Academic Fresh Start Policy

Applies to: Returning undergraduate Pittsburg State University students.

Policy:

Academic Fresh Start allows returning undergraduate students with poor or marginal academic records to resume work towards an undergraduate degree without the detriment of their past academic performance in college. Although previous courses and grades will remain on the student’s transcript, if granted Academic Fresh Start, the calculation of grade point average (GPA) and credit hours earned is based solely on work completed after Fresh Start. This policy is designed for students who have gained maturity through extended experience outside of educational institutions and who have decided to return to the University. Academic Fresh Start is not an option for every returning student.

Six conditions must be met by the student:

1. Has not been enrolled in any institution of higher education for at least four years.
2. Is pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
3. Is reinstated by the Dean of the College where the student will be majoring as described in the reinstatement policy if returning after being academically dismissed.
4. Submits a petition to the Dean of the College in which the student will be majoring, describing the reasons for past poor performance and outlining an academic plan that includes the declaration of a major. Academic Fresh Start can be granted only once. Petition form may be found on the Registrar’s Forms webpage https://www.pittstate.edu/registrar/forms.html
5. Forfeits all credit earned prior to Academic Fresh Start.
6. Enrolls and completes at least twelve hours at Pittsburg State University with a 2.0 GPA before Academic Fresh Start is recorded on the transcript.

Once approved, the student's record will carry a notation stating when the Academic Fresh Start was granted and that the calculation of GPA and credit hours earned begins with that date. Students applying for readmission under Academic Fresh Start must meet admission requirements established by the individual colleges.