Undergraduate Academic Forgiveness

Kutztown University Policy ACA-055

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to define the circumstances where students can apply for readmission and a reset of their cumulative GPA after a separation from Kutztown University of at least two (2) years or with the completion of an associate degree. 

  2. Scope

    This policy applies to undergraduate students. 

  3. Key words and phrases:

    GPA – Grade point average

  4. Policy & Procedure(s)

    The Purpose of Academic Forgiveness 

    Academic readiness and situational factors may affect the academic performance of undergraduate students, especially first-time students, in the university setting. For a variety of reasons, including poor performance, students separate from Kutztown University and involve themselves in work and other life experiences. At present, students with a history of poor performance who choose to return to the University after years of separation often face obstacles created by their previous academic record. 

    Rules and Procedure 

    1. This policy applies to any student who seeks readmission to Kutztown University after having been separated from the university. Students must have been separated from the university for at least two (2) years or completed an associate degree since time of separation. 

    2. Students must submit a completed Academic Forgiveness Application to the Office of the Registrar at the time of readmission to the university. If granted, the student will start the rest of the program of study with no GPA. 

    3. Academic forgiveness will be applied to the student’s record after the student completes the first 12 credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher upon returning. 

    4. A student who receives academic forgiveness must take at least 24 additional credits of graded coursework at Kutztown University before a degree will be granted. 

    5. The GPA calculations and individual course grades earned during the previous period of attendance will remain part of the permanent transcript record. 

    6. If an associate degree has been granted, general education requirements are waived. 

    7. A notation will be made on the transcript indicating that Academic Forgiveness Policy was applied and that the calculation of the overall GPA was based solely on grades earned after re-admission to the university. 

    8. Students will keep credits earned prior to academic forgiveness.

    9. This policy does not replace or alter the “10-year rule” and so students must be aware that courses in the major taken over 10 years prior to re-entry may be judged to be not applicable toward a degree. 

  5. Effective Date

    Spring 2004 
    Fall 2021
    Fall 2024 

  6. Approved By

    Endorsed by University Senate – January 28, 1997
    Approved by University President – January 28, 1997
    Endorsed by University Senate – October 7, 1999
    Endorsed by University Senate – May 29, 2004
    Approved by University President – May 17, 2004
    Endorsed by University Senate – April 30, 2021
    Approved by University President – May 3, 2021
    Endorsed by University Senate – March 7, 2024
    Approved by University President – March 22, 2024 

  7. Last Reviewed

    August, 2009; August, 2010; August, 2011; August, 2012; August, 2013; August, 2014; August, 2015; August, 2016; August, 2017; August, 2018; August, 2019, March 2024