The University of Michigan announced a new grading policy for incoming freshmen starting in fall 2027 aimed at addressing the mental health crisis among college-aged individuals. First-year students enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) will receive letter grades during the semester, but their final averages will be recorded on transcripts only as pass or no credit. These grades will not impact students' grade point averages, a move university officials say will provide greater academic freedom for exploration.

The LSA, the largest of the university's 19 colleges serving about 19,700 undergraduates, stated the policy is designed to help students acclimate to college demands and foster intrinsic motivation for meaningful academic journeys, which are core to a liberal arts education. The college emphasized investing in student well-being by promoting a culture of connection and collaboration rather than competition.

University officials noted that an opt-in approach would undermine the policy's goals of supporting mental health and easing the transition to campus life. Michigan joins a small group of institutions, including MIT, Swarthmore College, and Caltech, that have adopted similar pass-fail grading policies.

While the university aims to curb the mental health crisis with this initiative, some experts, including psychotherapists, have expressed concerns that the policy might have unintended negative effects.

Notable quotes from the university:

  • "Our goal is to help first-year students acclimate to the demands of college and allow intrinsic motivations to guide personally meaningful academic journeys — core elements of a liberal arts and sciences education."
  • "LSA is investing in students’ well-being and growth by fostering a culture of connection and collaboration — rather than competition."
  • "An opt-in structure would defeat the purpose of facilitating students’ transition to campus, supporting mental health and well-being, and bolstering intrinsic motivations for learning."

Visual context:

Photos from the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, including students walking on campus and the Michigan Union building, highlight the setting of this policy change.

Sources: