Beginning in fall 2027, the University of Michigan will replace traditional letter grades for some first-semester freshmen with pass/fail grades to allow freshmen a smoother entry into college. The reasoning is that removing grades will help address the growing mental health crisis that paralyzes students across the country. The idea is that students won’t have to worry about balancing college life with the fear of compromising grades.
The Debate Over Pass/Fail Grading
Critics argue that this decision will not help support mental health, but instead create entitlement. Some even argue that we need to ratchet up expectations and make college more rigorous.
As a mother and lawyer dedicated to helping students, I believe both arguments miss the mark. Why are we messaging that a college will do everything possible so students get the “A”? Why can’t colleges send the message that part of life is just doing your best with whatever is thrown your way? Getting a B or, heaven forbid, a C is not the worst outcome in life.
Focusing on Process, Not Perfection
Process is important. I always asked my own kids, “Did you do your best?” I wanted to focus on the process. I know that my “best” as a single mom wasn’t always perfect. Sometimes dinner was just another night of macaroni and cheese or, I confess, a trip to frozen yogurt. (It is yogurt, right?) My point is that we can’t always get the A in life, and that is, and has to be, okay. The focus in life should not always be on the results but on how you move through life, even when it’s sticky.
Every Student Needs a Path
Life is just hard. When we see a student struggle, we explore options. For some students, accommodations are appropriate. Other students have the resilience to juggle the demands of school with everything else in life. If a student simply cannot navigate everything on their plate, there is no shame in taking a leave of absence. Each student needs a path, but it’s not always the same path.
Resilience Is a Muscle
We all need to build a resilience muscle, and I now believe that resilience is a muscle to grow. The University of Michigan’s goal of giving a semester of grace seems kind on the surface. But when you dig deeper, life doesn’t always give breaks. While college should be a wonderful time for every student, curveballs will always be thrown. And if the worst consequence is a lower grade, that’s not a bad result. So, again, sometimes a B is really an A if there was effort, diligence, and integrity.
How KJK Can Help
If your student is facing a challenge on campus, whether an academic struggle, a conduct proceeding, a Title IX matter, or a question about accommodations, Susan Stone and Kristina Supler of KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense practice can help you find the right path forward. To discuss further, contact our office today.