Academic Fresh Start Policy

The Academic Fresh Start policy provides eligible degree-seeking, certificate-seeking, and non-matriculated undergraduate students with an opportunity to reset their cumulative GPA early in their academic career while preserving a complete and transparent academic record.

Eligibility

Student Eligibility

Undergraduate students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree, or certificate, are eligible for an Academic Fresh Start. Non-matriculated students are also eligible.

GPA Requirement

Students must have a cumulative University of Cincinnati GPA below 2.0.

Maximum Credit Hours

Limited to a maximum number of University of Cincinnati initial enrollment semester credit hours, up to the first 36 credit hours taken, based on the student’s academic program level.

Initial enrollment must meet one of the following criteria.

  • Associate Degree Programs: Up to 36 semester credit hours
  • Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Up to 36 semester credit hours
  • Undergraduate Certificate Programs: Up to 50% of the total certificate credit hours
  • Non-matriculated students: Up to 36 semester credit hours

Only coursework attempted at the University of Cincinnati may be included in the Academic Fresh Start calculation.

Submission Deadline

Students must submit an Academic Fresh Start Application before submitting a Graduation Application for their degree or certificate.

Advising Requirement

Students must meet with their academic advisor prior to submitting an Academic Fresh Start Application. Non-matriculated students may work with Transition Advising to meet this requirement.

Exclusions

The following students and academic records are not eligible for an Academic Fresh Start.

  • Students pursuing a graduate-level degree
  • Students who have previously been granted Academic Fresh Start (an Academic Fresh Start may only be used once)
  • Students pursuing a micro-credential
  • Students currently enrolled through the College Credit Plus (CCP) program
  • Courses with grades assigned due to Academic Misconduct

Academic Record Impact

An Academic Fresh Start impacts the student record in the following ways.

  • All coursework remains on the academic record and transcript.
  • Grades from the affected semesters are excluded from cumulative GPA calculations.
  • Previously earned passing credit is retained on the academic record.
  • University Academic Standing status is removed upon approval of an Academic Fresh Start.

Process & Administrative Oversight

Process

Students must submit their requests through the formal Academic Fresh Start Application process.

As part of the process, colleges—in collaboration with advising—must complete a mandatory review for advising engagement and eligibility confirmation. This review does not constitute approval.

Administrative Oversight

The Office of the Registrar serves as the final approving authority and executes all updates to the student's academic record.

The Office of the Registrar maintains system-wide consistency, compliance with institutional and external requirements, and transcript integrity.

Transcript Transparency

If an Academic Fresh Start is granted, a standardized notation will appear on the official transcript. The notation documents the action without altering course visibility or obscuring academic history.