Silent sliders are students who look like they are moving forward but are quietly losing traction. In this episode, we explore who silent sliders are, what contributes to their slide, and why campuses often miss the early signs. We also discuss what institutions can do to better support these students.

We discuss:

• student groups commonly affected
• factors that lead to silent sliding
• institutional conditions that shape visibility
• ways campuses can strengthen student support 

This conversation offers a clear, accessible framing of a challenge facing today’s higher education landscape.

In our first episode, we dive into the debate surrounding the University of Michigan’s recent announcement of a Pass/Fail grading system for first‑semester students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. 

We explore why the policy was introduced, how it connects to mental health and academic preparedness, and what it might mean for student retention and student success.

We discuss:

• merits and drawbacks of the policy
• personal stories from our own first‑year experiences
• institutional implications and the need for bold experimentation in higher education