How To: Graduate On Time

How To: Graduate On Time

By: By: Kelley Waidley, Wesley Miller, Franchesca Garland, and Catherine McCartney

  

It is acknowledged that every college student is on their own personal journey. If their desire is to graduate in the expected four years, the individual will show true self-determination to complete the task. Craig Reiner, senior in Engineering and Physics from Glen Burnie, MD, said that he “talk to everybody in the department. Talk to every student that’s going through it.”

Katie Cropp and Craig Reiner, Photo Credit: Derek Russell

During this interview, Reiner also added some words of advice to fellow freshman of Frostburg State University. “Stay on top of what is happening in your department. Plan it all out from the beginning.”

It is clear that organization and planning are two skills a student must apply to graduate on time. Both skills play a massive role. Here at Frostburg State University, staff and faculty created an 8-semester plan, which can be found on PAWS. This tool is introduced in Freshman Orientation classes and serves as a template. There are templates for all majors at Frostburg State University and each map out suggested courses to take each semester.

Katie Cropp, senior in Psychology from Hancock, MD states, “It’s all about scheduling and knowing when classes are offered. If it’s only offered once a year, you need to know that and fit it in when you can. And as early as you can. For Psych majors, I would say take an internship. I wasn’t able to take one, but it’s a nice opportunity that this department gets that others don’t”.

The understanding of the course catalog and the relationship are relevant in relation to graduating on time. However, it is to be understood that the student must show self motivation as well.  

Tips for graduating on time:

·         Know the catalog.

All information about course requirements for every major, minor, certificate program, preparatory program, and general education program is in the catalog. If a student has lost or misplaced this copy, extras are found in the Registrar's office located in Pullen Hall. Conveniently, all catalogs can be found online as well.

·         Make an effort to get to know your advisor.

Advisors are put through intense workshops to acknowledge diversity and develop personal relations with their advisees. They are great resources and are there for you. It is important to meet with him/her regularly to discuss progress in your program(s). Questions are expected, so please feel free to ask your advisor of any questions that may arise during the semester.

·“Plan it all out from the beginning,” says Craig Reiner

It is important to note when specific courses will be offered. For example, some classes are only offered fall of even-numbered years.  A student can run into these issues if they did not foresee this in their schedule.

·         Double-dip.

Programs often have overlapping requirements.  You will save yourself time by taking GEP classes that are also required by your major/minor, and vice versa.

·         Register as early as possible.

All students here at Frostburg State University have a time and date that they are assigned to register for classes. Before the student can register, they must see their advisor to get “activated”, prior to their registration time. Once the student is activated, they are able to enroll. However, it is important that the student is at a computer in order to register into all desired classes. Classes are not promised and have the ability to close at a any given time.

·         Be realistic about your time frame.

Number of credit hours required by each major varies greatly.  Some majors have 30-40 credit hours while others have upwards of 100.  Some programs are designed for double-majors, while others would be very difficult to combine with other programs.  Consider how realistic your choices are with regard to your major(s) or minor(s).

·         Don’t be afraid to seek out a new advisor.

If you have experienced some complications in communicating with your advisor, do not be afraid to request another advisor in your department.

Frostburg State University 2015 Spring Commencement, Photo Credit: Frostburg State University