Dean Deming Addresses Changes to Grading, Housing Day, and Community 

During February’s open forum, Danoff Dean of Harvard College David Deming answered a variety of student-led questions, specifically regarding grading policies, Housing Day, campus safety, the use of technology in the classroom, and free speech.

Grading

The forum opened with questions about the future of grading as a result of the updated grading policy proposal; the topic for the majority of the forum. When asked for a prediction of the policy’s success, Deming clarified that no formal decisions have yet been made, as the proposal still requires a faculty vote in the coming months. 

Deming noted that he has met with students and faculty with a broad range of views on the topic and validated their concerns. He shared there is no perfect solution, and there are many ways to approach this issue. Deming explained that if the proposal were to be rejected, Harvard’s grading could eventually evolve into pass/fail, and the administration is attempting to avoid that potential outcome for future classes. 

When a student asked how classroom collaboration would continue to be fostered if student competitiveness increased due to grading comparisons, Deming reaffirmed that to be a primary concern.

“Harvard students are an extremely talented, competitive lot. I want the classroom to be a place that rewards your effort and allows you to distinguish yourself, just like every other aspect of your College experience.” 

Deming challenged the notion that Harvard College students need to be “perfect” prior to, and during, their time at Harvard, and how to redefine the meanings attributed to letter grades. 

“An ‘A’ means mastery, plus distinction, but a ‘B’ also can mean mastery. I long for a time where getting a B could be considered normal. That’s the system I would like us to have, where there are multiple ways to excel.”

Students expressed concern about the disparities in grades across concentrations. Deming confirmed that some departments would have more significant changes than others, and reaffirmed that minimizing those disparities is an ongoing, collaborative effort through all areas of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the College: faculty, staff, and advisors.

Deming shared that he is thinking holistically about how this policy could mitigate current challenges while also looking to the future.

“Taking academics seriously is a focus of my deanship. I’m very committed to trying to make the Harvard College student experience in the classroom as excellent, as thought-provoking, and fulfilling as it can be.”  

When a student asked about how future employers would be able to distinguish between grades earned before and after the policy change, Deming shared that transcripts would clearly state when the updated grading was enacted. He also shared his plans to personally talk to employers and graduate programs to ensure their understanding in students’ grades. 

Deming ended his remarks on the topic by reassuring that students will be immediately notified when a decision on this policy change has been made.

Housing Day

Students were curious about Housing Day’s date change to the week after spring break. Deming commented that its previous timing negatively impacted class attendance and midterm exam performance. By pushing back the Housing Day date, Deming shared his hope that students from every concentration would be able to fully enjoy Housing Day without the pressure of big deadlines or exams during that week. He reminded students that he will listen to their feedback and could adjust the date in the future.

Deming also referenced a new initiative, the Housing Day Fundraising Challenge, to ask recent alums to give back to their Houses that made a tremendous impact on them during their time at Harvard College. He explained that unlike other fundraisers, 100% of these funds would go directly to the Houses and would “empower the HoCos”.

“The best way we can make social life better at Harvard is if we give students the money to do it. Even small amounts will have a big impact.”

Campus Safety, Use of Technology and Free Speech

A concerned student asked about increased safety measures on Harvard’s campus. Deming stated that Harvard will not become locked down, but that he is advising for increased presence, and training, of Securitas guards. Deming remarked that more swipe entry access is helpful, but not a perfect solution, as added Securitas would be better equipped to spot suspicious behavior than a technology system.

When asked about enacting a technology ban in the classroom to prevent learning distractions, Deming disclosed that a majority of the student community would have to be in favor of the change to warrant the ban. He noted how AI and accessibility accommodations provide positive enhancements to the classroom, but wondered aloud how the community could best work together to create a distraction-free, accessible learning environment without technology. He then encouraged students to make faculty aware of any instances when other students’ use of technology in the classroom negatively impacts their learning.

A student asked if the administration truly values and implements student feedback, to which Deming replied, “yes, of course.” 

“This is a community, we have shared standards, and I want you to feel that you are being listened to.” 

The forum concluded with a student question regarding policing speech on campus. Deming defined his role as “being a fair arbitrator of College rules and policies” and encouraged students to directly point out and address concerning speech. 

As a reminder, Harvard College students can sign up for office hours with Dean Deming here. Students can also attend his monthly on-campus Open Forums, and submit questions before and during the event.