Second Start
The CSU Second Start Program is designed to provide former students with a fresh opportunity to complete their degrees by re-enrolling at their respective CSU campus without their previous GPA impacting their degree attainment. While all previously completed credits remain on their transcript, this policy offers students a true second chance to succeed academically. Launched by the CSU Office of the Chancellor, the program is part of a broader effort to reengage and support students who left the university due to various challenges. Eligible students who have been away from the university for more than three years will have their cumulative and resident GPAs reset and allow them to reach their goal of graduation.
Returning students who wish to participate in the CSU Second Start Pilot Program must demonstrate the following criteria:
- Intent to reenroll in an undergraduate degree program at the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ campus.
- Has been away from ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ for at least three years (last term attended Spring 2022 or later) and has less than a 2.00 ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ GPA.
- Successfully complete a minimum of 12 units of graded coursework (e.g., no CR/NC or Audit credits will count) upon return to the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ at a 2.5 GPA or better within 12 months of returning.
- In most cases, students dismissed for student conduct reasons are not eligible for this program; however, campuses may review each student for consideration on a case-by-case basis.
*Students who enrolled into another institution after leaving ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ are considered Returning Transfers and are ineligible for the Second Start Program. Please visit our Returning Students page for information on reapplying.
When all the eligibility criteria above are met, the following occurs:
- All previous grades are removed from the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ GPA calculation and recalculation of the student’s GPA occurs after the student completes 12 graded units with a 2.50 GPA within the first 12 months.
- The student’s new GPA is calculated on all units earned since entering the Second Start Pilot program, which includes the 12 units required to be eligible for the program.
- The CSU Second Start Pilot program restarts the previous GPA, but all previous grades remain on the student’s transcript as part of their permanent record.
- Upon successful admission to the program, students must have a minimum of 30 new units in residence to graduate.
- Students must still meet all the graduation requirements for the university, including completing the required total units for a designated major (a minimum of 120 units).
FAQs
Students should email SecondStart@csub.edu for additional information. The Program Coordinator will review the student's account and contact the student.
No, students who enrolled at another college or university after leaving ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ are not eligible for the Second Start Program. These students are considered Returning Transfers and would go through that admissions process (including Reinstatement if they left the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ in poor academic standing). For additional information, visit our Returning Students Page.
No, in order to take advantage of the benefits of the Second Start Program, students must return to their original campus.
Yes, to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid program eligibility, Second Start students must complete and submit a FAFSA or CADAA for the term they plan to return.
No; however, students should be aware that they may have to take additional classes upon switching to a major for which they have not completed prerequisites. To be clear, students are not required to return to the same major from which they started.
All financial aid students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
established at each campus. There is no renewal provision for this requirement. Therefore,
all previous courses will be considered when determining Satisfactory Academic Progress
(SAP) including GPA, progress toward degree completion (PACE), and maximum time frame.
ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Second Start students may elect to submit a SAP appeal to the Financial Aid Office.
A SAP appeal must be approved to reestablish eligibility for financial aid. For more
information about the SAP appeal process, students may contact the Financial Aid Office
at (661) 654-3016.
Returning students must go through the same federal or state-mandated financial aid processes as other students, including eligibility requirements. Students who are no longer eligible for federal or state sources of financial aid may still be eligible for certain institution-based scholarships and grants.
Yes, Second Start students should meet with their advisors as soon as possible.
Students will be required to meet with an academic advisor once each semester until program completion.
Yes, Second Start students will receive priority registration.
No, Second Start Students will need to adhere to the catalog year for which they return to the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥.
