Compare Your Options

What happens? You take 18–24 credits with structured supports.

Goal: Regain admission to your program.

Support: Yes— Advising, Cognitive Strategies Course (non-credit).

Transcript: Your courses during Fresh Start go towards your admission and completing degree requirements. 

Course eligibility: Yes—you will take courses that are worth credits and go towards your admission and degree.

Requalify by: Submit a new application for preferred program. Apply for Fall admission for following year (if GPA and course requirements are met).

Risk: May not be readmitted if GPA is unsatisfactory at the end of the academic year.

Best for: Students who want structured support and a second chance to stay at the U of A.

What happens: You submit a formal appeal with documentation and may stay in your current faculty on probation.

Goal: Continue your degree, on probation, and improve your GPA.

Support available: Some advising support if the appeal is approved, but no structured academic coaching. (Check with your faculty for specifics). You can always access the Academic Success Centre resources.

Transcript impact: You continue with your current transcript and GPA.

Courses toward degree: Yes – if your appeal is successful, you take regular courses in your program.

Timeline to requalify: No reapplication needed if approved, but you must meet GPA targets quickly. Otherwise, you may lose eligibility for both your program and Fresh Start.

Risks:  Appeals are not guaranteed. If denied, you may miss the Fresh Start application deadline.

Best for: Students with strong documentation and extenuating circumstances that impacted their ability to do succeed academically.

What happens: You don’t take courses and reapply next year for direct admission.

Goal: Take time to focus on personal or health needs and return when ready.

Support available: No university support while on leave — you're managing on your own.

Transcript impact: No change. GPA stays the same until you reapply and take new courses.

Courses toward degree: No. If you study elsewhere, check if those courses transfer back.

Timeline to requalify: You must wait one full year before reapplying.

Risks: You might lose academic momentum or face challenges returning.

Best for: Students who need time away due to personal, financial, or health reasons.