Academic Renewal

The Academic Renewal Policy allows University of Georgia degree-seeking students who had experienced earlier academic difficulty (probation, continued probation, or dismissal) to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree. If approved, Academic Renewal will initiate a new grade point average that will be used in the determination of a student's academic standing.

Students must have experienced their academic difficulties at the University of Georgia or be a transfer student from a regionally accredited institution of higher education to be eligible for Academic Renewal.

Readmitted students must be absent from the University of Georgia for five (5) years, the required period of absence. The period of absence is calculated based on the period of time between the date of last enrollment at the University of Georgia and the date of return to the University of Georgia.

Students may attend other institutions during the period of absence; however, that coursework will not be eligible for Academic Renewal. Transfer credit for any coursework taken during the period of absence shall be granted in accordance with the prevailing USG and University of Georgia policies and procedures regarding the awarding of transfer credit.

A student shall only be granted Academic Renewal one (1) time in the University System.

Students must apply for Academic Renewal. If a student does not request Academic Renewal status at the time of re-enrollment, the student must do so within three semesters of re-enrollment or within one calendar year, whichever comes first. Students who wish to apply for Academic Renewal must submit a written petition and
Application for Academic Renewal to the Educational Affairs Committee through the Office of the Vice President for Instruction, Student Academic Services, 102 Memorial Hall, Athens, GA 30602.

Procedures

All previously attempted coursework continues to be recorded on the student's official transcript. A Renewal GPA is begun when the student resumes taking coursework following approval for Academic Renewal.

The Academic Renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation. To earn a degree, a student must meet the institution's residency requirements after acquiring Academic Renewal status.

At least 50% of work toward a degree must be completed after the granting of Academic Renewal status for a student to be eligible for honors at graduation.

Academic credit for previously completed coursework, including transfer coursework, will be retained only for courses in which a grade of A, B, or C* has been earned. Retained grades are not calculated in a Renewal GPA. Such credit is considered in the same context as transfer credit, credit by examination, and courses with grades of S.

Courses with grades of D or F must be repeated at the University of Georgia if they are required in the student's degree program. Minimum grade requirements for entrance requirements and major program requirements will still apply.

Transient credits of students with Academic Renewal status shall be accepted in accordance with University of Georgia policies.

Applicability of retained credit to degree requirements will be determined by the degree requirements in effect at the time Academic Renewal status is conferred on the student. Specific institutional program regulations must also be met.

*Note: As the University of Georgia utilizes plus/minus grading, credit will be retained for grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, and C-.

Transfer Credit Procedures

Students who previously attended a USG institution or any regionally accredited institution of higher education and transfer to UGA may be eligible for Academic Renewal for coursework taken five (5) or more years prior to the term of enrollment at UGA.

If Academic Renewal is granted, all coursework completed five (5) years prior to the term of enrollment at UGA will be renewed.

Courses taken less than five (5) years prior to the term of enrollment at UGA are ineligible for consideration for Academic Renewal. Transfer credit for any coursework taken five (5) or more years prior to the first term of enrollment at UGA shall be granted in accordance with the prevailing USG and UGA policies and procedures regarding the awarding of transfer credit. Retained grades are not calculated in a Renewal GPA. Such credit is considered in the same context as transfer credit, credit by examination, and courses with grades of S.

Student's Permanent Record

Any scholastic dismissals that occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student's permanent record. If a dismissal (either first or second) is on the record and the student encounters subsequent academic difficulty after having been granted Academic Renewal, the next dismissal subjects the student to permanent exclusion.

The Renewal GPA begins with the semester following re-enrollment.

Re-entry into any program is not automatic.

The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress. The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede the admissions requirements of certain programs, e.g., teacher education and nursing, which require a specific minimum grade point average based upon all coursework.