Southern Polytechnic State University
Policy and Procedure Manual
P&P Number:  304.7
Original Date: March 1996
Previous Revisions: None
Approved: March 29, 2002
 
Academic Renewal
Contents This P&P includes the following main sections:
  • Background
  • Eligibility
  • Academic renewal guidelines
Background Some students complete some academic work at SPSU, leave for five years or more, and then return to continue their studies.  This P&P describes the process by which these students can “restart” their grade point average (GPA) upon their return.
Eligibility
  • Undergraduate students who have been readmitted or reinstated after a period of absence of five (5) calendar years or longer are eligible for academic renewal.
  • Academic renewal for the student permits the start of a new grade point average to be used to determine academic standing.
  • This provision allows University System of Georgia degree-seeking students who earlier had experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start and have one final opportunity to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. 
Academic Renewal
Guidelines
No. Academic Renewal Guidelines
1.
 All previously attempted coursework continues to be recorded on the student’s official transcript. That is, the student’s permanent record must show both (a) the Board of Regents cumulative grade point average (CGPA)--including all credit courses taken, excluding learning support/developmental studies courses--and (b) the Academic Renewal Grade Point Average (ARGPA). 
2.
 An Academic Renewal Grade Point Average (ARGPA) starts when the student resumes taking coursework following the five-year period of absence once academic renewal has been granted. A statement will be placed on the student’s transcript indicating the academic renewal status and the beginning of a separate Academic Renewal GPA in addition to the required Board of Regents CGPA.
3.
 The ARGPA will be used to determine academic standing, graduation honors, and eligibility for graduation.
4.
 Academic credit for previously completed coursework--including transfer coursework--will be retained only for courses in which an "A," "B," "C," or "S" grade has been earned. Retained grades are not calculated in the ARGPA but are counted in the Academic Renewal hours earned.
5.
 To earn a degree or to receive graduation honors, a student must meet the appropriate residency requirements.
6.
 Students must apply for Academic Renewal, after which point it is granted.  A student can be granted Academic Renewal status only once.
7.
 If a student does not request academic renewal status at the time of re-enrollment after a five year or greater period of absence from any postsecondary institution, the student may do so within one calendar year.
Note:
The ARGPA begins with the first term following re-enrollment.
8.
 Any academic dismissals that occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student’s permanent record.
9.
 Re-entry into any program is not automatic.
10.
 The granting of academic renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding satisfactory academic progress.
11.
  • The United States and Georgia history and constitution requirements met before the granting of Academic Renewal remain on the student’s permanent record even though the courses may not count in the ARGPA.
  • Regents’ Test scores before Academic Renewal remain on the student’s record.
  • The hours retained before Academic Renewal and AR Hours Earned ("A," "B," "C," and "S" grades) are counted toward Regents’ Test, College Preparatory Curriculum, and other Board of Regents requirements that state a specified number of hours earned.
12.
  • Any student who has not been enrolled at Southern Polytechnic State University for a period of five calendar years may apply for an ARGPA.
  • The ARGPA for the current continuously enrolled students begins with the first term following re-enrollment after the five-year or greater period of absence from any postsecondary institution.