University of Michigan to replace letter grades with pass/no credit for first-semester students

What happened

The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and Arts will implement a policy starting in fall 2027 that eliminates final letter grades for first-semester students. Instead, students will receive a designation of pass or no credit on their transcripts for that semester.

Why it matters

This change could impact the academic assessment and transition experience for first-year students.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are a parent?

This change may affect how you evaluate your child's academic performance during their first semester at university. Parents might need to adjust their expectations and support strategies as students transition to college without traditional letter grades.

How does this story affect you if you are a student?

This policy directly impacts first-semester students at the University of Michigan, as it alters how their academic progress is assessed. Students may feel less pressure to achieve high grades, which could affect their study habits and overall college experience.

How does this story affect you if you are a small business owner?

Small business owners may see an impact if they employ first-semester students, as these students might have different academic pressures and availability for work. Understanding the new grading system could help businesses better support their student employees.

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