University of Michigan plans to shield 2027 freshman letter grades from transcripts in new mental health plan

University of Michigan Will Ease Up on Grades for Student Mental Health

The university will make first-semester grades pass or fail, to encourage students to explore different classes and lessen fears that “a low grade may have long-term consequences.”

Aug 11, 2026

University of Michigan axes letter grades to curb freshman ‘mental health crisis’

The University of Michigan will nix letter grades for first-semester freshmen, a policy the school hopes will help students “start strong” and “curb the mental health crisis.” “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 […]

Aug 11, 2026

University of Michigan plans to shield 2027 freshman letter grades from transcripts in new mental health plan

The University of Michigan's new pass-fail grading policy for 2027 freshmen aims to curb the mental health crisis, but a psychotherapist warns it may backfire.

Aug 8, 2026

University of Michigan will hide grades, scrub transcripts to curb student ‘mental health crisis’

The University of Michigan said grades for incoming freshman during their first semester will be hidden and excluded from their transcripts to "curb the mental health crisis" among students.

Aug 8, 2026