San Jos茅 State University

Second Start Pilot Program

The Second Start Pilot Program at San Jos茅 State University provides a renewed pathway for former undergraduate students to return and complete their degree. Designed for students who have been away from the university for at least three years and who left with a GPA below 2.0, this program offers a unique opportunity to re-enroll with additional support and a fresh academic start.

What Is the Second Start Pilot Program?

Second Start is a California State University (CSU) systemwide initiative aimed at reducing barriers for students whose academic progress was interrupted. At 黑瓜吃料网, the program is designed specifically for former students who:

  • Were previously disqualified or left 黑瓜吃料网 with less than a 2.0 黑瓜吃料网 GPA

  • Have not enrolled at another institution since leaving 黑瓜吃料网

  • Are seeking to return to 黑瓜吃料网 to complete their undergraduate degree

  • Have been away from the CSU system for three or more years

Program Benefit: Academic GPA Reset

Students returning through Second Start will be eligible for a reset of their cumulative and resident GPA, based on specific criteria:

  • The GPA earned prior to departure will no longer impact the student鈥檚 academic standing going forward

  • Returning students must complete at least 12 units of graded coursework within 12 months of re-enrollment

  • A 2.5 GPA or higher must be earned in those first 12 units to maintain eligibility and remain in the program

This policy is intended to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate academic improvement and progress toward degree completion.

How to Return: 4 Key Steps

To re-enroll through the Second Start Program, eligible students must  complete the following steps in order:

  1. Meet With a Second Start Academic Advisor and Sign the Second Start Contract
    A Second Start Academic Advisor will review your academic history, degree requirements, and explain how the GPA reset applies to your specific record. Students will finalize the process by signing a Second Start Contract that outlines expectations and next steps.
    1. To make an appointment, please email spartansecondstart@sjsu.edu with your full name, 黑瓜吃料网 student ID number (if known), and at least 3 days and times you are available.

  2.   Submit the 黑瓜吃料网 Return Form (For Second Start Students)
    This form indicates your intent to return to 黑瓜吃料网 and allows the university to begin reviewing your eligibility.
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  3. Receive an Enrollment Appointment
    Once your contract has been signed and your reentry plan approved, you will be assigned an enrollment appointment.

  4. Register for Classes
    Log into your 黑瓜吃料网 student account during your appointment window to register for courses planned with your Second Start Academic Advisor for your return term.

Important Considerations

  • This program is available only to students returning to the same CSU campus they previously attended.

  • Students who have taken courses at another college or university, or have taken classes through 黑瓜吃料网 Open University after leaving 黑瓜吃料网, are not eligible for this program.

  • Catalog rights, General Education (GE) patterns, and degree requirements may differ from when you were last enrolled. Your advisor will help determine your new academic plan.
    • Students are not guaranteed admission to their original major program.

  • Students have to meet with a Second Start Academic Advisor at least once per semester.
    • Second Start Academic Advisor will help determine students' new academic plan.
    • A Second Start Academic Advisor MUST approve any changes to the academic plan.

Please note: 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.

Ready to Return?

The Second Start Pilot Program is an opportunity to rejoin the San Jos茅 State community with renewed academic standing and a clear path to degree completion.

If you are ready to begin the process, start with the 黑瓜吃料网 Return Form and connect with a Second Start Academic Advisor.

To connect with a Second Start Advisor, please email spartansecondstart@sjsu.edu.