Return to Complete Your Degree at Geneseo Readmission Program

Want to finish the degree you started at Geneseo? 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!

Hear it from Geneseo Students:

“Following my academic dismissal from Geneseo at the end of my junior year I was aimless. I felt that I’d set my life back 10 years, and that if I was to find success in life it would not be through a college degree. That summer was rough, but I spoke with those closest to me, and with the aid of Geneseo enrollment specialists, I decided to attempt finishing my degree. Now 3 semesters have passed and I’m to graduate in May; I’m a whole new student, and what I feared would take a decade has gone by in the blink of an eye. The hole I dug for myself only made me build a mound higher than I’d ever been. I’m so grateful I returned.” – Gavin O., Class of 2026

“My journey began in 2000 when I enrolled at SUNY Geneseo. From the moment I explored the college website, I knew it was the right place for me. The transition, however, was tough. I had completed only one year of high school in the United States and started college with limited English. Still, counselors and friends supported me with tutoring and encouragement, helping me succeed. I was just two classes away from graduating when urgent family issues forced me to leave during my final year. Walking away so close to the finish line was heartbreaking. Over the years, my focus shifted to my family. I got married and became a mother of two, and returning to school felt impossible. Ironically, it was my children, Dylan and Skylar and my boyfriend, Jorge, who pushed me to try again. I always encouraged them to excel, and eventually they encouraged me back. They became my biggest supporters, reminding me that it’s never too late to accomplish something meaningful. They helped me see that finishing my degree would strengthen our family and show others that giving up is never the answer. Reaching out to SUNY Geneseo after 20 years was intimidating, but the Sociology department immediately put me at ease. They were understanding, supportive, and guided me through every step without judgment. Since I now live in Texas, I enrolled at Texas State University. The transition wasn’t easy, I faced a long commute and was returning to academic life after two decades. There were many moments when I wanted to quit, but my professors, tutors, and especially my children kept me going. In 2025, I finally achieved the dream I started so long ago. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Looking back, I realize that success becomes possible when you trust the people who believe in you. My next goal is to enter the workforce and use my experience to help others overcome their own challenges. Thank you to everyone who supported me.” -D. Deleon, Class of 2025

Application deadlines are as follows:

For questions and support, contact Lisa Bishop, Enrollment Specialist lbishop@geneseo.edu or 585-245-5463.

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!

• 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 .
• If you are not able to attend courses in-person at Geneseo, due to location, please indicate that on the application.

Students that were academically dismissed from Geneseo or left voluntarily with a GPA below 2.0 will not be considered 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. If you would like assistance with choosing courses at a community college in preparation for applying to return to Geneseo, the Office of Advising is available to help (advising@geneseo.edu).

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.

• 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 only available to students who:
• were readmitted to the college with a GPA below 2.0
• who have successfully completed the first 12 credits with a GPA of at least 2.0, after re-enrolling at Geneseo.
• 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:

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.