Discussion: Degree in FourDeveloping a Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Sukhwant JhajDean of Undergraduate StudiesAssociate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Success

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.

When?

• Suggest implementation for fall 2013

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

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

Goals

• Demonstrate institutional commitment

• Change perception• Develop community• Encourage degree completion• Change institutional practices• Improve planning

Examples

• University of MinnesotaFour year graduation plan

• University at BuffaloFinish in Four

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• Update PSU processes

You can review this presentation and additional details on four-year graduation guarantee on my blog: http://jhaj.wordpress.com

You can provide feedback and share your ideas by visiting: http://guarantee.ideascale.com

Please fee free to email me at jhaj@pdx.edu or call me at 5-8996