ACADEMIC RENEWAL

Introduction

 

The Academic Renewal Policy allows ABAC degree-seeking students who have experienced academic difficulty to make a fresh start after an absence of five calendar years from Abraham Baldwin College.  A student returning after the break will be able to start with a new Academic Renewal Grade Point Average (AR-GPA).  No grades earned prior to the break will be included in the AR-GPA, but courses in which a grade of “C” or better was earned will count toward the degree and will not have to be repeated.  

 

IMPLEMENTATION:

 

1.    All previously attempted course work continues to be recorded on the student’s official transcript.  The Board of Regents cumulative grade point average (RGPA), that includes all credit courses taken excluding learning support/developmental studies courses AND an Academic Renewal GPA must be shown on each Academic Renewal student’s permanent record.

  

   1.1     Students who are eligible must apply for Academic Renewal, and Academic Renewal shall be granted upon application by the student.

 

   1.2     An Academic Renewal Grade Point Average (AR-GPA) is begun when the student resumes taking course work following the five-year period of absence once Academic Renewal has been granted.  The institution will place a statement 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 RGPA.

 

   1.3     The Academic Renewal GPA will be used for determining academic standing and eligibility for graduation.  To earn a degree, a student must meet ABAC’s residency requirements after acquiring academic renewal status.  At least 50% of course work toward a degree must be completed after the granting of Academic Renewal status for a student to be eligible for honors at graduation.

 

   1.4     Academic credit for previously completed course work will be retained only for courses in which “A,” “B,” “C,” or “S” grade has been earned.  Retained grades are not calculated in the Academic Renewal GPA but are counted in the Academic Renewal Hours Earned.

 

2.  A student can be granted Academic Renewal status only ONCE.

 

3.  Any scholastic suspensions that occurred in the past shall remain recorded on the student's permanent record.

 

4.  If a student does not request Academic Renewal status at the time of re-enrollment after a five year or greater period of absence, the student may do so within three academic semesters of re-enrollment or within one calendar year, whichever comes first.

 

           4.1      The Academic Renewal GPA begins with the first term following re-enrollment.

 

5.  Re-entry into any program is NOT automatic.

 

6.  The granting of Academic Renewal does not supersede financial aid policies regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress.  The student is encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine current status under these policies.

 

7.  United States and Georgia history and constitution requirements met prior to the granting of Academic Renewal will remain on the student's permanent record even though the courses may not count in the Academic Renewal GPA.  Also, Regents' Test scores prior to Academic Renewal will remain on the student's permanent record.  The hours retained prior to Academic Renewal, AR Hours Earned ("A", "B", "C" grades), shall be counted towards the Regents' Test, College Preparatory Curriculum, and other Board of Regents requirements that state a specified number of hours.

 

Policy last updated October 6, 2005.