Readmission Policies, Programs & Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Readmission

Returning undergraduate students who have been absent for more than one semester (spring or fall — summer is not counted) must complete the Returning Undergraduate Student Form at least 10 calendar days before the first class day of the term in which they intend to enroll.

Students enrolled in spring do not need to complete the form for the following fall semester.

Returning students will be placed in the current catalog year.

Transcript Requirements

Students who attended one or more regionally accredited colleges or universities since last attending EIU must submit official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts must be received before a student may be certified for graduation.

Readmission by Academic Standing

Requirements vary depending on your academic standing when you last attended EIU.

Good Standing / Academic Warning / Academic ProbationComplete the Returning Undergraduate Student Form

Standard readmission process

Academic Dismissal (first time)Complete the Returning Undergraduate Student Form; enroll in EIU 2919 your return semester

Must sit out at least one fall or spring semester; cannot return in summer; placed on Academic Probation with same cumulative GPA

Academic Dismissal (more than once)Complete the Petition for Reinstatement

Petition must be received (not just postmarked) by deadline: Fall — 3rd Monday in June, 4 p.m.; Spring — 3rd Monday in October, 4 p.m.

Returning After Academic Dismissal — Transcript Requirement  

Students returning after an academic dismissal must provide official transcripts showing a composite GPA of at least 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in all coursework attempted since they last attended EIU.

 

 

Fresh Start Academic Renewal Program

The Fresh Start program gives returning undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA below 2.00 the opportunity to reestablish themselves academically and get back on the path toward graduation. This option is only available when filing the Returning Undergraduate Student Form.

Eligibility Requirements  

  • Your cumulative GPA must be below 2.00.
  • Your last term of attendance at EIU must be at least one year prior to readmission (three full semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer).
  • You must be readmitted under current catalog year policies, including academic dismissal policies.
  • You must indicate your intent to pursue Fresh Start on your readmission application.
  • Your term of re-entry must be a Fall or Spring semester.
  • This policy is not available for all academic programs (teacher education programs, RN to BSN, and traditional Nursing programs are excluded).
  • You may only use the Fresh Start program one time.

How It Works  

  • If approved, your Fresh Start GPA begins with your term of re-entry. A notation will be made on your transcript.
  • You must successfully complete your first 12 credit hours after readmission with a 2.0 GPA or higher before the Fresh Start GPA appears on your degree audit.
  • All courses, grades, and your original cumulative GPA remain on your transcript. The Fresh Start GPA does not appear on the transcript itself — only on your degree audit.
  • All hours earned count toward total hours for graduation.
  • You must complete at least 30 additional hours at EIU after readmission to be eligible for graduation.
  • Previous credits and grades still apply toward degree requirements. You must still meet minimum GPA requirements for your major, minor, or concentration.
  • You will not be eligible for a degree with distinction.
  • You must enroll in EIU 2919 your first semester after readmission.
  • Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules continue to apply. Students not meeting GPA and completion rate minimums must still file an appeal each semester.
  • Gateway students must still follow Gateway program guidelines.
  • This policy does not apply to graduate or post-baccalaureate students.

 

*Note: All students applying for readmission are automatically screened for Fresh Start eligibility. Those who may qualify will receive a form to sign and return to the Office of the Registrar for review. Eligibility is conditional until academic performance requirements are fully met.

Financial Aid & the Pathway to Completion Scholarship

We recommend that all returning students apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of grades, income, or age.

Apply for FAFSA Apply for EIU Scholarships

Pathway to Completion Scholarship

Eastern Illinois University offers the Pathway to Completion Scholarship to support former students who left with a small outstanding balance and are ready to return and finish their degree.

Who Is Eligible? 

  • Had an outstanding EIU balance of $5,000 or less
  • Previously attended EIU before July 1, 2023
  • Complete the FAFSA for the academic year of return
  • Enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester while receiving the scholarship

Scholarship StructureEligible students may receive up to $5,000 total in scholarship support:

  • Re-Entry Award: $1,000 applied immediately toward the outstanding balance upon enrollment.
  • Completion Incentives: Up to $4,000 more, awarded in $2,000 increments at the end of each successfully completed semester — provided the student is enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and earns a C or better in each course.

How to Apply 

Complete the Pathway to Completion Inquiry Form, including a brief narrative covering: your circumstances that led to stopping out, your goals and readiness to return, and how this scholarship will support your success. Applications should be submitted at least one week before the first day of the semester of re-entry.

 

Graduate Student Readmission

Graduate students who previously attended EIU and return after an absence of more than one semester (spring or fall) must complete the Returning Graduate Student Form.

Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and have not yet applied to The Graduate School must submit a new application. To request one, email The Graduate School or call 217-581-7488 or 217-581-7489.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be re-admitted to EIU?
Re-admission applies if you have previously attended EIU and wish to return after an absence of two or more semesters (fall/spring — summer is not counted). You do NOT need to be re-admitted if: the only classes you took were as a dual credit or guest student, or you were absent for only a single fall or spring semester and are in Good Academic Standing.
Do I need to be readmitted if I was only gone for one semester?
No — if you were absent for only one fall or spring semester and have not been academically dismissed, you do not need to complete the readmission process.
How do I get readmitted?
Undergraduate students: Complete the Returning Undergraduate Student Form. Graduate students: Complete the Returning Graduate Student Form.
What if I have a hold on my record?

Different actions may be required depending on the type of hold. Visit eiu.edu/registra/holds.php for details. Note: clearing holds can take 2–3 weeks, so complete your readmission form well in advance.

 

How long will it take to get a readmission decision?

It typically takes 3–5 business days to complete the review, provided there are no holds on your record. Holds may extend this timeline. After approval, contact your department to register for classes.

When can I start registering for classes?

Once re-admitted, you will need to meet with an advisor and re-activate your PAWS account. If your PAWS account is inactive or your password has expired, use the Password Management Tool or contact Campus Technology Support at (217) 581-4357.

What are the registration deadlines?  

In most programs, class registration closes one week after classes start. Exceptions include the Interdisciplinary Studies program, RN to BSN program, and some online programs. Summer deadlines vary by course — your academic advisor can guide you. For students dismissed more than once, the reinstatement petition must be received (not just postmarked) by: Fall — 3rd Monday in June, 4 p.m.; Spring — 3rd Monday in October, 4 p.m.

Can I change my major when I get readmitted, or add a second major or minor?  

Yes. Use the major change form at eiu.edu/clas/majorchange.php.

What if I attended another college or university since leaving EIU?

You must submit an official transcript from each institution attended since leaving EIU. Contact that school's Registrar and request that an official transcript be sent to EIU's Office of the Registrar.

 

Does EIU offer online or flexible programs for students with work or family responsibilities?

Yes. EIU offers numerous fully online programs at eiu.edu/online. Programs such as Interdisciplinary Studies and Organizational Development are specifically designed with flexibility in mind.

 

Where can I find the complete readmission policies in the catalog?

See Readmission and Reinstatement Following Academic Dismissal in the EIU catalog.

Contact

For questions about undergraduate readmission or re-enrollment:

Kenia Gonzalez

EIU Degree Completion Coordinator

kigonzalez@eiu.edu

Phone: 217-581-5027

For Graduate School inquiries:

Phone: 217-581-7488 or 217-581-7489