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Fresh Start Policy

The Fresh Start policy provides students with an opportunity to reset their Grade Point Average (GPA) upon returning to MassBay Community College after a period of three years.

dean of students

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Fresh Start program, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • Students must be returning to MassBay Community College to seek their first degree or certificate.
  • Students must not have been enrolled at MassBay Community College for at least three academic years (six semesters, not including summer).
  • Students must complete at least six credits in a single semester after returning to demonstrate academic progress.
  • Submit the Fresh Start application within two semesters of returning.

Impact on Transcript:

  • Courses taken before the three-year absence in which a student earned a C-or better will remain on the transcript, count towards the degree or certificate (if applicable to the student’s program), and be included in the recalculated GPA.
  • Courses taken before the three-year absence in which a student earned below a C- will remain on the transcript but will be excluded from the recalculated GPA. These courses will not count toward the degree or certificate.

Financial Aid Implications:

While excluded grades will not affect the recalculated GPA, they will still be considered for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluations, which are necessary for financial aid eligibility.

Limits and Restrictions:

  • The Fresh Start policy is a one-time opportunity and cannot be reversed once applied. Students who change their intended degree after Fresh Start has been applied will not be re-evaluated.
  • Fresh Start does not impact previous financial balances with the College.
  • Fresh Start does not affect other requirements that must be met for selective admissions programs or any other program.

Process:

  • Interested students must submit a formal application for the Fresh Start program through the Registrar’s Office.
  • The application must be submitted within two semesters of returning, provided they complete the required six credits. Applications must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the end of the semester to be considered.
  • The Registrar’s Office will review the application to ensure that the student meets all eligibility requirements.
  • If approved, the student’s GPA will be recalculated at the end of the semester in which the application is approved.
  • The students’ transcript will note “Fresh Start” under the re-calculated GPA.