Return to Complete Your Degree at Geneseo
Thinking about a different job? Feeling stuck? Wish you could go back and try again?
We recognize that the path to degree completion can vary and that a reset in pursuing a degree or designing a career requires a specific mindset - focused on curiosity, willingness to take action, reframing, awareness, and high collaboration.
Why just dream about a different job or career, wish you had completed your degree, or wonder, "what if?" Take the plunge and see what a fresh approach to completing your degree with Geneseo could do for you!
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Hear it from a Geneseo Student:
"I chose to re-enroll with SUNY Geneseo after the pandemic's start. Life gets in the way, and the Geneseo Community understands and works around any issues that arise. After coming back to the school, the class I needed in order to graduate was not available for me to take. After speaking with my advisor, we went over a myriad of classes offered by other SUNY schools; and chose the best course that would fit my degree. My advisor checked in with me constantly during the enrollment and course progression to make sure that I was on the right track. It was because of the patience, dedication, and professionalism of the Geneseo staff that I was able to finish my degree; and for that I will be forever grateful." - M. Goldberg, Graduated 2023
Application deadlines are as follows:
Fall August 1
Spring December 1
Summer May 1
What is the process to return?
Step One: Identify Your Motivation
First, start with some self-reflection. What were your reasons for initially leaving school? Weigh those reasons against your decision to return.
Determining the reasons you left in the first place can help you change your approach the second time around. What resources would help make that change? Would a mentor or advisor help you to stay on track? Would a support group be advantageous? Would utilizing offices like the Career Design Center assist you in setting goals, exploration of potential jobs and identifying opportunities? Do you need advice seeking additional sources for financial aid? When you identify the reasons you left, don't be afraid to ask what specific supports are available.
Second, identify what is motivating you. Are you experiencing limited earning potential or advancement in your current job? Are you looking for a sense of completion? Do you have a job that requires a different degree? Once you have identified your motivation, keep revisiting it throughout the process to help you maintain commitment to your goals!
Step Two: Submit the Return to Complete Application
Review eligibility requirements and submit the Return to Complete application. Don't forget to include or attach the short essay response. Request any transcripts and have them sent directly to the Office of Admissions at admissions@geneseo.edu .
Students that were academically dismissed from Geneseo can not apply to return until they have been away for 2 full semesters and they have completed 12 credits successfully at another institution. An official transcript showing successfully completion of 12 credits must be provided.
Note: It is important to know that you may be required to take more or different courses than you had at the time of your departure from the college.
Step Three: Prepare to Return
Once you've been welcomed to return, you will need to make an appointment with the Academic Advisor that is assigned to you in order to register for classes. Readmitted students are capped at 16 credits for their first semester back. You will also be assigned a Professional Advisor to assist with developing a success plan and identifying available supports that might benefit you in your transition back to Geneseo.
Make an appointment with financial aid by emailing finaid@geneseo.edu to explore potential sources of aid. If you're employed, check with your human resources office to see if tuition funding is available. Explore Geneseo scholarships to see if you're eligible to apply for any scholarships.
If you will need housing, a form will be made available when you are approved to return. You can also contact reslife@geneseo.edu with questions.
Remember the self-reflection you did in Step One? What support services did you identify might be advantageous for you? If you need help exploring potential support ideas and services, contact the Enrollment Specialist Lisa Bishop at lbishop@geneseo.edu for assistance. Consider making an appointment with the Career Design Center to start exploring potential paths.
Identify your circle of support. Talk to friends, family, co-workers, and mentors in your life that you know support your goals. They will not only cheer you on, but help keep you accountable.
GPA Fresh Start Program
The Fresh Start Program application is available to students who were readmitted to the college with a GPA below 2.0, and who have successfully completed the first 12 credits with a GPA of at lease 2.0, after returning. If requirements are met, students may apply for the Fresh Start Program after the posting of the grades for the first semester back. If approved for the program, all "E" grades earned prior to leaving the college will be excluded from their GPA (grades will remain on the transcript with "Fresh Start" notation).
Readmitted students may only apply for the Fresh Start Program one time.
The application period during each semester is for 3 weeks after the date grades are posted. (https://www.geneseo.edu/registrar/academic-calendar)
If you are interested in applying for the Fresh Start Program, please indicate this on the Return to Complete application.
Please Note:
Students should note that Financial Aid may not exclude any grades, by state and federal law, but there are alternative processes for exceptions to the GPA requirements for state and federal financial aid. Students should make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office for current information.
For more information, contact Lisa Bishop, Enrollment Specialist lbishop@geneseo.edu or 585-245-5463.