Academic Fresh Start

Northeast Texas Community College
Academic Fresh Start Policy
Authority: Texas Education Code § 51.929 (Senate Bill 1321)

Purpose

In accordance with Texas Education Code § 51.929 (Senate Bill 1321), Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) recognizes the right of Texas residents to begin their academic journey anew through the Academic Fresh Start program. This policy allows eligible students to exclude coursework completed ten (10) or more years prior to their admission date from consideration in admissions decisions and grade point average (GPA) calculations.

 

Eligibility

A student may elect to participate in Academic Fresh Start if they:
•    Are a resident of Texas as defined by state law;
•    Are applying for admission or readmissions to NTCC;
•    Have coursework that was completed 10 or more years prior to the start of the intended semester of enrollment;
•    Submit the Academic Fresh Start Request Form to the Registrar’s Office at the time of admission and prior to enrollment in any classes.

 

Policy Provisions

  1. Exclusion of Academic Credit:
    • All academic coursework earned 10 or more years before the start of the semester of admission will be excluded from consideration for:
      • Admission decisions;
      • Degree requirements;
      • Academic standing;
      • Grade point average (GPA) calculations.
         
  2. Transcript Designation:
    • Transcript will include a notation indicating that admissions has been granted through Academic Fresh Start provision.
    • If previously enrolled at NTCC, although excluded from credit and GPA, eligible courses will:
      • Remain on the student’s official NTCC transcript;
      • Be clearly designated as “Bankrupt”, indicating exclusion under the Academic Fresh Start provision.
         
  3. All-or-Nothing Provision:
    • The student must exclude all courses taken 10 or more years ago; selective exclusion of individual courses is not allowed.
       
  4. Timing and Irrevocability:
    • Academic Fresh Start must be declared at the time of admission and before enrollment in any coursework.
    • Once granted, the Fresh Start designation is permanent and cannot be reversed.
       

Additional Considerations

  • Admissions: Students are still required to meet standard admissions requirements, including providing official transcripts from all previously attended institution.
  • Financial Aid: Academic Fresh Start does not affect federal or state financial aid regulations. Prior academic performance—even if excluded under this policy—may still be considered in determining financial aid eligibility. Students are advised to consult with the Financial Aid Office.
  • Transfer and Graduate Programs: Other colleges, universities, and professional/graduate schools may not honor NTCC’s Fresh Start designation. Students planning to transfer or pursue advanced degrees should verify how other institutions evaluate prior academic work.
  • Selective Programs: Academic Fresh Start does not guarantee admission into selective or limited-entry programs at NTCC, which may have additional criteria.

 

Procedure

To request Academic Fresh Start, a student must:

  1. Complete the Academic Fresh Start Request Form, available at the NTCC Registrar’s Office;
  2. Submit the form at the time of admission and before enrolling in any courses;
  3. Receive written confirmation from the Registrar indicating approval and designation of prior coursework as "Bankrupt."
  4. An applicant may only use the Academic Fresh Start provision once at Northeast.