RECORDS OFFICE SERVICES

Academic Fresh Start  

Academic Fresh Start is a plan of academic forgiveness provided for students who have

demonstrated academic responsibility following their return to college. The Academic Fresh Start allows the calculation of the quality point average (QPA) and credit hours toward graduation to be based only on work done after returning to college.  

A. Student Requirements

1. Separation from all collegiate institutions for at least four (4) calendars years.
2. At the time of readmission or admission as a degree student, formal application to Admissions requesting Fresh Start and describing an academic plan. *  The application may be submitted after making application to the college, but must be made prior to acquiring fifteen (15) semester hours of credit.
3. After applying for the Fresh Start program at the time of readmission or admission in degree status, completion of at least fifteen (15) semester hours of earned degree course work with a minimum QPA of 2.5 for all work attempted. * 

B. Terms of the Academic Fresh Start

1. Once the student has satisfied the above requirements, Chattanooga State may grant the Academic Fresh Start status. The student may be granted a Fresh Start only once.
2.   The student's permanent record will remain a record of all work; however, the student will forfeit the use for degree or certification purposes all college or university degree credit earned prior to the four-year separation upon the granting of Fresh Start status.  Previously satisfied Academic Assessment and placement requirements will not be forfeited.  
3. Upon degree admission, Fresh Start applicants who did not satisfy placement requirements at the time of previous enrollment and whose academic plan includes completion of a college-level English or mathematics course must meet current placement requirements regarding enrollment in college English and mathematics courses.  
4. The student's transcript will note that the Fresh Start was made and the date of the Fresh Start. The record will also carry the notation "QPA and credit totals are based only on the work beginning with the date of the Fresh Start."  
5. The student will apply for the Fresh Start with the understanding that all Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions will honor a Fresh Start provision granted at another TBR institution. The student should also signify understanding that non-TBR institutions may not accept the QPA as it is calculated with the Fresh Start.  

International Students Requirements

• Meet all requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student
•  Provide minimum TOEFL score of 500
•  Provide English translation of high school and/or post-secondary school transcripts
•  Take English and Reading components of placement exam if no transfer courses from institution using English as primary language
•  Furnish evidence of financial capability
•  Provide medical certification verifying freedom from tuberculosis
•  Have medical and hospitalization insurance

Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must satisfy one of the following requirements.

•  Submit a TOEFL score (minimum = 500/paper based, 173/computer-based, or 61/internet-based) and take English components of Compass. Students with valid ACT or SAT scores less than 3 years old may elect to submit scores for placement
•  Provide an official transcript documenting graduation from an American high school
•  Provide an official transcript documenting satisfactory completion (grade C or better) in college-level English Composition I from a U.S. college or university

Mandatory Placement

• Students under 21 will be assessed for Transitional Studies placement according to ACT (or corresponding SAT) scores. Students over 21, GED students, and international students have the option of using ACT/SAT scores (taken within 3 years prior to the first day of the students entering term) OR taking assessment tests in reading, writing, and math. Students with an ACT composite score of 26 or higher are placed at college level in all areas. An ACT score less than 19 in the subject areas of reading, writing, or math requires placement in Transitional Studies or further assessment.
•  Students not required to take an assessment may request to be tested.
•  Instructors may recommend testing for students who were not assessed, but later show deficiencies. If a student is then determined to be deficient in a Basic Academic Competency at the Transitional Studies level, he/she shall be withdrawn from the class(es) with a grade of “W.” As a result, the student may not re-enroll until the exit criteria of the appropriate Transitional Studies course(s) has been satisfactorily met.
•  A student's placement may be adjusted based on further holistic assessment.
•  Re-testing for assessment may be available for an additional fee. See Director of Transitional Studies for options and approval to retest.

For more information call:  423-697-4401