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The university's VP of Academic Affairs said the changes will no longer 'mask' students' 'demonstrated abilities'.. An Oregon university announced they will abandon failing letter grades, citing a "GPA fixation" that negatively impacts students. Western Oregon University issued a news release earlier this month that revealed the school would be replacing "D-" and "F" grades with "no credit" to discourage undergrads from dropping out. ... The difference is that the grade of NC will not negatively impact student GPAs, ... the decision came after data from the university showed that 65% of freshman students who dropped out had earned at...

When people think of elite higher education, we think of Harvard University. But, if one academic trend is anything to go by, Harvard is turning into a joke. A recent column in the Harvard Crimson makes it clear that the university is becoming a glorified academic daycare where every student gets a trophy or, in this case, an A. The average GPA at Harvard is now 3.8 ... out of 4.0, according to Crimson data analyst Aden Barton. That’s up from 3.3 in 1991. Are we supposed to believe that college students are just that much smarter now than decades...

It started with this Instagram post, and turned into a national conversation on our obsession over self-esteem. James Harrison certainly has earned his share of trophies and accolades … but that’s Harrison’s issue with the trophies his sons received just for showing up. Harrison, who fought to find a place on an NFL roster before beginning his future Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harrison, who came back to the Steelers after a season in Cincinnati and a brief retirement to resume his dominating presence, wants his sons to understand that trying is not the same as succeeding,...

“While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy,” the 37-year-old member of the Pittsburg Steelers wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned.” ... “I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best,” the five-time Pro Bowler continued, adding, “(because) sometimes your best is not enough, and...

Abortion centers are not nice places. How many more horror stories need to be uncovered before America wakes up to this harsh truth? Philadelphia and federal authorities who raided a doctor’s office after allegations a woman died during an abortion made a shocking discovery: more than two dozen frozen fetuses. For the second time in four days, Philadelphia Police, along with State Licensing officials and DEA agents, searched the West Philadelphia office of Dr. Kermit Gosnell on Monday. Sources tell Eyewitness News that the search came after a patient reportedly died during an abortion on November 20. Sources say the...

An English school caretaker nearly drowned as he set a record for hooking the largest catfish in Europe, a 226 pound monster christened "Jaws" in Spain. It took two friends to keep Carl Smith of Owestry from being dragged into the River Ebro in Spain after fighting the giant fish for 35 minutes, The Times of London reports. "The force of the tug practically sent me crashing to the ground," Smith said. "It's mouth, with rows of sharp teeth, made it look like a man-eating shark." European wels catfish are reputed to eat anything that can fit into their huge...

See this thread for Iraqi foreign minister's comments regarding treatment of captured Americans.