This project is in exploratory stage. If a student participates in this program, maintains eligibility, and cannot graduate in four years because a required class is unavailable, PSU will approve a substitute course, waive the requirement, or pay the tuition.

1. Discussion: Degree in Four
Developing a Four-Year Graduation
Guarantee
Sukhwant Jhaj
Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Success

2. Four Year Graduation Guarantee
• If a student participates in this program,
maintains eligibility, and cannot
graduate in four years because a required
class is unavailable, PSU will approve a
substitute course, waive the requirement,
or pay the tuition.

3. When?
• Suggest implementation for fall 2013

4. Why Now?
• Four year graduation rate below 10%
(Average of 2001 to 2007 cohort)
• Focus on student success
• Intense competition for students
• Four year Degree Map developed by all
undergraduate programs

5. Structure
• Partnership between student and PSU
• Student responsibility: Eligibility, major
declaration, degree map, meet with
advisor, academic performance
• University responsibility: matriculate to
major, access to coursework and support
by advisors

6. Goals
• Demonstrate institutional commitment
• Change perception
• Develop community
• Encourage degree completion
• Change institutional practices
• Improve planning

7. Examples
• University of Minnesota
Four year graduation plan
• University at Buffalo
Finish in Four

8. Next Steps
• Stakeholders agreement and/or input:
Colleges/schools/departments, ALT, faculty
senate
• Departments
• Agree to participate
• Departments reviews degree maps, course
offerings, advising plan for completion in four
years
• Students admitted to degree programs as they
begin their education at PSU
• Establish project steering group