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Fresh Start Program

Fresh Start is a two-term Student Success program designed to assist students in resuming their undergraduate program studies after being assigned a Required to Withdraw (RTW) academic standing.

In the first term, students are required to take a Fresh Start Strategies course and up to two credit courses. Courses are to be chosen in consultation with a student's academic program advisor

In the second term, students may take up to four credit courses, selected in consultation discussion with an Academic Program Advisor. 

Students who successfully complete the Fresh Start Strategies course and meet the requirements of both of their Fresh Start contracts may resume studies following their second term of the Fresh Start program. 

Please note: Normal undergraduate tuition fees will be assessed for any credit courses taken. A fee will also be assessed for the mandatory Fresh Start Strategies course.

Dates and Deadlines

For eligibility dates and application deadlines, please visit Fresh Start and Reinstatement Dates.

Fresh Start Contracts

In term one of the Fresh Start program, students will establish an Extended Academic Probation Contract (EAP1) with their Academic Program Advisor. Students are required to meet all of the requirements of this contract including successful completion of a Fresh Start Strategies course (CIFS100) and any credit courses on the contract.

Minimum grades may be specified for the credit courses. CIFS100 is graded as Pass/Fail and also appears on the official transcript.

Students who successfully complete all conditions of their EAP1 contract will progress to the second term where they will establish a second Extended Academic Probation Contract (EAP2) with their Academic Program Advisor. Students are required to meet all of the requirements of this contract including successful completion of all courses on the contract.

Minimum grades may be specified for the credit courses.

Upon successful completion of the EAP2 contract, students will be permitted to continue in their program with Probation or Clear standing based on their past academic performance.

Definitions of these standings are available on the Transcript Legend page.

Students who are not successful in completing the requirements of either the EAP1 or the EAP2 contract will have their academic standing reverted to Required to Withdraw (RTW) and will need to complete the balance of their 12 months (three terms) RTW suspension before they can be eligible for reinstatement.

Please see the Required to Withdraw page for reinstatement/program transfer information. Deadline dates are available on the Fresh Start and Reinstatement Dates page.

 Fresh Start Deferral

If you have been assigned an RTW standing and wish to defer your Fresh Start EAP1 or EAP2 contract to the following semester, please complete the  (PDF file) Fresh Start Deferral Form.

 Fresh Start Withdrawal

If you would like to withdraw from the Fresh Start program, please fill out the  (PDF file) Fresh Start Withdrawal Form and follow the submission instructions on the form.

Getting Started

If you have been assigned an RTW academic standing and wish to be considered for participation in the Fresh Start Program, please complete the following steps:

  1. Review the Fresh Start Program Participation Criteria to ensure Fresh Start is offered and that you meet the eligibility criteria.

  2. Confirm the Fresh Start and Reinstatement Dates to ensure that your application will be accepted.

  3. Complete Option A or Option B:

    Option A: Request for Reinstatement/Fresh Start Form

    Option B: Fresh Start Transfer

Please note: You will be contacted by email by an Academic Program Advisor once your application has been reviewed. The timeframe for application review varies by program. If you have any questions, please contact your Academic Program Advisor.

Fresh Start and OSAP

For complete details about OSAP eligibility during Fresh Start, please see Fresh Start Program on the OSAP Information by Student Group.

Program Participation Criteria

Fresh Start criteria vary from program to program; meeting the minimum stated cumulative GPA (CGPA) does not guarantee approval to Fresh Start. RTW students will be assessed on an individual basis; their complete academic record and Fresh Start Supplementary Form, will be reviewed and considered as part of the assessment process.

For assistance, please contact the Academic Program Advisor for your program. To find the participation criteria for your program, choose from the following faculty list:

Program

Criteria

All Faculty of Arts programs

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

First-year students:

  • RTW students will be assessed on an individual basis by the program department. Departmental assessment will consider previous academic performance in required program courses and Table I electives, as well as personal circumstances that may have affected academic performance in the semester(s) that resulted in the RTW standing. Students should indicate any changes in their personal circumstances and/or steps that they have taken that would improve their chance of academic success upon reinstatement. Normally, students must have a CGPA of at least 1.0 to be considered.

Second and subsequent year students:

  • RTW students will be assessed on an individual basis by the program department. Departmental assessment will consider previous academic performance in program courses, as well as personal circumstances that may have affected academic performance in the semester(s) that resulted in the RTW standing. Students should indicate any changes in their personal circumstances and/or steps that they have taken that would improve their chance of academic success upon reinstatement. Normally, students must have a CGPA of at least 1.0 to be considered.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers are not accepted for Criminology, Psychology and Undeclared Arts. For all other Arts programs, Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Program

Criteria

Child and Youth Care

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a CGPA of at least 1.00 to be eligible for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Disability Studies

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students, normally, must have a CGPA of at least 1.0 to be eligible for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Early Childhood Studies

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students are not required to present a minimum CGPA for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Nursing

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

RTW students must meet the following minimum CGPA to be considered:

  • First year students – 1.50
  • Second and third year students – 1.67 the term the RTW status was posted. 
  • Fourth year students – 2.00 the term the RTW status was posted.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Nursing (Post-diploma)

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a minimum CGPA of 1.67, the term the RTW status was posted, to be considered.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Nutrition and Food

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a CGPA of at least 1.00 to be eligible for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Occupational and Public Health

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students are not required to present a minimum CGPA for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Social Work

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a CGPA of at least 1.00 to be eligible for consideration. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.00 may consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Urban & Regional Planning

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a minimum CGPA of 1.60 to be eligible for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Program

Criteria

Aerospace Engineering

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students in first year and first year at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU): the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.
  • RTW students beyond 1st year at TMU, and first-year Engineering Students not in their first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Architectural Science (opens in new window) 

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • A minimum CGPA of 1.33 is required for consideration. Students with a CGPA below 1.33 may consult with the program department for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Chemical Engineering

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students in first year and first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.
  • RTW students beyond 1st year at TMU, and first year Engineering Students not in their first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • RTW transfers from other Engineering programs with CGPA of 1.33 will be considered.

Civil Engineering

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students in first year and first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.
  • RTW students beyond 1st year at TMU, and first-year Engineering Students not in their first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • RTW transfers from other Engineering programs with CGPA of 1.33 will be considered.

Electrical, Computer & Biomedical Engineering (opens in new window) 

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students in first year and first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.
  • RTW students beyond 1st year at TMU, and first year Engineering Students not in their first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • RTW transfers from other Engineering programs with CGPA of 1.33 will be considered.

Industrial Engineering

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students in first year and first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.
  • RTW students beyond 1st year at TMU, and first year Engineering Students not in their first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Mechanical Engineering

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students in first year and first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.
  • RTW students beyond 1st year at TMU, and first year Engineering Students not in their first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Undeclared Engineering

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW first year students and first year at TMU: the eligibility criteria for consideration is minimum TGPA = 1.33 or minimum CGPA = 1.33.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Program

Criteria

All Faculty of Science programs

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

RTW students must have the following to be considered:

  • A minimum of six graded courses on their transcript. Pass/Fail courses will not be counted towards the six;
  • Minimum CGPA of 1.00;

Note: Students with unresolved INC grades at the time of application will not be considered. Whenever possible, students will be assigned courses from their program; liberal electives will be assigned only if program courses are not available.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Program

Criteria

All Ted Rogers School of Management programs (external link, opens in new window) 

Exception: The School of Accounting and Finance does not allow for the Fresh Start pathway to reinstatement and will not consider any Fresh Start transfers. Please contact The School of Accounting and Finance at asksaf@torontomu.ca for more information.

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.0 to 1.66 will be considered. 
  • Students must submit the Request for Reinstatement - Supplementary Form in addition to the Request for Reinstatement/Fresh Start Form to be considered.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered based on each School's admission requirements and the student's academic history.
  • TRSM programs will consider other Toronto Metropolitan University program students who have a CGPA of 1:00 - 1.66.
  • Students must submit the Fresh Start Transfer – Supplementary Form, outlining the following: reasons or issues that they believe led to their RTW standing; what actions have been taken to address those issues, in their absence from the program; reasons for wanting to transfer into this particular program, and a reflection about how obtaining a degree from this program will enhance their future career goals. 

Program

Criteria

Creative Industries

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.50 to 1.66 will be considered. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.50 should consult the program's academic coordinator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Fashion

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.33 to 1.67 are eligible for consideration. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.33 may consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Portfolio submission is required.

Graphic Communications Management

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.33 or higher will be considered. There may be additional non-course requirements (eg. seminars, workshops, etc.).

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers with a CGPA of 1.33 or higher will be considered on case by case basis.

Image Arts

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a CGPA of at least 1.50 to be eligible for consideration.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Portfolio submission is required.

Interior Design

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.50 to 1.66 are eligible for consideration. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.50 should consult the academic coordinator regarding other options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submission of a design portfolio comparable to that required for admission is required.

Journalism

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.50 to 1.66 will be considered. An interview may be required. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.50 should consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Media Production

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA (CGPA) of 1.33 to 1.66 will be considered. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.33 may consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

New Media

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.33 to 1.66 will be considered. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.33 may consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Professional Communication

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA of 1.33 to 1.66 will be considered. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.33 may consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

School of Performance

Performance Acting/Dance Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a CGPA of at least 1.50 to be eligible for consideration.
  • Audition and non-academic requirements must be met.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.

Performance Production Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students must have a CGPA of at least 1.00 to be eligible for consideration. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.00 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • RTW transfers with a CGPA of 1.33 will be considered.
  • Portfolio submission and interview is required.

Sport Media

Fresh Start – Reinstatement:

  • RTW students who have a CGPA (CGPA) of 1.33 to 1.66 will be considered. RTW students with a CGPA below 1.33 may consult the program administrator for options.

Fresh Start – Transfer:

  • Fresh Start transfers will not be considered.