The college believes this pilot program will help students start strong. LSA officials stated, “We believe that covering grades will help students start strong and curb the mental health crisis unfolding among college-aged individuals.” The program aims to create an environment where college students can acclimate to the demands of education at the institution and pursue new academic challenges. Johns Hopkins, Goucher, and Swarthmore have all adopted P/NC grading for incoming students, according to Inside Higher Ed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions shifted to pass/fail grading to help reduce student stress.