Harvard University faculty started voting Tuesday on a proposal that would cap A grades in undergraduate courses at no more than 20% of a class plus four additional students. Eligible faculty have one week to return their ballots, and the tally is scheduled to be announced on May 20.
Proponents of the change say it represents the most significant institutional effort in decades to address what many see as pervasive grade inflation. According to data cited in the proposal discussion, roughly 60% of grades awarded across the university in the academic year ending in mid-2025 were an A - a share that the university says is more than double the comparable rate reported in 2006. After university leadership urged faculty to adopt a more disciplined approach to evaluation, that A-grade share decreased to 53% in the fall semester.
Faculty who have spoken about the measure suggest there is substantial support for taking steps to limit grade inflation. At the same time, they acknowledge vocal opposition within the faculty ranks, and some observers say the measure may not secure the votes necessary to pass.
Supporters and critics have both framed the debate in practical terms. Critics of current grading patterns argue that elevated rates of top marks make it more difficult for employers and graduate schools to assess the relative performance of students. Backers of reform view a cap as a structural step to restore differentiation in undergraduate evaluations.
The current proposal is the latest in a series of efforts aimed at grading reform. The matter has also drawn attention beyond the university: the White House included grading reform in a proposed compact it offered last fall to select institutions, linking such commitments to priority access to federal funding.
The outcome of the faculty ballot will determine whether the proposed cap moves forward as formal policy. Given the mix of support and opposition described by faculty, the result remains uncertain as the vote proceeds during the one-week window.