The legislative change, which was approved during the 89th Texas Legislature, aims to eliminate outdated poor grades that hinder students from continuing their education, according to the release.
“College doesn’t have to be everyone’s path, but the path should be open to everyone,” Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, a co-sponsor of the bill, said in the release. “More Texans will benefit from the opportunity to finish their academic journey as Cougars.”
Who’s eligible
According to the website, the following requirements apply:
- College credits must have been earned more than five years ago
- Credits cannot be selectively applied—students must accept or forfeit their credits
- Fresh start must only be used once
- Students must be undergraduates at Houston, Katy and Sugar Land campuses
Why it matters
While other institutions may follow the changes, enabled by the April passage of Senate Bill 365, not all are expected to fully implement the five-year threshold, Director of Media Relations Bryan Luhn said in an email.
Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, said in the release that the policy underscores the University’s commitment to meet the higher education needs of the state.
“Academic Fresh Start perfectly aligns with the University of Houston’s mission to support student success and it also allows the University to broaden its reach and welcome even more Cougars who are determined to complete their degrees,” she said.
Moving forward
Students will be able to begin selecting “fresh start” at registration in time for the Spring 2026 semester, according to the website.
Luhn said UH also plans to launch expanded outreach efforts to connect with former students and Texans with “some college, no degree,” who may benefit from the revised law.
