Rule 3357:15-13-22 | Fresh start/academic forgiveness.
Students who change their program of study or reapply for admission to the college and wish to improve their cumulative GPA may apply for academic forgiveness. All courses and grades will remain on the student's official transcript and be designated with a special code for fresh start/academic forgiveness.
(A) General information
(1) Fresh start/academic forgiveness applies only to courses formerly taken at Stark state college.
(2) A student may only receive fresh start/academic forgiveness once and it is not reversible.
(3) This policy will not apply to "F" grades received as a result of academic dishonesty. The academic records/registrar's office will check student files on all grades of "F."
(4) Academic standing is updated in the semester in which the student applies.
(5) Fresh start/academic forgiveness will apply to courses that are inactive and cannot be retaken or do not apply to the current major.
(6) If a student's request is approved, grades of "D" or "F" in courses that are not required in the current program of study will be removed from the student's overall GPA. All courses and grades will remain on the student's official transcript and be designated with a special code for academic forgiveness.
(7) For students enrolled in secondary application programs, exceptions to the policy must be approved by the provost in consultation with the registrar.
(8) All credits attempted, including withdrawals, repeats, transfer, and courses for which grades are excluded from the GPA calculation as a result of fresh start/academic forgiveness approval, since the first semester of enrollment, will still be included in the college's standards of academic progress policy.
(B) Criteria
(1) The student must be seeking a degree/certificate from Stark state college. A student who has already graduated may not request fresh start/academic forgiveness.
(2) The student must be enrolled in classes at Stark state college during the semester in which the fresh start/academic forgiveness form is filed.
(3) The student must complete a minimum of twelve credit hours (not necessarily completed in any one semester) from Stark state college with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or better following the return to the college or a change of major.
(4) Students must submit a "Change of Major" form if changing their major.
Last updated June 1, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Supplemental Information