University of Michigan Implements Hidden Grades Policy for Freshmen Amid Mental Health Concerns
The University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) will implement a new pilot program starting in fall 2027, hiding first-semester letter grades for incoming freshmen. Under this policy, official external transcripts will only show 'pass' (P) or 'no credit' (NC) for first-semester courses, and these grades will not factor into overall GPAs. The university states that students will still receive traditional letter grades and feedback directly from professors. Internal letter grade records will be maintained for administrative purposes such as advising, financial aid, and academic awards. This initiative aims to address a growing 'mental health crisis' on college campuses and ease the transition for students from high school to college. The LSA is the largest college at the university, serving approximately 19,700 undergraduate students. Similar pass/fail or hidden-grade policies for first-year students have been in place for decades at institutions like MIT, Caltech, Wellesley, ... 
