Forbes Sees Students Grading Faculty on Work in Future

George Shannon Forbes '02, professor of Chemistry, Emeritus, last night said that college professors of the future may be graded by students, with their jobs depending on their marks. He spoke after receiving the first James Flakk Norris award for outstanding achievement in the teaching of Chemistry.

The Chemistry department here now grants prizes to the best section men in large courses, such as Chemistry 2 and 20, based on opinion polls of the students in the course.

Forbes, who has been teaching at Northeastern since 1948, said popularity polls among students could improve instruction, and lessen objections to the system of permanent tenure.

The Norris award, worth $1,000, is given blennally by the northeastern branch of the American Chemical Society.