Helpful Links

Navigate OHIO

Connect With Us

Office of the University Registrar
First Floor, Chubb Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Directions
740.593.0216
The Ohio University Alumni Gate surrounded by spring flowers.
Academic Fresh Start Policy

Fresh Start Policy

A New Beginning for Your Academic Journey

Ohio University understands that students’ circumstances can change. The Academic Fresh Start program offers eligible returning students an opportunity to exclude previous course grades of C- or below from their grade-point average (GPA) calculation, allowing them to renew their academic record and pursue their educational goals with an updated GPA.

If you have been away from Ohio University for at least two years (24 consecutive months), you may choose to take advantage of this option when you re-enroll.

What is Academic Fresh Start?

Academic Fresh Start allows returning undergraduate students to:

  • Improve their GPA by excluding previous grades of C- or below from GPA calculations
  • Keep grades of C or higher included in their GPA
  • Retain a complete transcript history while excluding prior grades from GPA calculations

This program is designed to help students re-engage with their studies and demonstrate their current academic abilities.

How Academic Fresh Start Works

If you elect Academic Fresh Start:

  • Previous grades remain on your transcript, but grades of C- or below are not included in your GPA.
  • Your transcript will clearly note that an Academic Fresh Start has been applied.
  • Completed credits with passing grades are retained.
  • Those credits may still count toward degree requirements if minimum grade standards are met.

Eligibility

You may request Academic Fresh Start if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are an undergraduate student
  • Have not been enrolled at Ohio University for at least 24 consecutive months
  • Are re-enrolling at Ohio University
  • Have not elected Academic Forgiveness or Fresh Start before

The request must be made at the time of re-enrollment.

Important Considerations

Before choosing Academic Fresh Start, please review the following:

Financial Aid Impacts

  • Fresh Start does not impact your financial aid eligibility. 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. 

Credit Requirements

  • You must complete at least 30 additional credit hours for a bachelor’s degree or 18 additional credits for an associate degree at Ohio University after your return before earning a degree.
  • In some cases, you may be closer to graduation without using Fresh Start.

Program Admission and Requirements

  • Admission to more selective or accredited programs is not guaranteed.
  • You must still meet all program-specific academic and retention requirements.
  • Some programs may require you to choose a different major based on accreditation or prior performance.

One-Time, Irreversible Option

Academic Fresh Start: 

  • Can only be used once
  • Cannot be reversed once applied
  • Cannot be combined with Academic Forgiveness policies

Is Academic Fresh Start Right for You?

This option may benefit students who:

  • Experienced academic challenges during a prior enrollment
  • Have been away from the University and are ready to return with renewed 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 Fresh Start aligns with your goals.

How to Apply

To request Academic Fresh Start:

  1. Apply for re-enrollment to Ohio University.
  2. Indicate your interest in Academic Fresh Start during the re-enrollment process.
  3. Consult with an academic or success advisor before finalizing your decision.
  4. Complete the Academic Fresh Start and Academic Forgiveness Form after consulting with your advisor.
  5. Check your OHIO email for updates about the status of your request.
  6. 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 is eligible for Academic Fresh Start?

Undergraduate students who have been away from Ohio University for at least 24 consecutive months and are re-enrolling may request Academic Fresh Start. 

What happens to my old grades?

Your previous grades will remain on your transcript, but any grades of C- or below will not be included in your cumulative GPA. 

Do I lose the credits I already earned?

No. Credits earned for courses passed with a D- or higher are retained and may still apply toward your degree, depending on program requirements. 

Will Academic Fresh Start guarantee admission into my major?

No. You must still meet all admission and retention requirements for selective or accredited programs, and admission is not guaranteed. 

How many credits must I complete after returning?

You must complete at least 30 additional credit hours for a bachelor’s degree or 18 additional credits for an associate degree after your return before earning your degree. 

Can I change my mind after choosing Academic Fresh Start?

No. Once selected, Academic Fresh Start is permanent and cannot be reversed. 

How many times can I use Academic Fresh Start?

This option may be used only once during your academic career. 

Can I use Academic Fresh Start with Academic Forgiveness?

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

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

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. Academic Forgiveness allows eligible undergraduate students to request forgiveness for up to three eligible courses without the same two-year absence requirement.

Learn more about the Academic Forgiveness Policy.

How do I apply?

Apply for re-enrollment to Ohio University and indicate your interest in Academic Fresh Start during the re-enrollment process. Consult with an academic or success advisor before making your final decision, then complete the Academic Fresh Start and Academic Forgiveness Form. You will receive updates about your request through your OHIO email.