Fresh Start Policy

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TBR Policy Reference: 2.03.01.01

Approved by: President's Cabinet

Original Date Effective: 2015-05-22

Last Modified: 2024-06-17

Purpose:

Effective Fall 2014, the TBR policy regarding Fresh Start was updated as below. Jackson State (JSCC) will follow these steps in accordance with this policy update.

Definitions:

"Academic Fresh Start" is a plan of academic forgiveness which allows undergraduate students who have experienced academic difficulty to make a clean start upon returning to college after an extended absence.

Policy/Procedure:

Minimum Criteria for Institutional Academic Fresh Start Policies

  • The Academic Fresh Start allows eligible students to resume study without being penalized for his/her past unsatisfactory scholarship and signals the initiation of a new QPA/GPA to be used for determining academic standing.
  • Readmitted students who were formally enrolled at JSCC as well as transfer students who meet institutional requirements for admission and who have been separated from all institutions of higher education for a minimum of four (4) years and have not received a credential are eligible for Fresh Start.
  • Institutional policies governing the readmission of former students and admission of transfer students must comply with TBR policy 2:03:00:00 Admissions.
  • This policy requires that the "transfer applicant's grade point average on transferable courses must be at least equal to that which JSCC requires for the readmission of its own students.
  • Applicants who do not meet JSCC’s standards may be admitted on scholastic
    1. probation or other appropriate conditions. (2:03:00:00 Section 11.B.3.)
  • JSCC has established this Academic Fresh Start provision, which must meet the following minimum criteria:
    1. Student Requirements
      1. Separation from all collegiate institutions for at least four (4) years.
      2. Have not received a credential (degree, certificate, etc.) previously
      3. Any time after the readmission or admission as a degree-seeking or certificate-seeking student, the student will submit a Fresh Start application to the Admissions and Records Office.

2. Terms of the Academic Fresh Start

      1. Once the student has satisfied the above requirements, JSCC may grant the Academic Fresh Start. Permission for Fresh Start will only be granted once.
      2. The student's permanent record will remain a record of all work; however, courses taken and previously failed will be excluded from the calculation of the QPA/GPA. Courses with a D grade will also be excluded from the calculation when a grade of C or better is required in the student's current major. QPA, GPA, and credit hours will reflect courses for which passing grades were earned and retained.
        1. Retained grades will be calculated in the Fresh Start QPA/GPA.
        2. Courses with D or F grades must be repeated at the institution when required in the student's current major. All remaining courses for the current degree objectives must be completed at JSCC. No transient credit will be accepted after invoking Academic Fresh Start.
        3. The application of retained credit toward degree requirements will be determined by the requirements currently in effect when the academic renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific program regulations must also be met.
        4. Previously satisfied Assessment and Placement Program (ACCUPLACER) requirements will not be forfeited.
          1. Upon degree admission, Fresh Start applicants who did not satisfy learning support requirements at the time of previous enrollment and whose academic plan includes completion of a college-level English, Reading or Mathematics course must meet current Academic Assessment and Placement Program (ACCUPLACER) requirements regarding enrollment in college-level English, Reading and Mathematics courses.
  • The student's transcript will notate the date that the Fresh Start was granted.
  • The student will apply for the Fresh Start with the understanding that all TBR institutions will honor a Fresh Start provision granted at another TBR institution. The student should also understand that non-TBR institutions may not accept the QPA as it is calculated with the Fresh Start.
  • This policy is independent of financial aid regulations. Financial aid requirements at the time of application will apply. Therefore, a Fresh Start applicant should check with his/her financial aid counselor for guidance.
  • Courses affected by Fresh Start are not honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits.

Sources/References:

TBR Undergraduate Academic Retention Policy:  Section IV.  Minimum Criteria for Institutional Academic Fresh Start