University of Michigan to mask freshman grades to support mental health

The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) will implement a “First-Semester Grade Covering Pilot Program” beginning in fall 2027. Under this policy, incoming freshmen will not have traditional letter grades displayed on their external transcripts for their first semester. Instead, transcripts will indicate only whether a student passed or received no credit.

The university stated the initiative aims to address the mental health crisis among college-aged individuals by reducing academic pressure during the transition to university life. While letter grades will not appear on official transcripts or impact GPA calculations during the first semester, instructors will still assign grades internally. These internal grades will be used for advising, scholarships, and internship applications.

LSA Dean Rosario Ceballo noted the decision could address rising rates of stress, depression, and anxiety. Associate Dean Timothy McKay added that the program is intended to provide a “smooth on-ramp” for students moving from high school to a rigorous academic environment. The university joins other institutions, such as MIT and Caltech, that have utilized similar grading policies.