Date of Award

5-20-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

James Vander Putten

Abstract

Students in today’s colleges and universities are plagued by a number of problems that include, but are not limited to, access, accountability, affordability, and educational quality, however, one of the more significant problems is grade inflation because it impacts university credibility, courses of study, institutional choices, and other areas. One of the other areas of impact is the professional work environment. Once students begin their coursework, many require various accommodations and constant motivation in order to be successful. This research study examined the perceptions 10 full-time collegiate faculty at six institutions of higher education in the Southern corridor of the United States have regarding the impact prior academic performance and the long-term effects grade inflation may pose on students who enter the professional work environment post-graduation. The results from the study indicated faculty do indeed make accommodations and/or change their grading practices to combat their students’ academic preparedness prior to entering their course (s), however, they do not perceive the long-term effects of grade inflation as having an impact on their students’ professional endeavors. The majority of the participants in this research study: 80%, described the collegiate experience as the “gateway” to a professional work environment. They indicated before students can be expected to do a certain job, they must first have the necessary skills and a mindset that allows them to function in an environment which is different from any other setting they have experienced in their lives.

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