Average GPA at Sydney almost unchanged since 1980 due to consistent academic rigor

While major institutions have seen their average grade point averages increase significantly over the past twenty years, the grade inflation at Hampden-Sydney has been consistent for a number of reasons. The question, though, is whether or not Hampden-Sydney College students are at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for jobs or to graduate schools.
In a recent discussion, Economics Professor Dr. Ken Townsend pointed to the following website, www.gradeinflation.com. The site provides charts and graphs detailing the rate of increase in grade point averages. The site also provides data on different institutions and their average grade point average going back many years.

Hampden-Sydney’s average grade point average in 1980 was a 2.52. In 2008 according to the Hampden-Sydney College Fact Book, the average grade point average was 2.78. Yes, there has been a steady increase in the rate of growth for grade point averages at Hampden-Sydney College, but there are reasons for it, and also a strong argument that the current grading system at Hampden-Sydney College is very similar to the one used back in the 1980s.
Why has there been an increase in the overall grade point average? Dr. Robert T. Herdegen, Dean of the Faculty, commented on reasons for the increase in grade point averages, but said that the issue is rather complicated. First, the number of honors scholars at the College has increased significantly over the past twenty or so years. There are now twice as many students coming in to Hampden-Sydney College as honors scholars. One requirement for honors scholars is to maintain a 3.0 at minimum in order to retain the scholarship. With an increased amount of scholars, this drives the overall average grade point average up. This is one main factor. Another factor is that we have better students, and the number of academic suspensions and probations has declined to a more stable rate. The school has adopted a policy that it is better to try and help students with academic struggles rather than asking them to leave immediately after a rough semester.

The bottom line of all of this is that grades have increased, but that a number of factors have caused the rise—Hampden-Sydney College does not grade easy. The overall quality of academic work here is strong, but there is no runaway grade inflation.

The other main problem revolves around whether or not a Hampden-Sydney student is at a disadvantage. Regardless as to what the grade point average is at another institution and student at another university, and regardless of whether there is inflation at that institution, faculty members are advised to acknowledge the low grade inflation at Hampden-Sydney College in their recommendation letters. Dean Herdegen put it best by saying that, “a 3.1 means now what it meant 20 years ago. I trust the faculty completely to be fair in grading and to apply reasonable standards.” There are potential solutions to dealing with this and the main one is to be sure it is mentioned in recommendation letters. In terms of employers, they should look at academic histories and know that students at Hampden-Sydney College have academic experiences that are unparalleled at other institutions. Also, schools that know Hampden-Sydney College know that there is relatively low grade inflation and take that into account. Dr. Townsend also notes that it is incumbent that we all work to get the Hampden-Sydney name out there.

Finally, Dr. Townsend mentions that the school must pay attention to the marketplace of reality. Students must be able to compete in this marketplace.

Overall, there are two sides and the reality of the situation. Some may argue that we need to have grade inflation that matches other institutions. Other say that we need to proceed on the current course of continuing to work hard in order to get the College’s name and message out there through recommendations and so forth. Regardless, the one good thing is that despite the small increase in grade point average, there is a strong idea that Hampden-Sydney College is being truthful and honest when it comes to grades–something everyone on the Hill can all be proud of.