Fresh Start Program

Students enrolled in the Fresh Start Program must:

• Submit an application for Open Studies, Fresh Start Program.
• Pay the Fresh Start Program fee.
• Successfully complete an online non-credit course entitled "Cognitive Strategies" in the fall term.
• Attend monthly seminars scheduled in the fall and winter terms.
• Take a reduced course load of between 18 and 24 credits in a single academic year consisting of the fall or winter terms.
• Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 on 18 to 24 credits to maintain satisfactory academic standing.
• Apply for admission/readmission to a Faculty by their application deadline. Contact your target Faculty to confirm the AGPA, courseload, and other requirements for admission/readmission.

Supplementary instruction or other assistance such as math help, writing instruction, time management, study skills, etc., may be required as assessed by the Faculty from which the student received the RTW, the Fresh Start Program, and/or Academic Success Centre staff.

The Fresh Start Program is open to undergraduate students in participating Faculties who have:

• Been recommended for admission to the Fresh Start Program as a consequence of their "Required to Withdraw" status.
• Taken fewer than 60 credits (including the work completed during the academic year under review).
• A GPA of 1.3 - 1.6 at the end of the fall/winter term.
• Been assigned unsatisfactory standing and are required to withdraw (RTW).
• NOT been previously required to withdraw from any post-secondary institution.
• NOT taken any courses at other post-secondary institutions after receiving their “Required to Withdraw” letter and before entering the Fresh Start Program.
• Have NOT previously completed the Fresh Start Program.
• Agreed to comply with the requirements of the program.

University of Alberta Faculties that recommend students to the Fresh Start Program include:

• Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
• Arts
• Augustana
• Business
• Campus Saint-Jean
• Education
• Engineering
• Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
• Native Studies
• Nursing
• Science

• Completion of the Fresh Start Program does not guarantee admission or readmission to any particular Faculty at the University of Alberta. Students must meet Faculty admission/readmission requirements.
• If you were recommended to the Fresh Start Program by the Faculty of Engineering, please note that you will not be readmitted to the Faculty of Engineering. You will need to select another faculty in which to complete your degree.
• If you are appealing any of your grades, DO NOT wait until the appeal process is complete to register in the Fresh Start Program. Instead, register as soon as you receive your "Required to Withdraw" letter, even if you are appealing one or more of your grades. The appeal process takes time, and you should not risk missing the Fresh Start Program application deadline (late July). For information on and assistance with the appeal process, contact the Office of the Student Ombuds.
• If you are interested in the Fresh Start Program but wish to delay your entry, you should still register for the Fresh Start Program as soon as you receive your "Required to Withdraw" letter. You may delay for one year (i.e., to start the next September) one time only. You MUST discuss this option with and receive formal approval from the Faculty from which you received your "Required to Withdraw" letter.