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Fresh Start (Formerly Grade Amnesty)

The Fresh Start Policy is intended to permit the readmission of formerly unsuccessful students who present evidence of motivation and ability to succeed. When previously unsuccessful students request readmission, they must declare an intention to invoke Fresh Start. In addition to permitting readmission when students’ prior performance might not merit it, Fresh Start allows previous unsatisfactory grades to be excluded from the cumulative grade point average later if certain conditions are met.

Students interested in readmission under this policy should contact their college’s advising office or dean’s office to begin the process. Fresh Start is invoked at the time of readmission and approved by the readmitted student’s college dean in consultation with their advisor and chairperson. With the advisor’s assistance, the student must set academic goals carefully to achieve Fresh Start, and to avoid or minimize academic sanctions (alert and caution) and prevent future academic dismissal.

Requirements for a student to be considered for readmission under Fresh Start, and conditions for initial semesters:

  • The student must have been matriculated in an undergraduate degree program at UMass Dartmouth or a predecessor institution.
  • The student must have left the University at least two years previously with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.500.
  • The student must present evidence of motivation and ability to succeed if readmitted to the university; for example, the student could show good grades earned in subsequent college courses.
  • The student will be subject to graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
  • Once a student has accepted readmission under Fresh Start, they may not reverse that decision and are subject to its conditions.
  • Students readmitted through Fresh Start will retain their previous academic standing status. They are held to the same academic standards as all students and face potential academic dismissal if they fail to meet those standards which could occur as soon as their second semester following readmission.

Requirements for previous grades to be excluded from the cumulative grade point average under Fresh Start:

  • The student must have been readmitted to matriculated degree status and remain a matriculated degree-seeking student.
  • The student must have completed at least twelve credits since returning, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0.
  • All courses and grades attempted and earned in the prior period of enrollment will remain a part of the student’s permanent record along with academic notations; however, none will be calculated into the student’s cumulative grade record and will be properly annotated on the record.
  • Courses passed in the prior period of enrollment with grades below C- will not be accepted toward satisfaction of any degree requirements following readmission, nor will the credits previously earned in the courses be applied toward the degree.
  • Courses passed in the prior period of enrollment with grades of C- or better may be accepted towards satisfaction of major requirements if so approved by the department but will not be calculated in the cumulative or major grade point averages.

Please contact the undergraduate advising center in your college to begin the Fresh Start process.