Board of Regents Policy Academic Fresh Start (CT State Community College)

The Academic Fresh Start Program is a one-time opportunity for eligible students, returning to college after an absence of two or more years (four standard semesters), to refresh their grade point average (GPA). A student must be re-enrolling with a cumulative GPA below 2.00 to qualify for this program. Students must apply for Fresh Start by the last day of classes in their first full semester back after being readmitted to CT State. Fresh Start may only be invoked during the fall/spring semester.

Although all grades previously earned remain on the student transcript, the student retains credit only for courses with a grade of C- or above, including "P" (Pass), "CR" (Credit), and "CRT” (Credit Transfer). The courses for which Academic Fresh Start is invoked include a transcript symbol (^) indicating that the policy has been applied to the student's academic history. The student's updated, cumulative GPA will only reflect coursework from the semester in which the Fresh Start was invoked and all subsequent coursework*.

The Academic Fresh Start Program can only be used once, including at previous Connecticut Community Colleges, and does not apply to any completed degree or certificate. Fresh Start is exclusively for academic purposes and is not related to any/all federal and state Financial Aid guidelines regarding previous credits enrolled. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office for such details.

*Please note: not all colleges and universities may accept credits with the Fresh Start notation; students interested in future transfer opportunities are encouraged to consult with the future institution(s) for more information on their transfer credit policies.

Policy History:
Adopted 7/28/03
Revised 6/19/06, 5/19/22, 6/18/26