Academic Fresh Start

The Academic Fresh Start policy allows returning undergraduate students to establish a new academic record upon their return to Colorado State University. A student who enrolls after being granted an Academic Fresh Start has a demarcation on the permanent academic record to differentiate the previous record from the new academic record achieved under the Fresh Start policy. Only grades earned after the Fresh Start demarcation are computed in the new GPA. Credits for those courses in which grades of at least "C-" or "S" were awarded prior to the Fresh Start may be applied toward graduation requirements even though they will not be calculated into the GPA.

For a student to be eligible for an Academic Fresh Start, five or more years must have lapsed since the last semester of enrollment as an admitted degree-seeking student, regardless of the number of credits completed during enrollment. Courses taken through Continuing Education, GUEST, or summer session after leaving the University do not affect the determination of the five-year interval. A Fresh Start can be granted to a student only once.

Please be aware that an Academic Fresh Start does not guarantee the opportunity to return. Applicants must demonstrate the potential for academic success once they reenroll as an admitted student. Fresh Start applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an essay and support documentation (e.g. resume, recommendations, transcripts from other institutions attended since Colorado State, etc.) addressing their academic experience and personal or professional accomplishments since leaving the University as an admitted student. To discuss your eligibility to return with an Academic Fresh Start, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@colostate.edu or call (970) 491-6909 or contact the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) at (970) 491-7095.