Second Start Eligibility & Expectations

Eligibility to Participate in the Second Start Program

How to Qualify to Have GPA Reset in the Second Start Program

  • Sign the Second Start Pledge and meet expectations
  • Successfully complete a minimum of 12-graded units with a 2.5 GPA or better within the first twelve months of returning to SSU
  • Meet at least once each semester with Second Start Advisor

Expectations from the California State University (CSU) Chancellor's Office

  1. Intention to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at Sonoma State University (SSU)
  2. Has been away from SSU for at least three (3) years and has less than a 2.00 GPA
  3. Successfully complete a minimum of 12 units of graded coursework (e.g., no CR/NC or Audit credits will count) upon return to Sonoma State University (SSU) at a 2.50 GPA or better within 12 months of returning
  4. 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.

Note: Students who have attended community college within the 3+ year timeframe will be considered returning transfer students and are not eligible for Second Start, unless their GPA at the community college is below 2.00.

When Expectations Above Are Met

When all of the eligibility requirements above are met, the following occurs:

  1. All previous grades* are removed from the GPA calculation and the GPA will be reset.
  2. The student’s new GPA is calculated on all units earned since entering the Second Start program, which includes the 12 units required to be admitted to the program.
  3. The CSU Second Start program restarts the previous GPA, but all previous grades remain on the student’s transcript as part of their permanent record.
  4. Upon successful admission to the program, students must complete a minimum of 30 new units in residence to graduate.
  5. Students must still meet all the graduation requirements for the university, including completing the required total units for a designated major.

*This includes passing grades, though completed courses will still count towards the degree moving forward.