University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business is an entrepreneurial powerhouse for undergrad programs.

The University Of Houston Is Giving Students The Chance To Erase Old Grades

In a move that’s turning heads across Texas, the University of Houston has become the first public university in the state to implement a major revision to the Academic Fresh Start law. For many students, it’s a chance to shine that they wouldn’t have had under the old rules.

UH Provost Diane Z. Chase says she sees the move as a perfect fit for the university’s mission. “We are proud to be Texas’ first university to offer countless students the fresh start they deserve while supporting the higher education needs of our state,” she says.

The Academic Fresh Start law can be thought of as a GPA reporting reboot. Under the new policy, students can now wipe out grades and credits that are five years old or more, clearing the path for a cleaner, more competitive transcript. The University of Houston has made news for offering a more inclusive business education overall for all types of students – with their Bauer College of Business enrolling 56.9% women in last year’s incoming MBA class, one of the highest rates among ranked programs.

THE LAW THAT WIPES OUT GRADES PAST FIVE YEARS

Whether students come with spotless transcripts or academic setbacks, UH is building a campus culture where all students are welcome. That ethos of access and equity is becoming central to the university’s student experience.

The new law, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature in April, slashes the previous ten-year threshold in half which makes it easier for students with any sort of grade related academic baggage to re-enter the higher ed arena.

The only catch is that this is all or nothing. Students must apply for the waiver at the time of admission and conceal all grades older than five years, or not. They can’t pick which grades to keep and which to conceal. For the 5.4 million Texans aged 25 and older with some college credits but no degree, this policy could be their golden ticket back into the classroom and by extent, back into a stronger job market.

The new bill was sparked by a student who, despite earning an associate’s degree with honors, was blocked from transferring to a four-year program because of poor grades from eight years ago. That frustration lit a fire for lawmakers like State Senator Sarah Eckhardt to right this wrong.

“College doesn’t have to be everyone’s path,” she said, “but the path should be open to everyone.”

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