The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Urban Legend

THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT STUDENTS ACTUALLY BELIEVE THAT THERE
WAS A PROFESSOR WHO USED TO THROW THE EXAMINATION PAPERS UP THE
STAIRS AS HIS METOD OF GRADING THEM. THOSE THAT LANDED ON THE
HIGHER LEVEL GOT "AS", THE NEXT STEP GOT "BS" AND SO ON DOWN
UNTIL THE BOTTOM STEP WERE THE STUDENTS WHOSE PAPERS LANDED THERE
RECEIVED "FS".

Submitter comment:

HE (THE INFORMANT) TOLD ME THAT THIS PRACTICE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO DR.
H. THEODORE HOFFMAN OF THE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated / 02-24-2011 / TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ACADEMIC ; Grade ; Legend ; MYTH ; Stairs ; Student ; TEACHER ; URBAN