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Academic Forgiveness Policy

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Moving Forward in Your Academic Journey

Ohio University is committed to supporting student success and recognizing that academic paths are not always linear. The Academic Forgiveness Policy provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to move forward from past academic challenges by excluding certain previously earned grades from their grade-point average (GPA).

This policy is designed to help students who have experienced academic difficulty — particularly those who have shifted their academic focus — rebuild their academic standing while continuing progress toward their degree. 

What Is Academic Forgiveness?

Academic Forgiveness allows eligible students to petition to have specific course grades excluded from their GPA calculation. 

While the original course and grade will remain visible on the transcript, they will be marked as “forgiven” and will no longer be included in the GPA calculation. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for Academic Forgiveness, students must:

  • Be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate program (this includes undecided students and pre-major students who have been admitted as degree seeking)
  • Have attempted at least 24 credit hours
  • Meet all procedural and submission requirements established by the University

Policy Guidelines

Courses Eligible for Forgiveness

  • Up to three courses may be forgiven. 
  • Only courses with a final grade of C- or below are eligible. 

Effect on GPA and Transcript

  • Forgiven courses: 
    • Remain on the transcript
    • Include a notation indicating forgiveness
    • Do not count toward term or cumulative GPA

Impact on Degree Progress

  • Forgiven courses: 
    • Cannot be used to fulfill major, minor, certificate, or general education requirements
    • May count toward total credit hours and residency requirements

Important Limitations
  • Federal and state financial aid eligibility will continue to be calculated using your original GPA. If you are ineligible for financial aid due to your original GPA, you can submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal. For more information, visit the SAP website.
  • Academic Forgiveness is available only before completion of a first bachelor’s degree at Ohio University. 
  • Courses applied to a previously completed associate degree or certificate cannot be forgiven. 
  • Once granted, forgiveness is permanent and cannot be reversed. 
  • Academic Forgiveness cannot be combined with an Academic Fresh Start. 

Is Academic Forgiveness Right for You?

This option may benefit students who:

  • Experienced academic challenges during a prior course
  • Have shifted their academic focus
  • Want their current academic performance to better reflect their abilities

We encourage you to speak with an academic advisor at the Allen Student Advising Center to determine whether Academic Forgiveness aligns with your goals.

How to Apply

To request Academic Forgiveness:

  1. Consult with an academic or success advisor before finalizing your decision.
  2. Complete the Academic Fresh Start and Academic Forgiveness Form after consulting with your advisor.
  3. Check your OHIO email for updates about the status of your request.
  4. Once a final decision has been made, you will be notified via email. You are encouraged to review your DARS and meet with your advisor again, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Academic Forgiveness?

Undergraduate students who are enrolled in a degree- or certificate-seeking program and have attempted at least 24 credit hours may apply. This includes undecided students and pre-major students who have been admitted as degree-seeking.

How many courses can be forgiven?

Students may request forgiveness for up to three courses. 

Which grades are eligible?

Only courses with a final grade of C- or below qualify for Academic Forgiveness. 

Will forgiven courses be removed from my transcript?

No. Courses will remain on your transcript but will be marked with a notation indicating they have been forgiven. 

Will forgiven courses affect my GPA?

No. Once approved, forgiven courses are excluded from both term and cumulative GPA calculations. 

Can forgiven courses still count toward my degree requirements?

No. Forgiven courses cannot be used to satisfy major, minor, certificate, or general education requirements. However, they may still count toward total credit hours and residency.

Can I reverse Academic Forgiveness after it is granted?

No. Once granted, Academic Forgiveness is permanent and cannot be reversed. 

Can I use Academic Forgiveness after I graduate?

No. Academic Forgiveness must be used before completing your first bachelor’s degree at Ohio University. 

Can Academic Forgiveness be combined with Academic Fresh Start?

No. Academic Forgiveness cannot be combined with Academic Fresh Start.. 

What is the difference between Academic Forgiveness and Academic Fresh Start?

Academic Forgiveness allows eligible undergraduate students to request forgiveness for up to three eligible courses without the same two-year absence requirement. Academic Fresh Start is intended for eligible undergraduate students returning after at least 24 consecutive months away from Ohio University and applies to eligible prior grades of C- or below. 

Learn more about the Academic Fresh Start Policy.

How do I apply?

Consult with an academic or success advisor before making your final decision. After consulting with your advisor, complete the Academic Fresh Start and Academic Forgiveness Form. You will receive updates about your request through your OHIO email.