University of Michigan to Hide Freshman Grades in Pass/No Credit Pilot

The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA) will launch a pilot program in fall 2027 that records all first‑semester grades as pass (P) or no credit (NC) on official transcripts. Students will still receive letter grades and instructor feedback, but those grades will remain internal, will not appear on external transcripts, and will not affect first‑semester GPAs.

The initiative is presented as a way to reduce stress and address a perceived mental‑health crisis among incoming college students. Participation is mandatory for all LSA freshmen; there is no opt‑out. The university cites similar grading models at institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Goucher and Swarthmore, and notes that many schools used pass/fail grading during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Internal records will continue to track letter grades for advising, scholarships and other purposes.

Critics argue that hiding grades may hinder students’ ability to monitor academic progress, while supporters hope the change will encourage exploration of new subjects without fear of low marks.