# Academic Renewal ## Overview **Academic Renewal** allows students to have previous substandard academic performance (grades of D, F, or NP) excluded from GPA calculation, giving you a fresh start after demonstrating improved academic performance. ## Key Points - **Does NOT erase courses** - They remain on transcript marked "AR" (Academic Renewal) - **Removes from GPA** - Excluded courses don't count toward cumulative GPA - **Removes from units** - Units from renewed courses don't count toward graduation - **One-time opportunity** - Can only be granted once in your academic career at SWC - **All or nothing per semester** - Must renew entire semesters, not individual courses ## Eligibility Requirements To qualify for Academic Renewal at Southwestern College: ### 1. Time Requirement - **At least 2 years** (4 semesters) must have passed since the substandard work was completed - The more time elapsed, the stronger your case ### 2. Academic Performance Requirement You must demonstrate improved performance by completing **at least 15 semester units** with: - **Minimum 2.5 GPA** in coursework completed after the semesters you want renewed - Courses must be taken at Southwestern College - Recent academic success shows you've improved ### 3. Semester Limitation - Can renew **no more than 30 semester units** total - Typically this means 2-3 semesters worth of coursework - All grades in selected semesters are renewed (you can't pick individual courses) ### 4. Other Requirements - Must be in good standing - Cannot have outstanding debts to the college - Must submit petition before graduation ## What Gets Renewed ### Included in Renewal: - All courses from selected semesters - Grades of D, F, W, I, NP - Even courses you passed with C ### NOT Renewed: - Transfer coursework - Courses at other colleges - Individual courses (must do whole semesters) ## Effect on Your Record ### Your Transcript Will Show: - All original courses and grades remain visible - "AR" notation next to renewed courses - Note explaining Academic Renewal policy - Separate GPA calculations (overall vs. after renewal) ### Your GPA Will: - **Exclude** renewed courses from cumulative GPA - **Include** all other coursework - Show improved GPA immediately upon approval ### Transfer Implications: - **UC/CSU:** Have their own renewal policies; SWC renewal may not transfer - **Private universities:** Policies vary widely - **Always check:** Contact transfer institution before applying ## How to Apply for Academic Renewal ### Step 1: Verify Eligibility Calculate whether you meet requirements: - Time since substandard work - Recent GPA (15+ units at 2.5+ GPA) - Units to be renewed (≤30) ### Step 2: Schedule Counseling Appointment **Required:** Meet with counselor before submitting petition **Contact Counseling:** - Location: Cesar E. Chavez Student Services Center, Building 68, 2nd Floor - Phone: (619) 421-6700 ext. 5240 - [Schedule Online](https://swccd.craniumcafe.com/group/general-counseling-front-desk/lobby) ### Step 3: Prepare Documentation Gather: - Unofficial transcript - List of semesters to be renewed - Evidence of changed circumstances (optional but helpful) - Explanation of poor performance and improvement ### Step 4: Complete Petition Form Your counselor will help you: - Fill out Academic Renewal petition - Write personal statement explaining: - Reasons for past poor performance - Steps taken to improve - Academic/career goals - Why renewal will help ### Step 5: Submit Petition Counselor will route petition to: 1. Evaluations Office (verification of eligibility) 2. Dean of Student Services (approval) 3. Admissions & Records (processing) ### Step 6: Wait for Decision - Processing time: 4-8 weeks - Check student email for status - Once approved, transcript updated immediately ## Strategic Considerations ### When Academic Renewal Helps: - Raising GPA for transfer admission - Meeting program entry requirements (nursing, etc.) - Qualifying for academic honors - Financial aid GPA requirements - Personal pride in improvement ### When Academic Renewal May NOT Help: - Transfer institutions may recalculate with all courses - Graduate schools often require all coursework - Some competitive programs look beyond GPA - Professional licensing may consider all coursework ### Alternative Strategies: 1. **Grade replacement** - Retake courses for better grades (see [[Course Repetition]]) 2. **Continue taking classes** - Add more strong grades to dilute poor ones 3. **Pursue different degree** - Some programs have fewer GPA requirements 4. **Complete degree, then renew** - Some students wait until after graduation ## Important Warnings ### Academic Renewal Does NOT: - Give you additional units toward graduation - Allow you to retake courses for additional credit - Remove courses from your transcript - Guarantee transfer institution will honor it - Affect financial aid SAP calculations (Satisfactory Academic Progress) ### Consequences: - **Lost units:** Renewed courses don't count toward your degree - **Retakes required:** May need to retake courses for degree requirements - **One chance:** Cannot undo renewal or apply again - **Delayed graduation:** Losing units may extend time to degree ## Special Situations ### Multiple Institutions If you attended other colleges: - SWC can only renew SWC coursework - Other colleges have separate renewal policies - Must apply at each institution individually ### Military/Extenuating Circumstances Strengthen your petition with documentation of: - Military deployment - Serious illness - Family emergencies - Documented disabilities - Other significant life events ### Already Graduated - Can still apply for Academic Renewal - Useful for graduate school applications - Won't change degree previously awarded ## After Renewal is Approved ### Immediate Steps: 1. **Verify transcript** - Check that AR notation appears 2. **Confirm GPA** - Calculate new cumulative GPA 3. **Update Student Education Plan** - Meet with counselor 4. **Adjust course planning** - Replace lost units ### Long-term: - **Maintain performance** - Continue strong academic work - **Plan graduation** - Ensure you have required units - **Transfer planning** - Research transfer institution policies - **Build complete picture** - Focus on upward trend in addition to renewal ## Resources & References - [SWC Catalog - Academic Renewal Policy](https://catalog.swccd.edu/academic-regulations/grading-academic-record-symbols/academic-renewal/) - [Counseling Office](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/counseling-and-career-advisement/) - [Transfer Center](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/transfer-connections/) - For transfer implications - [Admissions & Records](https://www.swccd.edu/student-support/admissions-and-records/) ## Related Petition Articles - [[Skipping a Class]] - Course substitutions - [[Waiving a Class]] - Requirement waivers - [[Course Validation]] - Updating old prerequisites - [[Grade Change Petition]] - Disputing assigned grades