Former Montana State University undergraduates who return to the University after an absence of two calendar years or more may petition to begin a new cumulative Fresh Start GPA. The process is as follows:

  1. Re-enroll in MSU and complete a minimum of twelve credits of academic study with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the new coursework.
  2. During the semester immediately following completion of part 1, submit a Fresh Start petition for review by the Graduation and Admissions Requirements Committee (GARC). Petitions must be submitted to GARC in
    the semester immediately after the successful completion of 12 credits following a return from an absence of 2 or more years.
  3. GARC will review the petition and inform the student of its decision. The decision of GARC is final.
  4. Upon GARC approval, cumulative GPA will be recalculated to include only coursework grades earned after re-enrollment in MSU. No grades attained prior to re-enrollment can be included in the new cumulative Fresh Start GPA. However, all credits earned will apply towards the student’s graduation requirements.

Students who participate in Fresh Start can expect the following:

  1. Participation in Fresh Start will be recorded on the student transcript.
  2. Cumulative GPA can be reset only once using the Fresh Start Policy.
  3. All courses taken at MSU with their corresponding credits and grades will remain on the student transcript, including those earned prior to reenrollment.
  4. All academic standings on the student transcript will be retained and the determination of future academic standings will be based on the entire academic record at MSU.
  5. Students will be directed to their academic college and the Office of Return to Learn to receive additional guidance to promote good academic standing and potential scholarship opportunities.
Fresh Start Petition