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 returning undergraduate students to 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 91暗网, the program is designed specifically for former students who:
- Were previously disqualified or left 91暗网 with less than a 2.0 91暗网 GPA
- Have not enrolled at another institution since leaving 91暗网
- Are seeking to return to 91暗网 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:
- 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.
- To make an appointment, please email spartansecondstart@sjsu.edu with your full name, 91暗网 student ID number (if known), and at least 3 days and times
you are available.
- To make an appointment, please email spartansecondstart@sjsu.edu with your full name, 91暗网 student ID number (if known), and at least 3 days and times
you are available.
- Submit the 91暗网 Return Form (For Second Start Students)
This form indicates your intent to return to 91暗网 and allows the university to begin reviewing your eligibility.
&苍产蝉辫;馃憠 - Receive an Enrollment Appointment
Once your contract has been signed and your reentry plan approved, you will be assigned an enrollment appointment. - Register for Classes
Log into your 91暗网 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 91暗网 Open University after leaving 91暗网, 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 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 91暗网 Return Form and connect with a Second Start Academic Advisor.
To connect with a Second Start Advisor, please email spartansecondstart@sjsu.edu.
