University of Michigan freshmen won't see first-semester grades on transcripts thanks to a new policy
The University of Michigan started a pilot program that keeps first-semester freshman grades off transcripts and out of GPA calculations. The school says this gives new students time to adjust to college life. People disagree about whether hiding grades helps mental health or whether it's inappropriate for a taxpayer-funded institution.
31 across the spectrum. Choose a side on the bar to jump to it.
National story. 78 articles from 32 sources. 31 are on the bar; 1 is an international, entertainment or tech outlet, listed separately. Updated Aug 13, 2026.
Left
4 sourcesMichigan will mask grades to support new students’ mental health
University of Michigan will switch to pass/fail grades for most first-semester students
University of Michigan drops letter grades for first-semester freshmen
To improve student mental health, University of Michigan eases grading
Center
11 sourcesSome students at University of Michigan won't get letter grades to 'curb the mental health crisis' among college students
University of Michigan to drop letter grades for some freshmen in 2027
LSA Students at University of Michigan won't get letter grades to 'curb the mental health crisis' among college students
Right
16 sourcesUniversity of Michigan Drops First-Semester Grades to ‘Curb Mental Health Crisis’
University of Michigan Will Hide Letter Grades for Freshman Students’ Mental Health
University of Michigan addresses "mental health crisis" by eliminating letter grades for freshmen
Major college to drop grades, citing mental health concerns
Other outlets
International, entertainment and tech outlets, by their rating. Not counted in the bar above. How we count coverage
Left
1 articleUniversity of Michigan to switch to pass/fail grades for first-semester students
Center
0 articlesNone
Right
0 articlesNone
The story so far
4 developments- Aug 8Only right-leaning coverage:University of Michigan plans to shield 2027 freshman letter grades from transcripts in new mental health plan
- Aug 11University of Michigan to switch to pass/fail grades for first-semester students
- Aug 12Michigan will mask grades to support new students’ mental health
- Aug 12Only center coverage:University of Michigan freshmen won't see first-semester grades on transcripts thanks to a new policy
Who covered each development
No new developments
Quiet for 67 daysLast development · Aug 12 — University of Michigan freshmen won't see first-semester grades on transcripts thanks to a new policy