FAQs

Q: What is the Fresh Start Program?

A: The Fresh Start Program at the University of Alberta assists students required to withdraw by developing university level skills, facilitating completion of selected credit courses, helping establish satisfactory academic standing, and aiding  in regaining eligibility for faculty admission. It's a comprehensive support system for academic recovery. 

Q: Who is eligible for the Fresh Start Program? 

A: The Fresh Start Program is open to undergraduate students in participating Faculties who have: 

• Been recommended for admission to the Fresh Start Program as a consequence of their "Required to Withdraw" status. 

• Taken fewer than 60 credits (including the work completed during the academic year under review). • A GPA of 1.3 - 1.6 at the end of the fall/winter term. 

• Been assigned unsatisfactory standing and are required to withdraw (RTW). 

• NOT been previously required to withdraw from any post-secondary institution. 

• NOT taken any courses at other post-secondary institutions after receiving their “Required to Withdraw” letter and before entering the Fresh Start Program. 

• Have NOT previously completed the Fresh Start Program. 

• Agreed to comply with the requirements of the program. 

Q: What happens if the Fresh Start Program is not presented as an option to me? 

A: If the Fresh Start Program is not presented as an option, students should review other options available to them and  consider those alternatives. They should contact their Faculty for further information. 

Q: What if I decide not to enter the Fresh Start Program? 

A: If a student decides not to enter the Fresh Start Program, they should review other options available to them and  consider those alternatives. They should contact their Faculty for further information regarding readmission. 

Q: When is the deadline for submitting the application for the 2025-2026 year for the Fresh Start Program? 

A: For the 2025-2026 Fresh Start Program with study beginning in Fall 2025, students must complete all parts of the  application process by 4:00 p.m. (Mountain time) on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Q: What are the requirements for students enrolled in the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Students enrolled in the Fresh Start Program must 

• Complete the orientation session, 

• Pay the Fresh Start Program fee, 

• Successfully complete an online non-credit course entitled "Cognitive Strategies" in the fall and winter terms, • Attend monthly seminars scheduled throughout the year. 

• Take a reduced course load of between 18 and 24 credits in a single academic year consisting of the fall or winter terms, and 

• Achieve a GPA of 2.0 or greater on 18 - 24 attempted credits. 

• Complete supplementary instruction or other assistance may also be required as assessed by the Faculty from which the student received the Required to Withdraw status, the Fresh Start Program, and/or Academic Success Centre staff. 

Q: Where can I find complete program details for the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Complete program details for the Fresh Start Program can be found in the University of Alberta Calendar, under  “University Programs” and "Open Studies” and “Fresh Start Program." 

Q: Is there a fee associated with the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Yes, students enrolled in the Fresh Start Program are required to pay a fee. The amount of the fee is $700. 

Q: What is the "Cognitive Strategies" course that students are required to complete? 

A: The "Cognitive Strategies" course is a skills training course that teaches students how to take control of the  learning process. Students will complete readings, quizzes and assignments through the Canvas platform. Activities  will be graded and students need to pass 8 out of 10 assignments. However, this course grade will not contribute to  your GPA. 

Q: What is the required GPA for students in the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Students in the Fresh Start Program must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or greater on 18 to 24 credits. This is the  minimum GPA for satisfactory academic standing. It does not guarantee that you will be admitted to a faculty  program. You will need to meet the Admission GPA for your specific program.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Fresh Start Program? 

A: The Fresh Start Program is open to undergraduate students in participating Faculties who have been  recommended for admission to the program as a consequence of their "Required to Withdraw" status, taken fewer  than 60 credits (including the work completed during the academic year under review), have a GPA of 1.3 - 1.6 at the  end of the fall/winter term, been assigned unsatisfactory standing and are required to withdraw (RTW), have NOT  been previously required to withdraw from any post-secondary institution, have NOT taken any courses at other  post-secondary institutions after receiving their “Required to Withdraw” letter and before entering the Fresh Start  Program, have NOT previously completed the Fresh Start Program, and have agreed to comply with the requirements  of the program. 

Q: What does it mean to have a "Required to Withdraw" status? 

A: A "Required to Withdraw" (RTW) status means that a student has been assigned unsatisfactory standing and is  required to withdraw from their program. This is a GPA of 1.6 and below. The student may not continue in their  current program. 

Q: Can students who have previously completed the Fresh Start Program participate again? 

A: No, students who have previously completed the Fresh Start Program are not eligible to participate again. 

Q: What happens if a student has taken courses at another post-secondary institution after receiving their  "Required to Withdraw" letter but before entering the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Students who have taken courses at another post-secondary institution after receiving their "Required to  Withdraw" letter but before entering the Fresh Start Program are not eligible to participate in the program. 

Q: What happens if a student does not comply with the requirements of the program? 

A: Students will receive a notation on their Transcript indicating that program requirements have not been met and  they may face restrictions regarding their eligibility for admission. 

Q: Which University of Alberta Faculties recommend students to the Fresh Start Program? 

A: University of Alberta Faculties that recommend students to the Fresh Start Program include Agricultural, Life and  Environmental Sciences, Arts, Augustana, Business, Campus Saint-Jean, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, Sport,  and Recreation, Native Studies, Nursing, and Science.

Q: Does completion of the Fresh Start Program guarantee admission or readmission to a particular Faculty at  the University of Alberta? 

A: No, completion of the Fresh Start Program does not guarantee admission or readmission to any particular Faculty  at the University of Alberta. Students must meet Faculty admission/readmission requirements. 

Q: What happens if a student was recommended to the Fresh Start Program by the Faculty of Engineering? 

A: If a student was recommended to the Fresh Start Program by the Faculty of Engineering, they will not be  readmitted to the Faculty of Engineering. Instead, they will need to select another faculty in which to complete their  degree. 

Q: What should a student do if they are appealing their Academic Standing? 

A: If a student is appealing any of their grades, they should not wait until the appeal process is complete to apply for  the Fresh Start Program. Instead, they should apply as soon as they receive their invitation to Fresh Start, even if they  are appealing one or more of their grades. For information on and assistance with the appeal process, they should  contact the Office of the Student Ombuds. 

Q: Can a student delay their entry into the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Yes, if a student is interested in the Fresh Start Program but wishes to delay their entry, they should still register  for the program as soon as they receive their "Required to Withdraw" letter. They may delay for one year (i.e., to start  the next September) one time only. However, they MUST discuss this option with and receive formal approval from  the Faculty from which they received their "Required to Withdraw" letter. 

Q: What are the requirements for satisfying the Fresh Start Program? 

A: To satisfy the requirements of the Fresh Start Program, students must complete the Fresh Start orientation, take a  course load of between 18 and 24 credits, pay the Fresh Start Program fee by September 20th (the fee is $700  including GST), apply for  admission/readmission to a Faculty by the Faculty or Program application deadlines, pass the Canvas entitled “Fresh  Start Cognitive Strategies” administered by the Academic Success Centre, and achieve a minimum overall GPA of  2.0 on 18 to 24 credits to attain satisfactory academic standing.

Q: How many credits do students need to register for during the Fresh Start Program? 

A: Students planning on returning to the Faculty of Arts should register in 18 credits, while students planning on  applying to any of the other Faculties should register in 24 credits. 

Q: How much is the Fresh Start Program fee? 

A: The Fresh Start Program fee is $700 (including GST). 

Q: What is INT D 130 Communication Skills? 

A: Certain Fresh Start students may be required to take the 3-credit, 100-level Communication Skills course (INT  D 130) during the Fall Term. The course is administered by the Faculty of Arts and focuses on developing the  necessary skills for effective communication in academic settings. Through a variety of readings, exercises, tasks,  and workshops, students will enhance their writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills in the context of  university-specific topics. 

Q: What is the minimum GPA that students must achieve to attain satisfactory academic standing in the  Fresh Start Program? 

A: Students must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 on 18 to 24 credits to attain satisfactory academic  standing in the Fresh Start Program. 

Q: What components does the Fresh Start Program consist of? 

A: The Fresh Start Program is a comprehensive initiative that includes direct instruction, advising, and the central  element, the Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies Canvas . This Canvas is specifically designed to bolster strategies  essential for university-level academic work. Furthermore, the program offers advising to guide and support  students in making informed decisions about registration, course selection, time management, effective study  methods, and understanding University policies. 

Q: What is the Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies Canvas? 

A: The Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies Canvas is an online program that is central to the Fresh Start Program. It is  designed to help students improve the strategies necessary for university-level academic work, and topics covered  include time management and planning, learning strategies and memory, motivation and self-control, and exam strategies. By completing quizzes, assignments, and seminars, students refine their strategies and improve their  skills.

Q: How many seminars are there in the Fresh Start Program, and what is their purpose? 

A: There are 3 seminars in the Fresh Start Program, which are one hour long each and held throughout the year.  Participation marks are given for completing the seminar activities. The purpose of these seminars is to help students  further refine their skills and strategies. 

Q: What is the benefit of Fresh Start advising? 

A: Fresh Start advising provides students with support and guidance to make informed decisions about registration,  course selection, time management, effective study strategies, and University policies. Students can access a Fresh  Start Advisor in many different ways, including email, booking 50 minute appointments, or joining a weekly group  session. The Fresh Start Advisor is there to give students the tools and resources they need to be successful. 

Q: Can you complete the Fresh Start Program more than once? 

A: No, you may complete the Fresh Start Program only one time. 

Q: When does the Fresh Start Program begin? 

A: The Fresh Start Program is an 8-month program that must be started during the Fall Term, which typically begins  in September. 

Q: What is the goal of the Fresh Start year? 

A: The goal of the Fresh Start year is to establish satisfactory academic standing in order that you may apply/reapply  to your target Faculty. 

Q: Are you guaranteed admission or readmission to any particular Faculty at the University of Alberta? 

A: No, you are not guaranteed admission or readmission to any particular Faculty at the University of Alberta. 

Q: What is the Fresh Start Program fee payment deadline? 

A: The Fresh Start Program fee payment deadline is Friday, September 30, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time)

Q: What happens if you delay in completing the Fresh Start registration steps? 

A: The longer you delay in completing the Fresh Start registration steps, the fewer options you will have for  selecting credit courses. 

Q: When is the deadline for completing admissions for the Fresh Start Program? 

A: The deadline for completing the admissions process for the Fresh Start Program is 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 

Q: When does the Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies Canvas begin? 

A: The Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies Canvas begins on the first day of classes in the Fall Term. 

Updated June 30, 2025