What is the Fresh Start Program?

Fresh Start is a one-year opportunity for students who’ve been Required to Withdraw (RTW) or placed on May Not Continue (MNC) standing. It’s designed to help you reset your academic path, rebuild confidence, and prepare for readmission to a degree program at the University of Alberta.

If you join Fresh Start, you’ll:

• Take a 18-24 credits of courses through Open Studies (full-time status)

• Get structured support through advising and strategy coaching

• Work toward a minimum GPA of 2.0 over the Fall and Winter terms

• Apply for readmission or transfer to your target faculty for the following year

This program is not remedial — it’s a structured path back into your degree, built for students who are ready to take charge of their learning with the right support.

Who Can Join?

To be eligible, you must: 

• Be referred to the program by your faculty (you can’t apply directly)

• Have attempted fewer than 60 credits, including work completed during the academic year under review,

• Have a GPA between 1.3 – 1.6,

• Have unsatisfactory academic standing leading to a may-not-continue or required-to-withdraw status,

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

Important Notes:

• You can only participate in Fresh Start once

• If you’ve already taken credit courses after your RTW, you're no longer eligible

• Completing Fresh Start doesn’t guarantee admission — you’ll still need to meet the GPA, course, and application requirements of your target faculty

• Your academic year will run from September to April and must begin in Fall term

It's crucial to submit your application by 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Monday June 30, 2026. 

1. 1. Review the options provided in your RTW or MNC letter.

   2. Decide if you'll appeal your academic standing. If yes, see section below - "If you are appealing..."

   3. You'll receive an email with a link to "Apply for Fresh Start". Use it to apply for "Open Studies, Fresh Start". This is a special link to your LaunchPad account.

   4. Fill out, submit, and pay for your application ($75). Processing usually takes 3-4 weeks.

   5. While waiting for your application to be processed, start researching credit courses for the Fall and Winter terms (see Choosing Courses section below).

   6. Upon receiving notification of admission to the Open Studies Fresh Start Program, accept your offer of admission in LaunchPad and *change your program in Bear Tracks (*if needed).

   7. Register for your Fall and Winter term credit courses.

   8. Identify your admission criteria for the faculty you wish to apply to after the fresh start program.

Once you’ve been admitted to Fresh Start, here are the key academic steps you’ll need to take during the year to stay in good standing and prepare for readmission:

1. Take 18 to 24 credits of university-level courses

   • Choose courses where you’re confident you can engage, learn effectively, and perform well — these are more likely to support GPA improvement. 

2. Pay the Fresh Start Program Fee

   • The $700 fee (including GST) is due by September 30, 2026. It will appear in your Bear Tracks account once you’re registered.

3. All Fresh Start students complete the Cognitive Strategies course

   • This non-credit course in Canvas is part of your Fresh Start year. It’s designed support practical skills in time management, motivation, effective studying, and exam preparation — and begins in early September. 

4. Submit a new application for admission or readmission

   • You’ll need to apply to your desired faculty by their posted deadline for the next academic year. Make sure to meet GPA and course load expectations specific to that faculty.

5. Aim for a minimum overall GPA of 2.0

   • This is the baseline for maintaining satisfactory academic standing — but competitive GPA targets vary by faculty. Meet with a faculty advisor to confirm what you’ll need.

If your goal is to requalify for a degree program, Fresh Start gives you a structured path forward.

Our team will work with you to stay on track, explore your options, and make strategic choices throughout the year.

You are in charge of your academic journey - but you do not have to figure everything out on your own. As a Fresh Start student, you'll have access to experienced Fresh Start advisors who can help you plan, reflect, and move forward with purpose.

You can book one-on-one appointments to talk about:

1. Course selection and registration

2. Time management and study strategies

3. GPA goals and admission plans

4. Understanding university policies and deadlines

Appointments are available in 30- or 50-minute formats and can be booked using WaitWell.

How to Book an Appointment

Step 1: Go to WaitWell
Step 2: Click the yellow "One-on-one Appointments" button
Step 3: Click "Fresh Start Program Appointment" or "Fresh Start Program Check-in."

Step 4: Choose your advisor based on your previous faculty:

• Kayleen Maddox: Engineering, ALES, KSR, Campus Saint-Jean, Native Studies, and Business

• Tristan Donald: Arts and Science

Step 5: Pick a time and fill out the short form using your CCID and  University of Alberta student number
 

Once you book, you’ll receive a confirmation email and calendar invite.

This course is at the heart of the Fresh Start experience. It’s designed to benefit students by building the skills, habits, and mindset that support long-term success in university-level coursework.

You’ll explore strategies that help with:

• Time management and planning

• Active learning and memory

• Motivation and follow-through

• Exam preparation and test-taking

You’ll complete short quizzes, assignments, and reflect on your progress — all at your own pace. Most students spend 2–3 hours per week on this course.

Accessing Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies

The Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies eClass opens on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025. Several course activities are due in the first weeks of September. To access the course:

1. Use your University of Alberta Campus Computing ID (CCID) and password to log into Canvas.

2. Look for “Fresh Start Cognitive Strategies 2026-27” on your personal Canvas dashboard.

3. Follow the instructions on the home page.

Students often say this course helped them feel more in control of their learning. If you’ve struggled with motivation, time, or focus before, this is where you’ll learn how to turn things around. 

During your Fresh Start year, you’ll register for 18–24 credits across the Fall and Winter terms. The goal isn’t just to complete courses — it’s to build a strong academic foundation and prepare for readmission to a degree program. 

Here’s how to plan your schedule with purpose.

Start With Your Goals

• What program do you want to apply to next year?

• What GPA and course load does your target faculty expect?

• Which courses will help you meet both the academic and admission requirements?
  
  

Pro tip: Meet with your target faculty’s academic advisor to confirm expectations and avoid missteps (like repeating passed courses or taking course equivalents by accident).

Getting Faculty-Specific Information:

• Email faculty advisors with specific questions about course requirements and degree planning

• Review faculty websites and degree requirement pages thoroughly

• Use faculty drop-in hours when available (see details below)

• Connect with current students in your target program through student groups or social media

Plan With Your Strengths in Mind

• Choose courses that match your strengths and interests

• Avoid overloading your schedule or stacking too many heavy courses at once

• Limit lab courses to one per term — they often demand more time and focus

• Reflect on the types of assignments or formats you’ve done well in before

This isn’t about proving yourself — it’s about building momentum and confidence.

Do Your Research Before You Register

• Review the Open Studies Course Listings to see what’s available

• If a course is not on this list, then contact the department to ask for permission to register

• Understand the course description, prerequisites, and equivalents in Bear Tracks

• Create a shortlist of 10–15 course options in case your first choices are full

• Use your exam schedule preview in Bear Tracks to avoid exam conflicts
  
  

Tips for a Balanced Schedule

• Leave breaks between classes to avoid burnout

• Mix course types — balance written, technical, and lecture-heavy courses

• Spread more difficult courses across both terms, when possible

Self-Directed Planning Resources

Since direct academic advising appointments may not be available, use these tools to guide your decisions:

Academic Advisement Report (AAR) in Bear Tracks: Note: Fresh Start students cannot access the AAR or "What If Report" while in Open Studies, as the Academic Requirements menu is not activated for non-degree programs. You'll need to use alternative planning methods below.

University Calendar: Contains official degree requirements and course descriptions for all faculties (follow the calendar year for when you were admitted)

Program Planning Resources: Look for Program Checksheets (one-page requirement summaries, model after ALES), Program Degree Maps (year-by-year guides), and faculty-specific planning worksheets

Faculty Drop-in Advising: Some faculties offer drop-in hours when appointments aren't available:

• Science: Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm at CCIS 1-001

Need Help Finalizing Your Plan?

• Fresh Start advisors can help with planning and decision-making

• Faculty advisors can confirm if your choices align with readmission goals

• Talk to students who’ve been through similar challenges.
  
  

Important: While Fresh Start staff cannot provide specific academic advising, we're here to help you develop the skills and find the resources to make informed decisions about your academic path.

Questions to Guide Your Manual Planning

Since you can't rely on automated degree auditing tools, ask yourself:

• What are the specific admission requirements for my target program?

• Which courses from my academic history will likely transfer to my intended degree?

• Which courses are typically taken in first year of my intended degree?

• Are there prerequisite chains I need to start early?

• What GPA do I realistically need to achieve my goals?

• How do I verify that my course choices will count toward my degree?

This year is your opportunity to reset and build the academic habits that will carry you into your degree. Choose courses that help you succeed now and prepare for what’s next.

Enrolling in Fresh Start includes a non-refundable program fee of $700 (including GST), which is separate from tuition for credit courses.

Key Info:

• The fee will be added to your Bear Tracks account in mid-September

• Payment is due by Friday, September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM (MT)

Important:

• Students who don’t pay by the deadline will have a financial hold placed on their account (called an encumbrance)

• This may prevent you from registering, accessing grades, or receiving transcripts

• If you’re facing financial difficulties, contact the Office of the Registrar – Financial Support or the Student Service Centre for help

If you will or have submitted an appeal to your faculty regarding your Required to Withdraw (RTW) or May Not Continue (MNC) standing:

• Check your letter for faculty-specific rules and timelines

• Reach out to the Office of the Student Ombuds for help navigating the appeal process

• You may still apply to Fresh Start while your appeal is pending — this gives you a backup option if your appeal is not successful. 

• Don’t pay the Fresh Start program fee until your appeal decision is finalized

  • If your appeal is still pending near the Fall term add/drop deadline then contact us asap.

Use this list to stay on track during your Fresh Start journey. Be sure to add these to your calendar and check your UAlberta email regularly for updates. 

By June 30, 2026 (4:00 PM MT):

• Apply to the Fresh Start Program using the special link in your email.

July to Mid-August:

• Watch for your admission decision by email. Once accepted:

• Accept your offer in Launchpad

• Update your program in Bear Tracks to "Open Studies – Fresh Start"

• Register for 18–24 credits

August 2026:

• Finalize your course schedule

• Check your draft exam schedule

• Contact advisors if you need help choosing courses

August 28, 2026 (12:00–4:00 PM):

Attend Fresh Start Orientation

(Location or Zoom link will be emailed to you)

September 1, 2026:
Cognitive Strategies opens in Canvas
(First assignment is due this week)

By September 30, 2026 (11:59 PM MT):
Pay the $700 Fresh Start Program Fee (in Bear Tracks)

October , 2026:

Undergraduate program applications open for Fall 2026 admission, submit your application via LaunchPad

Throughout Fall Term:

• Complete weekly Cognitive Strategies assignments and quizzes.

• Meet with your Fresh Start advisor (30–50 minute check-ins available)

March 1, 2027:
Application deadline for most University of Alberta programs

Ongoing:

• Continue with your Cognitive Strategies Canvas

  • Students with a fall GPA of 2.3 or lower will stay enrolled and continue working with their advisor to find strategies and routines that support stronger performance in Winter term.

• Track your GPA and course progress

• Meet with your advisor to finalize your faculty application and confirm admission requirements

• Use feedback from your fall courses to adjust your approach — there’s still time to raise your GPA and strengthen your application

• If you're struggling in Fall term, you'll continue working closely with your advisor to adjust and strengthen your academic approach for Winter. 

May 2027:

• • Final grades for Winter term are released in Bear Tracks

  • Students may choose to register in Spring term courses (May–June) to:

    • Boost their GPA

    • Complete additional credits

    • Meet specific faculty admission requirements
      (Talk to your Fresh Start advisor before registering to make sure these courses align with your goals.)
      
      

June 15, 2027:
Deadline to submit all final documents (e.g., transcripts) for Fall 2025 admission

Throughout May–June:

• • Faculties begin making admission decisions

  • You’ll receive confirmation or follow-up about your application

  • If needed, continue working with your advisor to plan your transition into a degree program or discuss next steps
    
    

Wellness Supports 

The Wellness Supports team engages people on campus by strengthening individual and community mental health and wellbeing, providing support, connection, education and choice. 

Peer Support Centre 

The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a Students' Union service that offers a free, confidential, and non-judgemental place to talk to someone for support.

Office of the Ombuds

A confidential service that strives to ensure that university processes related to students operate as fairly as possible. We offer information, advice, and support to students, faculty, and staff as they deal with academic, discipline, interpersonal, and financial issues related to student programs.

Student Calm Room 

In the Calm Room, a safe physical space to help students decrease anxiety and regulate stress levels, come take a breath, take a break, be creative and reconnect with who you are outside your academic life.

Academic Workshops: WaitWell

Learning Strategies and Writing Services offer a variety of workshops designed to help you improve your learning, communication, and writing skills, supporting you in your academic journey.

Writing help: email write@ualberta.ca

Looking for support to enhance your academic writing skills? Writing Services at the Academic Success Centre (ASC) provides free support to undergraduate students of all writing levels.

Chemistry help: hayley.wan@ualberta.ca

Contact Dr. Haley Wan for information regarding Chemistry help sessions.

Math help: Decima Robinson Support Centre

Do you need some help with one of your 100- or 200- level introductory calculus, linear algebra or statistics courses? This is the place to go!

Career Centre

The Career Centre is your source for career and employment information and expertise at the University of Alberta.

Sexual Assault Centre

Protective Services (UAPS) phone: 780-492-5050

Library Search

Booking Library Space

If you’re unsure about your next step or have questions about the Fresh Start Program, we’re here to help.

Email Us

fstart@ualberta.ca
We aim to respond within 1–2 business days.

Book an Advising Appointment

Use WaitWell to book a 30- or 50-minute meeting with a Fresh Start advisor.
Select your advisor based on your faculty:

• Kayleen Maddox: Engineering, ALES, KSR, Campus Saint-Jean, Native Studies, and Business

• Tristan Donald: Arts and Science
  
  

Not sure if Fresh Start is the right fit?

You can also attend an info session to ask questions and learn more. Check your referral email for upcoming dates or contact us to request a session.