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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Edward Helmore

University of Michigan to switch to pass/fail grades for first-semester students

Students walk on a university campus
University of Michigan students walk on campus on 3 April 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

The University of Michigan will pivot to a pass-or-fail-style grading system, instead of letter grades, for first-semester students in an effort to “curb the mental health crisis unfolding among college-aged individuals”.

The school said in a notice on Tuesday that its goal was “to help first-year students acclimate to the demands of college and allow intrinsic motivations to guide personally meaningful academic journeys” and foster “a culture of connection and collaboration – rather than competition”.

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