I have seen that several other artists have blogged on grades recently. I have experience the fact that there are two types of students at my school: those who expect A's and those who don't really care what they get. Very few actually seem to wish to earn an A. One of my colleagues has an excellent statement on his syllabus that I have considered adapting: The definition of a C is "average" work. This means that you have done just what is required. To achieve a grade higher than a C you must show the desire, willingness and effort to go "above" just what is required.