-grade cap is applied. Instead of being limited to students receiving letter grades, the 20% cap (plus an allowance of four additional A’s per course) will now encompass all enrolled undergraduates, including those who choose pass/fail grading.
• Introduction of the SAT+ Grade: A new grading designation, the SAT+, will be introduced within the satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. This grade is intended to recognize exceptional performance in pass/fail courses, but it will be awarded sparingly and at the discretion of the instructor.

Student and Faculty Reactions

The original proposal faced overwhelming resistance from the student body. A survey conducted by the Harvard Undergraduate Association revealed that nearly 85% of respondents opposed the grading cap, prompting calls for collective lobbying efforts ahead of the faculty vote.

Faculty responses to the revised proposal have been mixed. Some instructors support the grading cap, arguing that it could effectively combat systemic grade inflation and alleviate the pressure to award high grades. Conversely, others express concerns about the potential negative impact on small, advanced courses and the overall academic autonomy of students.

Implications of the SAT+ Grade

The introduction of the SAT+ grade is designed to add a layer of nuance to the evaluation of student performance in pass/fail courses. However, its implementation will be tightly regulated. Notably, the SAT+ will not influence internal rankings for honors or prizes, and academic departments will not be allowed to mandate its use for course credit. Additionally, faculty policies will be restricted from treating the SAT and SAT+ grades differently beyond their notation on transcripts.

Furthermore, the revised proposal expands its scope to include all courses within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences that have undergraduate enrollment, not just those specifically offered by Harvard College. This broadening of the policy raises questions about its overall impact on student behavior and academic choices.

Concerns About Student Behavior

The grading reform has sparked broader discussions about its potential effects on student behavior and academic engagement. Harvard President Alan M. Garber has defended the long-term objectives of the reform, emphasizing the need to address grade inflation. However, he has also cautioned that strict grading caps could deter students from enrolling in more challenging courses, potentially undermining the academic rigor that Harvard is known for.

As the faculty prepares to vote on this revised proposal, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the academic landscape at Harvard and influence how students approach their studies in the coming years.