University of Michigan Adopts New Grading Policy for Freshmen
The University of Michigan plans to implement a new grading system for incoming freshmen in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) starting in fall 2027. These students will not have letter grades on their transcripts for their first semester. Instead, grades will be recorded as pass or no credit. This move aims to address the mental health challenges faced by college students.
According to the university, this policy helps new students adjust to college life and encourages them to follow personal academic interests. The LSA is the university’s largest college, serving around 19,700 undergraduate students. Although students will receive letter grades during the semester, only a ‘P’ for pass or ‘NC’ for no credit will appear on their transcripts.
The grades from the first semester will not affect the students’ grade point averages, allowing them to explore new subjects without worrying about long-term effects on their records. The university believes this approach supports well-being and academic growth by promoting a collaborative environment over competition.
For administrative purposes, the university will retain students’ first-semester letter grades. These records will be used for academic advising, scholarships, internships, eligibility for athletics, and other administrative needs. The policy applies only to freshmen in the LSA, with no option to opt out. An opt-in system would not align with the policy’s goals of supporting student transition, mental health, and learning motivations, according to school officials.
The University of Michigan joins a small group of institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology, that have similar policies. However, some experts express concerns. Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert suggests this approach might not prepare students for life beyond college. He argues that experiencing discomfort is part of personal growth and that bad grades can offer valuable lessons.