Story perspectives

Michigan Freshmen Adopt Pass/No-Credit to Ease Stress

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts will use a pass/no-credit system for freshmen.
Pass/no-credit marks will be omitted from transcripts and kept internally for awards, scholarships and internships.
Grades will affect GPAs starting the second semester.
The college says the policy will curb the mental-health crisis and foster collaboration.
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert warned the approach merely coddles students and labels normal stress a mental-health issue.

1 of 1

Story summary

The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts will use a pass/no-credit system for freshmen.
Pass/no-credit marks will be omitted from transcripts and kept internally for awards, scholarships and internships.
Grades will affect GPAs starting the second semester.
The college says the policy will curb the mental-health crisis and foster collaboration.
Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert warned the approach merely coddles students and labels normal stress a mental-health issue.