University of Michigan to switch to pass/fail grades for first-semester students
Summary
The University of Michigan will use a pass-or-fail grading system for first-semester students in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. The change aims to reduce student stress and help new students adjust to college by focusing less on competition and more on learning.Key Facts
- First-semester students at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts will receive pass or no credit instead of letter grades.
- The goal is to support students’ mental health and encourage motivation driven by personal interest.
- A recent study of 135 US colleges found depression and suicidal thoughts among students decreased from 2022 to 2024.
- Other universities such as Caltech, Swarthmore, Wellesley, and MIT have similar grading options for new students.
- Harvard recently introduced a limit on A grades to address grade inflation and maintain academic standards.
- Some professors at the University of California have called for reintroducing college entrance exams due to poor student preparation in math and science.
- The University of California San Diego reported a rise in students needing remedial math before taking precalculus.
- Critics question whether changing grading early in college improves overall academic standards.
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