Iowa State Unveils New Four-Year Student Graduation Plan


by Linda Charles

Iowa State recently unveiled its plan for students who want 
to ensure they graduate in four years.

The plan assures students who are willing to keep on schedule 
that the classes they need will be available, said associate 
provost Edwin Lewis.

"Many Iowa State students already graduate in four years," 
Lewis said. "Many, such as those who work their way through 
school, undertake internships or opt for a smaller course 
load, take longer. There are as many ways to get a good 
education and plan for the future as there are students.

"We want to help every student develop a plan that meets his 
or her unique needs. The four-year plan is part of that," he 
said.

The plan will be offered to entering freshmen this fall who 
have the necessary academic preparation to begin the 
coursework in their chosen majors, Lewis said. 

Those who opt for the plan will work closely with their 
advisers to map out an eight-semester (four-year) course of 
study. Generally, students will need to take 15 to 18 credits 
per semester to stay on track.

All majors except architecture, landscape architecture and 
the bachelor of liberal studies qualify for the four-year 
plan, although some require more courses to be taken in 
sequence than others, Lewis said.

Students enrolling in the program will sign a contract, 
agreeing to such provisions as completing at least one-fourth 
of their degree requirements each year; enrolling in needed 
courses even though they may not be offered at the students' 
preferred times or semesters; changing majors only if the 
requirements can be met in the four years; and remaining in 
good academic standing.

For its part, the university promises to provide students in 
the program with experienced academic advisers who can help 
them develop their plans and guide them through their college 
years. If students are unable to get into the classes they 
need to graduate, university officials will try to substitute 
equivalent courses or independent study assignments, or waive 
the requirements. 

"The university guarantees students who fulfill their 
contracts that they will be able to graduate in the 
prescribed four years," Lewis said. There is no penalty for 
students who sign up for the four-year plan and later change 
their minds, he added.

Iowa State's four-year graduation plan is the result of a 
recent effort by the State Board of Regents to make it easier 
for students at the three state universities to graduate 
within four years. The University of Iowa and the University 
of Northern Iowa also are offering four-year graduation plans 
this year.

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contact:  Linda Charles, Internal Communications, (515) 3129
updated:  8-17-95