Students have a number of reasons why they might modify a class to pass/fail. First, the ability to take a class pass/fail can be thought of as a sort of insurance policy for a person's GPA. Pass/fail can allow students to step out of their concentrations and schedule adventurous classes without fear of penalty. In addition, students often have to load up on difficult classes. Occasionally, a student may schedule a little more than he or she can handle comfortably. By modifying one of these classes to pass/fail status, the student can divert some of his or her attention to particular courses. This allows students to find the balance needed to perform at their optimum potential.
Another reason to take a course pass/fail is to create free time for extracurriculars or necessary part-time employment. Incorporating extracurricular activities into one's schedule is as much a part of the University experience as attending classes. Numerous organizations and campus groups allow students to take advantage of the University's diversity. The catch is that these groups can require just as much time as a four-credit course. The extra time a student gains by not having to pursue a certain grade can be shuffled into something equally rewarding: community service, intramural sports and religious studies, to name but a few. Just as the University wanted to make sure its students were well-balanced before admitting them, so too will the workforce.
In addition, many students must hold down part-time jobs to cover the costs of daily living at the University. The University is the one of the most expensive public universities in the country, and costs of living in Ann Arbor are high. Some students have no choice but to work, and any flexibility in their schedules could ease the burden.
Any fears from the administration that a later deadline would promote "slacking" are unfounded. A passing grade is not a given once the student chooses the route of pass/fail. A 'C-' average must be maintained, or the student will not receive credit. Obviously, a certain amount of effort must be put into pass/fail classes. Also, the student does not have an unlimited opportunity to take the "easier" path: Only 30 credits may be taken pass/fail.
If a student does not have the proper amount of time to evaluate his or her schedule, then the pass/fail option loses some of its worth. Pass/fail should be a safety valve for students who extend themselves too far. A semester in its formative stages does not reveal all of its demands until it develops a structure around midterms. The cutoff for scheduling a class as pass or fail should fall during this time.