US's top 3 public university hides freshmen grades to protect students' mental health
The University of Michigan has announced a pilot program that will withhold first-semester grades on official transcripts, an initiative aimed at easing academic pressure and addressing mental health challenges among incoming students.
From fall 2027, the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) will hide freshmen grades to support students' mental well-being. Incoming students will only receive a "P" (pass) or "NC" (no credit) for their first semester, with actual grades removed from transcripts and GPAs. This policy aims to help new students adjust to college life, foster intrinsic motivation, and promote a collaborative atmosphere.
The move comes after a 2024-25 Healthy Minds Study revealed declines in depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among college students. LSA Dean Rosario Ceballo emphasized the pilot program's potential to address stress, depression, and anxiety while advancing the college's educational mission. Faculty members, including Derek Peterson, a professor of history and African studies, support the policy, stating that grading buffers allow students to take intellectual risks without severe consequences.
However, some learning specialists worry the policy could reduce student motivation or contribute to grade inflation, reflecting ongoing debates about higher education's shift toward competency-based assessment.
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