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The
goal: graduating in four years
From the Winter 2002 Parent Newsletter
More than three-fourths of freshmen arrive at the University of Minnesota
believing they will graduate in four years. Only about one-fourth
actually do.
Although rates have improved in recent years, Minnesota continues
to have the lowest graduation rate in the Big 10, with only 51 percent
of students completing their undergraduate education in six years.
Despite low graduation rates at the University, students can
graduate in four years.
In 1996, the University introduced a four-year graduation plan, an
agreement between the student and the University, that guarantees
institutional support for completing degrees within four years.
Under the plan, the student agrees to meet certain expectations for
academic planning and performance. In turn, the University agrees
to ensure that classes the student needs will be available. If the
University cannot provide a required course, offer a substitution,
or waive the requirement, it will pay the student's tuition to stay
an extra semester to complete the course.
About half of entering freshmen are signing up for the plan. Students
who sign up, however, frequently fail to follow through on the plan.
There are no penalties for students who choose not to continue.
A few degree programs are designed to take longer than four years,
and students in those programs are not eligible for the four-year
guarantee.
Whether students in qualifying programs elect the four-year plan or
not, they can graduate in four years simply by taking 15 or more credits
each semester and working with an academic adviser to make sure their
graduation requirements are being fulfilled.
Throughout the academic experience, certain steps will help students
stay on track. Most are common sense and apply for any student.
Freshmen: During
their first year, students should complete the freshman writing requirement
and at least 30 credits—more if they are in a major that requires
more than 120 credits. Advanced-placement credits and post-secondary
education credits can be applied toward the 30 credits.
Sophomores:
Students should make sure that they're taking classes to satisfy the
liberal education requirements. They should also be exploring majors
if they haven't yet selected one. Students must declare a major by
the end of sophomore year.
Juniors: Students should confirm that
their liberal education and core requirements are being completed.
They should meet with their adviser to determine that they understand
and are working toward completion of their major requirements. Students
in the College of Liberal Arts should be completing their language
requirements and taking the language proficiency test.
Seniors: Students must file for
graduation by the beginning of the final semester. They must complete
their senior project if their program requires one.
All students: Students should meet with their academic adviser once
each semester during their freshman year and at the beginning of every
subsequent year. All students are advised to take an average of 15
credits per semester and maintain good academic standing based on
the requirements of their department or college.
Students should develop a study plan and review it with their adviser.
They also should work with their adviser regularly to be certain that
all checkpoint requirements are being met.
A
parent's role
Family support can make a difference in whether a student graduates
on time. Students need to know that their parents value education
and believe that a college degree is important. In addition, family
financial support can influence whether a student graduates on time—or
at all. Many University students work to support their education.
While student jobs, especially on-campus jobs, can help students organize
their time, too much work can detract from the college experience.
When students work more than 20 hours per week, their chances of completing
15 credits per semester diminish and their grade point averages fall.
When they work off campus, their focus can become the workplace rather
than the University. If they don't identify themselves as students
first, they are much less likely to stay on track or remain in school.
Ultimately, students who take longer to graduate, or who drop out
for a semester or more, are much less likely to complete their degree.
Many families believe that if their student works, taking longer to
graduate but avoiding student loans, they will save money by avoiding
interest costs on loan payments. In fact, there are real costs associated
with extending the educational process. Student fees of more than
$250 per semester are charged to anyone enrolled for six or more credits.
Students who take two extra years to graduate will spend more than
$1,000 in additional student fees. Technology fees and annual increases
in tuition add to the costs. Finally, those students will be entering
the professional job market later, leaving them two years behind in
their lifetime career path. That means two years behind in raises
and promotions.
Above all, parents can support their student by encouraging them to
seek guidance when they have questions. Academic advisers are available
to assist students with any questions related to course selection
and academic planning. If students have personal or financial questions,
advisers can refer them to the most appropriate sources for help.
Similarly, community advisers (CAs) in residence halls can direct
students to resources, and all counselors and staff can help students
find the assistance they need. |
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