Strike-related Grading Policies

Dear Guarini community,

I am writing to address the concerns raised regarding grading policies for graduate students participating in the GOLD-UE strike.

Dartmouth respects the rights of graduate students to engage in lawful strike activities without fear of retaliation. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects the right to strike, and we are committed to upholding these protections. Dartmouth prohibits retaliation against graduate students (or any Dartmouth employees) engaged in lawful strike activities.

However, it is important to differentiate between employment responsibilities and academic progress. While students have the right to withhold their labor during a strike, academic requirements remain in place. The strike does not exempt students from fulfilling their academic obligations, which include making satisfactory progress in their research and teaching assignments as part of their degree program. This distinction is crucial to maintain the integrity and standards of our academic programs. 

Here are the key points related to academic expectations during the strike:

1. Research Responsibilities: Research is integral to a graduate student's academic training, and failure to progress in research may impact their grades. This is not a punitive measure but a reflection of the academic standards and progress required by the program. 
2. Teaching Assistant Responsibilities: Graduate students who choose to strike from their teaching assistant duties are exercising their rights. However, they must continue to meet other academic obligations. Teaching is an integral part of graduate training, and evaluation will continue to be based on academic performance.
3. Academic Progress: All graduate students are expected to continue all academic activities, including attending classes, seminars, and journal clubs. Academic progress must be maintained, and grades will reflect the level of progress made.
4. Grading: Faculty should continue to assign grades based on the academic performance and progress of students. If a student fails to meet the academic requirements, their grades should accurately reflect their performance.

We understand these situations are complex and require careful consideration. Our goal is to support students in their academic journey while respecting their rights as employees. At the same time, as an academic institution we support our faculty's right to grade students provided the grade reflects the students' academic progress.  

Sincerely,

David Kotz

Provost