Application for Academic Fresh Start
If you have not been enrolled in a college or university for a period of four years and re-enroll or transfer
to Volunteer State Community College (VSCC), you may petition to have grades on previously failed
course work at VSCC disregarded in calculating your cumulative grade point average.
Previously satisfied ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET requirements will not be forfeited. ACT, COMPASS, or
ASSET requirements at the time of previous enrollment and whose academic plan includes completion
of a college-level English or mathematics course must meet current Academic Assessment and
Placement Program ACT, COMPASS, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER requirements regarding enrollment in
college English and mathematics courses.
Financial Aid
The new GPA attained from being approved for Academic Fresh Start cannot be used to meet the
standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), PACE, and/or to be removed from Financial Aid
Probation or Suspension.
To Submit The Application:
You must complete the attached application for consideration for Academic Fresh Start and submit it to
the Office of Adult Learners & Veterans Affairs. The application will be submitted to the Vice President
of Academic Affairs for final approval. If the request is approved, your permanent record will remain a
record of all work at VSCC, however, the previously failed course work at VSCC will be excluded from the
cumulative GPA calculation. Academic Fresh Start will not be applied to failing grades transferred in
from another college or university. A student who plans to transfer to another institution should
contact that institution to determine the impact of Academic Fresh Start prior to implementing the
program at VSCC.
Submit completed application to the Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs via email at
alva@volstate.edu or in person or via mail at the address listed in the top right corner.
Name: _________________________________ Vol State ID # or DOB: ____________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________________ Email: _______________________________
Major/Concentration: ___________________________ Anticipated Graduation Date: ________
Please describe, on the next page, your reason for requesting Academic Fresh Start and why you
feel you should be considered and or approved in the space provided.
If you would like to type your information on a separate sheet of paper, feel free to do so and
attach to this application.
Examples:
I enrolled at Vol State in 2010 immediately after graduation from high school. At that time, I was
not focused or serious about school, and had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Therefore, I failed some of my courses. I have worked in the healthcare field for several years
now and have a goal to become a registered nurse. I would like to apply for the Vol State
Nursing Program. If I am approved for Academic Fresh Start, I will become more motivated to
maintain a good GPA, graduate, and make my loved ones proud to have a nurse in the family.
I was a student at Vol State in 2005. I would like to return to pursue my degree in Criminal
Justice. When I dropped out in 2005, I just stopped going to my classes. I did not know I had to
complete a document to officially drop from my classes. Because I did not drop my classes, I
have ‘F’ grades I was not aware of until I applied for readmission to the college. I would like to be
considered for academic fresh start to have my ‘F’ grades removed from my GPA and begin over
preparing for my future career.
Provide as much information in the space below as you think is needed to be considered for
Academic Fresh Start. If needed, please feel free to add additional paper.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Applications for Academic Fresh Start are processed within the semester they are submitted.
Applications that are submitted within two weeks prior to the end of the semester may not be processed
until the following semester. Students must be registered in classes at the time their applications are
processed. Students can only be approved one time for Academic Fresh Start.
For assistance and/or questions, contact the Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs via
email at alva@volstate.edu or by calling 615-230-3494.
Student Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _________________
15723-1500 Volunteer State Community College does not discriminate against students, employees or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed,
national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with
respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Volunteer State Community College. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-
discrimination policies: Manager of Employee Relations & Equity, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066, 615-230-3592, eeo@volstate.edu. Visit volstate.edu for full policy.