Academic Renewal (Fresh Start)

Administrative Procedure 4.105

Returning students who have not attempted a class at Elgin Community College (ECC) for a period of at least ten years may petition to have all prior grades (passing grades must be included as well) removed from the calculation of their primary Grade Point Average (GPA) (“GPA Reset”). Students who request and are approved for GPA Reset will have their ECC academic GPA reset. However, all grades earned before the GPA Reset will remain on the student’s transcript. ECC credit earned prior to the GPA Reset will not be applied toward certificate or degree completion.

To begin the GPA Reset process, students should meet with an academic advisor to determine if GPA Reset is a good option, obtain a request form, and complete a GPA Reset success plan.  Academic advisors are located in the Student Success Center, Building B, room B 120.  The completed request form and success plan are then sent to the Dean of Students for review, approval, and processing.  Once approved and processed, the student transcript will indicate “Academic Renewal” for each qualifying class in which the GPA is reset.

 Returning students seeking financial aid should work with the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.  Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is not impacted by GPA Reset and may require additional student action.