Fresh Start

Fresh Start Policy:

The MCC Fresh Start policy allows students who have not been enrolled in courses at MCC for at least three years an opportunity to establish a new academic record upon returning to the college. In such cases, a student’s entire academic record for the semesters he/she previously attended MCC will be excluded from their grade point average calculation and degree requirements. All credit hours and grades will remain on the transcript and a notation of the MCC Fresh Start will be added to the transcript.

In order to be eligible for the Fresh Start program a student must:

submit a Fresh Start application after the completion of a minimum of 12 credits and prior to completing 24 new credits upon return to MCC, earning a grade of “C” or better in each course,
be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program at MCC;
have an MCC attendance gap of at least three (3) years prior to re-enrollment;
have a cumulative grade point average below 2.0 from MCC at the time of return; and
not have been awarded a degree or certificate previously from MCC.

If approved based on the above criteria, the student’s transcript will reflect the Fresh Start. A student is only eligible for “academic forgiveness” one time, and once approved, the decision cannot be reversed. If a student is granted an MCC Fresh Start, the student’s catalog term will be based on the date of re-enrollment.

Fresh Start Program Process:

A Fresh Start Application must be submitted to the Provost’s office, Cataldo Building, Room 202, Bedford Campus or via email to santosma@middlesex.mass.edu. Forms can be sent to the attention of Arlene Rodriguez, Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

Please attach a letter documenting the reason for this request. The letter should include a summary of your history at MCC including why you were not successful in the past, how you feel a Fresh Start would benefit you, what changes you have made upon your return to MCC and what strategies you will implement to help ensure your continued success if your application is approved. All applicants are required to meet with the Provost for review.

If you have additional Fresh Start questions, please contact:

Kirsten Morrow, Assistant Director of Academic Progress and Retention, at (781) 280-3633 or morrowk@middlesex.mass.edu