Academic Renewal

If you've faced academic challenges in the past, Academic Renewal gives you a second chance. This policy allows eligible students to reset their GPA and move forward with a clean academic slate. It’s available to students at any University System of Georgia (USG) school, including the University of West Georgia (UWG).

For full details, you can also check the University System of Georgia Handbook. 

Who can Apply?

You may be elligible for Academic Renewal if:

  • You’re a current or former UWG student.
  • You’re a new student (contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions).
  • You apply within your first three semesters or within one calendar year of enrolling or re-enrolling—whichever comes first.
  • You’ve had academic difficulties at UWG or are transferring from another accredited college or university.
  • You haven’t already used Academic Renewal at another USG school (it can only be granted once).

How it Works

Here's what happens if you're approved for Academic Renewal:

  • Your transcript stays the same: All your previous classes and grades will still appear.
  • You get a new GPA: A fresh Academic Renewal GPA starts from your first term back after a three-year break.
  • Graduation honors: To graduate with honors, at least 50% of your coursework (60 hours) must be completed after Academic Renewal is granted.
  • Credit for past courses: You’ll keep credit for any course where you earned an A, B, C, or S—but these grades won’t count in your new GPA.
  • Residency requirement: You still need to meet UWG’s residency rules to graduate. Any retained credits from before your renewal will count toward this.
  • One-time opportunity: You can only be granted Academic Renewal once.
  • Academic history remains: Any past academic probation, suspension, or dismissal will still be noted on your transcript.
  • Program admission isn’t guaranteed: Getting Academic Renewal doesn’t automatically get you into competitive programs (like Nursing, Business, or Education). You’ll still need to meet each program’s requirements.
  • Financial aid rules still apply: Academic Renewal doesn’t override financial aid policies, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • History and Constitution requirements: If you met U.S. or Georgia history/constitution requirements before renewal, they’ll still count—even if the courses don’t count toward your new GPA.

How to Apply

To apply for Academic Renewal:

Special Cases

Readmitted Students

If you’re returning to UWG after being away for three or more years:

  • You must apply for Academic Renewal within three semesters or within one calendar year of returning.
  • Only courses taken before your absence can be renewed.
  • You may have taken classes at other schools during your break, but those courses:
    • Can’t be renewed.
    • Will be reviewed for transfer credit based on UWG and USG policies.

Transfer Students

If you’re transferring to UWG from another USG or accredited college:

  • You may qualify for Academic Renewal if your previous coursework is three or more years old.
  • Only courses taken before the three-year gap are eligible for renewal.

Ready to Start Over?

Need help drafting your Academic Renewal letter or figuring out if you qualify? Contact the Student Solutions Team and we'd be happy to assist you. 

If you think Academic Renewal is right for you, send your completed application to: